Crossing the Circle (15D)

This program is designed for those more experienced guests who want to kayak as much as possible during their voyage. Immersive Kayaking is limited to 10 participants, with a dedicated kayak guide and safety Zodiac. Immersive paddlers will have the opportunity to kayak during most excursions and landings, weather and conditions permitting.

* Advanced booking is highly recommended

The Details

Anyone 16 or older, in reasonably good health and with even a small amount of paddling experience is welcome to join.

Prior to your first kayaking adventure, our guides will do a thorough job of handing out and explaining all your gear, as well as the basic rules of operating an ocean kayak.

Typical excursions last anywhere from 1-3 hours.

We Provide

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tandem (two-man) kayaks with paddles, dry suits, personal floatation devices (PFDs), and pogies (neoprene gloves.)

You Provide

Guests pre-booked on both of our kayak programs should read and follow the detailed preparation notes sent prior to departure. Make sure to bring warm layers and a keen sense of adventure!

This program is designed for those guests who just want a taste of the Antarctic kayaking experience. Each participant kayaks once per voyage in a group of 14 with a dedicated guide team and safety Zodiac. Total number of available kayaking spots on each departure will vary by itinerary length and weather, but we aim to get groups on the water at every opportunity.

*Advanced booking is recommended. Additional outings can be purchased on board, space permitting.

The Details:

Anyone 16 or older, in reasonably good health and with even a small amount of paddling experience is welcome to join.

Prior to your first kayaking adventure, our guides will do a thorough job of handing out and explaining all your gear, as well as the basic rules of operating an ocean kayak.

Typical excursions last anywhere from 1-3 hours.

We Provide

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tandem (two-man) kayaks with paddles, dry suits, personal floatation devices (PFDs), and pogies (neoprene gloves.)

You Provide

Guests pre-booked on both of our kayak programs should read and follow the detailed preparation notes sent prior to departure. Make sure to bring warm layers and a keen sense of adventure!

What’s camping in Antarctica like? Long after most passengers are tucked away in their cabins, chances are you’ll still be lying awake, cozy in your sleeping bag, captivated by the ethereal sounds of gently lapping waves, creaking glaciers and perhaps the blow of a whale passing in the night.

The air seems even more pure than in the daytime, the scale of your surroundings even more humbling, and by morning you’ll find yourself wondering how you could possibly describe this once-in-a-lifetime experience to friends back on board.

What to Expect

After dinner and a full briefing on board, day turns into dusk, and we head ashore to camp. We set up in a breathtaking spot near the edge of the water, surrounded by a landscape rarely seen by human eyes.

Our experienced Camping Team will be right there with you to show you how to dig a shallow hole for wind protection, how to set up your bivy and sleeping bag, and most importantly – how to use the portable toilet!

Once camp is set up, you’re on your own – explore along flagged routes if available, or just relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Antarctica at night. Our team will gently wake you at dawn to start breaking down camp so you can get back onto the ship for a hot shower and a hearty breakfast.

What Not to Expect

Camping in Antarctica is not your typical camping experience, because Antarctica is not your typical destination. We have a responsibility to protect the environment and the wildlife, which is why you won’t see campfires, cookstoves, or coolers. Aside from emergency rations, essential medical supplies, and drinking water, it’s just you, the waves, and the ice.

Once you’re settled on shore, the ship will sail a short distance away to give you complete immersion in your surroundings. Be aware that once you are ashore, barring rapidly deteriorating conditions or a serious medical emergency, you will not be able to get back to the ship until morning.

What We Provide

We supply all the equipment you need to be comfortable, warm, and safe during your night on the ice.

Mountaineering bivy sack
Insulated sleeping pad
Insulated sleeping bag (rated to -20° F / -29° C)
Sleeping bag liner
Dry-bag to carry all of the above
Portable toilet for the group
Emergency rations and medical supplies

What You Should Bring

Come ashore in your normal, daily excursion wear – warm layers, waterproof pants and parka, boots, etc. Using the dry bag we provide you, bring a clean, dry set of thermals (top and bottom) and a warm pair of socks to change into before getting into your sleeping bag for the night. You may also want to have a flashlight on hand.

Always remember you are in a wild and unpredictable environment, so be prepared to layer up if necessary!

*Camping is not available on all departures.