Camping in Antarctica
Go camping in Antarctica to fall asleep beneath the polar night sky and wake up in the morning to a stunning glacial landscape.
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5 reasons to go kayaking in Antarctica
- As part of a small, exclusive kayaking group, you can get to know the White Continent far more intimately
- It’s one of the best ways to experience the thrill of seeing rare wildlife up close, from porpoising penguins to curious seals
- Get a multi-sensory take on Antarctica – kayaking through the water is a fantastic contrast to crunching through the snow on land
- Gliding along peacefully, you can explore at your own pace with the help of your guides to interpret the icescape
- With chances to kayak up to twice a day, this programme offers progressive skill development. Prefer a one-off excursion? Try paddling instead
Alex says
I have to stop myself getting a bit spiritual when someone asks me about kayaking in Antarctica. It's so quiet, paddling around icebergs and getting up close to wildlife. One whale was so close I nearly high-fived it as it rolled!
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica
Kayaking in Antarctica with a minke whale
How does kayaking in Antarctica work?
If you choose to kayak in Antarctica as part of your voyage, you'll be offered excursions as much as conditions allow, up to twice a day depending on your package. You can take part in as many or as few as you like.
While the rest of the ship cruises out to landing sites on zodiacs, Antarctic kayak tours give you the chance to explore the White Continent from a unique perspective. You'll typically set off a little earlier and paddle for two to three hours out to the landing site. This means you'll arrive a bit later and can explore with fewer people around but will have less time on land. For many, that's more than compensated for by the experience of paddling around natural ice castles to get there.
If you’d prefer to kayak just once while in Antarctica, try paddling instead. The benefit of the full programme is that, as your group gains more confidence and gets used to their equipment and the conditions, you’ll be able to kayak for longer, quicker, and explore further afield throughout the voyage.
What our customers think of kayaking in Antarctica
Kayaking in South Georgia where there were fur seals swimming under the kayak and penguins porpoising by was a real treat. We did have some magic moments besides the wildlife – like paddling through crackling ‘bergy’ bits on a beautiful day or seeing glaciers calve not very far from our kayaks.
Travelled: February 2018
Cindy & Nor - Washington
I’m so glad we kayaked: everyday finding ourselves engulfed by silence - nothing but the noise of slapping paddles, getting up front and personal with the whales. Watching the smile on my daughter’s face as she watched her dream come to fruition.
Travelled: December 2017
Sam - UK
Taking the kayaking option was maybe one of the best choices I've made for this trip. Sport, landscape, an amazing group of 20 travelers. An amazing team! Being surrounded by 20 humpback whales, cruising 1 meter below your kayak.
Travelled: March 2017
Adrien - France
Highlights were pushing through the ice while circumnavigating Cuverville Island and poking our noses into the Southern Ocean swells at Deception Island. We felt well supervised at all times even though we weren't particularly experienced.
Travelled: February 2017
Mike and Jane - UK
Kayaking was brilliant - as two novices in our kayak, the instructor put us at ease and helped us have a great experience gently moving through the water, passing icebergs, watching calving and avalanches and having the most magical time.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
Review:
Who does kayaking in Antarctica suit?
Anyone who knows how to swim, has basic paddling skills, and is agile enough to get in and out of a kayak’s cockpit can take part in this programme. You don't need to be super experienced, but you should have kayaked before as this isn't a beginner's course.
Generally, the age limit for these excursions is 16 years and over, although some ships allow 14-year-olds to take part.
Customer Tips
“ 100% recommend kayaking. We were lucky enough that both my wife and I were able to do it. I believe we got so much more out of the trip as we still did all the landings but also got to see other parts from the kayak. ”
Nigel Seymour Customer
Is it safe to kayak in Antarctica?
Kayaking in Antarctica is a strictly supervised activity. Your guides are experienced and safety-oriented, and you'll be kept informed as they monitor the surroundings.
If you fall into the water, you’ll be helped straight back on the kayak by the team on the nearby zodiac. In the meantime, your life jacket and dry suit will keep you afloat – so you’ll be in little danger.
Kayaking on the Antarctic Peninsula
What will you see while Antarctic kayaking?
Think glassy surfaces, wildlife swimming under and around your kayak, and getting closer to icebergs than you'd thought was possible. The waterways around the Antarctic Peninsula are protected, so more often than not conditions are perfect for sea kayaking in Antarctica.
This is still Antarctica, and weather and ice can change daily, so staying flexible is key (and very much all part of the adventure).
Antarctic voyages with kayaking
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.8 out of 5
Onto the Antarctic Ice
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
- 10-13 Days
- $10,050
4.7 out of 5
Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
- 8 Days
- $15,995
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
- 11 Days
- $16,495
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…
- 12-15 Days
- $13,395
Planning your Antarctic kayaking trip
When to go kayaking in Antarctica
You can kayak anytime between October and March.
How much does it cost?
Prices for Antarctica kayak tours vary between $560 to $1,745 per person, depending on which ship you join and the length of your expedition. While this may seem high compared to the more modest price for camping, bear in mind that you only camp once, but with kayaking, you could be out every day. The more often you join the excursions, the more value you’ll get.
What to pack for kayaking in Antarctica
On most occasions, you'll be given the following kit:
- A full dry suit
- Neoprene boots
- A waterproof dry bag
- Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
- A life vest
You’ll need to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a warm hat, as well as layers for under your dry suit. When on the move, you may get warmer than you thought, so leave some extra clothes on the safety zodiac boat to wear once you get onshore.
Swoop says
You don't need to be able to do an eskimo roll to kayak in Antarctica, just some previous experience. The Peninsula's calm, protected waters make it very safe, and you'll always be accompanied by a guide and safety boat.
How to book kayaking in Antarctica
You can book your kayaking tour of Antarctica through our polar experts. Get in touch to chat about whether this optional activity is for you.
When to book kayaking in Antarctica
If polar kayaking is essential to you, you’ll need to focus your search on ships where it’s both offered and spaces are available. We recommend arranging this as soon as you can to secure your slot because it generally sells out far in advance.
Kayaking in Antarctica: FAQs
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Do I need experience to kayak in Antarctica?
Sea kayaking in Antarctica is open to anyone with an adventurous spirit, basic paddling skills and the ability to get themselves in and out of the cockpit of a kayak. You don't need to be super experienced, but you should have paddled before as this isn't a 'beginner's course'. You should also be able to swim.
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Will I also be able to go on landings?
Whenever possible, some of the kayaking outings also include time spent exploring on land. It may be that the group decides on a hybrid approach for some excursions so you'll mix kayaking with a shore landing (just bear in mind that you'll be wearing your drysuit on land). You can also choose to skip any kayaking excursions and do the landing or zodiac cruise instead. You might choose to go ashore for a penguin colony, or for a 'continental landing' to say that you've stepped foot on Antarctica.
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Is Antarctic kayaking in single or double kayaks?
Double kayaks are preferred over single kayaks. If you're travelling alone, your guide will assign you a kayaking partner.
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Can my partner & I ‘share’ one kayaking place?
This isn’t possible for a few practical reasons:
- Your kayaking kit will be selected to your size
- The kayak will also be set up to your own specifications
- Anyone joining the party halfway through won’t have attended the safety briefings
- Only people who sign up for kayaking can do this activity
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Is there kayaking in South Georgia?
For those on a longer voyage that includes South Georgia, kayaking is available but isn’t as widely offered as kayaking in Antarctica. The activity here is also more challenging and the weather is more of a factor.
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What happens if I fall in while kayaking?
Togged out in a drysuit and wearing a buoyancy aid you’re in little danger and typically people get straight back into their kayak with the help of the support zodiac.
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What kit is provided for kayaking in Antarctica?
On most occasions, you'll be given a full dry suit, neoprene boots, a waterproof dry bag, 'pogies' (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle) and a life vest.
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What happens in the case of cancellation?
Kayaking is very much subject to the weather conditions and will be cancelled in case of too much wind or swell. It would be incredibly rare for all outings to go ahead, but with up to two excursions planned per day, you’re sure to get to kayak in Antarctica.
More Adventure Activities in Antarctica
Scuba Diving in Antarctica
Sink below the Southern Ocean's pristine waters and immerse yourself in another world.
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Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Snowshoeing is an easy way of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. For the more adventurous, try mountaineering and get a taste of the region's fantastic climbing opportunities.
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Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding has taken the adventure world by storm and is one of the fastest growing sport activities, so why not in Antarctica?
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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