5 reasons to paddleboard in Antarctica

  • It's an incredible opportunity to explore the White Continent intimately from an unusual vantage point while getting closer to the ice and wildlife
  • You’ll paddle in carefully chosen bays that ships are often just too large to visit, letting you take in rarely explored parts of Antarctica
  • It's a relaxing activity where you can soak up the stillness of your polar surroundings in a small group away from the noise of people and boat engines
  • You don’t need much experience: paddleboarding in Antarctica is open to most levels, as long as you’re a good swimmer and confident around water 
  • Equipment is provided as part of the cost of this excellent-value activity, so all you need to bring along is a good sense of balance
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Daniel says

It’s amazing to experience the peace, calm and stillness of Antarctica while paddleboarding. You have these “wow” moments when you’re paddling along and feel so lucky to be doing it at the End of the Earth.

Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist

How does paddleboarding in Antarctica work?

If you sign up for paddleboarding in Antarctica as an add-on activity, the general plan is to do several excursions per voyage to allow everyone at least one try. You’re guaranteed a session as long as weather conditions play ball. 

Paddleboarding excursions usually last between one to two hours and take place at the same time as other passengers are out on landings or zodiac safaris. Once you’re kitted out with the equipment provided by the expedition team, embarkation takes place either from a zodiac or the shore.   

Who can go Antarctic paddleboarding?

Anyone over 16 years old can try paddleboarding in Antarctica, but we strongly advise you to attempt this activity at least once before your voyage if you're a beginner. A few hours’ refresher is suggested even if you’ve done it before. The more comfortable you are on a board, the more you’ll be able to relax and take in the incredible scenery. 

Is it safe to paddleboard in Antarctica?

Your highly experienced guides will assess whether it’s safe enough to take you out onto the open water. As with paddleboarding anywhere in the world, calm conditions are needed

You’ll wear a drysuit and buoyancy aid, so you won’t be in any danger if you fall in. The qualified SUP guide and support zodiac will be with you at all times. There’s also no pressure to stand up: you can paddle while sitting or kneeling for the whole session. 

Paddleboarding in Antarctica
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What our customers think of paddleboarding in Antarctica

John enjoyed the paddleboarding - he felt safe and secure with his fellow paddlers and team leaders and had the experience of a lifetime out on the Antarctic waters. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Jennifer Webb - Canada

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Paddleboarding was AWESOME! Definitely the most fun activity we did.

Travelled: January 2018

Jill & Family - Texas

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Overall, the trip was fantastic. We had so many new and amazing experiences that it is hard to pick a highlight, but some of my favorites include the first landing, paddleboarding, camping, and just taking it all in.

Travelled: November 2016

Ryan - Massachusetts

Review:

What you'll see while paddleboarding in Antarctica

You may spot a penguin porpoising past you in the water or seals hauled up on the ice. But even if there's no wildlife around, being in the White Continent's wide-open scenery with nothing but the gentle splash of your paddle as it dips in and out of the sea makes this an amazing activity

Our team members who have experienced Antarctic paddleboarding describe it as like walking on water. Being able to stand up and look down at the clear ocean from up above makes it feel as if you're floating. 

Antarctica Cruises offer an unbeatable paddle-boarding location!

Paddleboarding in Antarctica

Antarctic voyages with paddleboarding

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Explorer in Style

For adventurers prioritising real comfort and ease of travel, this is a great option. Journey in style aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship, with heli-sightseeing available on select departures for a unique bird's-eye view of Antarctica. Plus, the comprehensive transfer package…

  • 11-12 Days
  • $15,046
Antarctic Explorer Refined

With a wide range of departure dates and a great choice of optional adventure activities to choose from, this itinerary offers flexibility and variety. Spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica with your experienced team of naturalist guides from the comfort…

  • 11 Days
  • $9,756
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari

If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…

  • 8 Days
  • $16,145
Fly & Sail Antarctica in Style

If you’re undecided between sailing or flying to Antarctica, why not choose both with this combination trip? A two hour flight south provides fast access to the White Continent, then after four incredible days of exploring, you’ll sail back across…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,246
Ultimate Antarctica: South Georgia & Antarctic Circle

An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…

  • 23 Days
  • $41,736
Sail & Fly Antarctica in Style

By sailing south across the Drake Passage then flying north in just two hours, this itinerary blends the adventure of arriving in Antarctica by ship with the speed of a quick exit. The risk of weather-related flight delays is removed…

  • 10 Days
  • $14,275
Express South Georgia & Antarctica Wildlife Safari

The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…

  • 18 Days
  • $18,476
Crossing the Circle in Style

Journey beyond the Antarctic Circle in real comfort aboard a state-of-the-art expedition ship. Spend an extended period of 7 action-packed days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Attractive comprehensive transfer package from Buenos Aires available on select departures. Wide choice of optional…

  • 14 Days
  • $17,031
Emperor Penguin Expedition in Style

Maximise your time looking for Antarctica’s most iconic species, the emperor penguin, on this luxurious expedition to the remote Weddell Sea. If conditions allow, two sleek twin engine helicopters will fly you over vast tabular icebergs to Snow Hill Island,…

  • 14 Days
  • $26,861

Planning your Antarctic paddleboarding trip

When to go 

Paddleboarding in Antarctica is offered on various voyages between November and March

How much it costs

Paddleboarding costs either $225 or $295 per person per excursion, depending on the trip. Along with camping, it’s the least expensive of the optional adventure activities.

A man kneels while paddleboarding in Antarctica

Practice makes perfect

When to book  

Groups of around 10 paddleboarders at a time can do this activity. It’s a popular opportunity and is only currently being offered aboard a couple of ships – Ultramarine and World Explorer – so it’s best to book ahead when you organise your cruise to Antarctica. As a rough guide, we’d recommend planning this at least a year in advance. 

How to book 

When you book a cruise with one of our polar experts at Swoop, let them know you'd like to go paddleboarding in Antarctica. They’ll discuss the different voyages available which offer this activity. Feel free to contact us for more information. 

Two men paddleboard in Antarctica

Swoop team members try paddleboarding

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Swoop says

The best way to regulate your temperature while in a drysuit is by adding or shedding a layer to your head and neck. A wool or fleece hat and a neck tube, scarf or balaclava will help cover all weather.

What to pack for paddleboarding in Antarctica

All you need to bring are layers, gloves and a woolly hat to help keep you warm. Polar fleece and wool, not cotton, are the best materials to wear while paddling. We'd also advise a hat with a brim, SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm and sunglasses – the rays can be fierce when they reflect off the water.

Other than this, all the necessary equipment is provided for you, including: 

  • The paddleboard and paddle
  • A drysuit
  • A buoyancy aid
  • Neoprene booties and waterproof gloves
A man paddleboards in Antarctica

Ideal conditions for paddleboarding

Paddleboarding in Antarctica: FAQs

More Adventure Activities in Antarctica

Kayaking in Antarctica

Kayaking in Antarctica

Imagine the swish of water as it passes your hull or the clack of brash ice against your paddle blade. Skim past penguin rookeries and seals sleeping on passing ice floes.

Discover More
Snowshoeing in Antarctica

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.

Discover More

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

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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