Antarctic Wildlife
Antarctica abounds in penguins, seals and whales, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife watching places on earth.
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Zodiac cruises: Key points
- Zodiacs are hard rubber inflatable boats that allow intimate access to Antarctica’s remotest bays and coastlines
- Only trained guides may drive zodiacs, with cruises taking place only under safe weather conditions
- Flexibility and spontaneity are at the heart of any zodiac cruise, with guides in constant contact with each other to find the best wildlife and photo opportunities for passengers
- Zodiacs allow unprecedented wildlife encounters, whether you’re watching penguins swimming past you, seals on ice floes or even a diving humpback whale
- Cruising through brash ice and around grounded icebergs are an essential part of any zodiac cruise, showing Antarctica’s frozen beauty in true close up
Swoop says
The shared experience of a zodiac cruise is on of the most joyful things you can do in Antarctica: there's nothing like drifting around an iceberg looking for penguins to break the (metaphorical) ice between passengers.
Zodiac cruising during a late season sunrise
Seal watching among the ice
Exploring a shipwreck by zodiac
Watching a humpback whale from a zodiac
A close wildlife encounter in South Georgia
Zodiacs onboard and ready for adventure
A guide gets ready to take passengers through the brash ice
Zodiac passengers dressed for sudden polar weather changes
What our customers think about zodiac cruising
Review:
What is a zodiac?
A zodiac is the workhorse of Antarctic expedition cruising – a large, heavy-duty inflatable boat, also known as a rubber inflatable boat or RIB. They carry up to a dozen passengers plus a driver and are used for transferring people to and from the ship.
Zodiacs are light, fast and tough, making them the perfect craft to operate in polar conditions. Their shallow draft means they can easily access otherwise inaccessible locations or land on beaches, while their low centre of gravity makes them stable for passengers and easy to navigate for their pilots.
Internally, zodiacs have six air-filled internal compartments of very hard rubber for flotation. These are connected by valves to regulate pressure, allowing the craft to maintain buoyancy even if one compartment should become deflated. They’re both a very safe and reliable form of transport.
What to expect on a zodiac cruise
Wildlife watching
Zodiac cruises are one of the best ways to have close encounters with some of Antarctica’s wildlife. Penguins are charming enough when they’re waddling on shore, but it’s only when you see them at water level that you truly appreciate how extraordinary they are, as they porpoise past you with endless style.
Zodiacs allow you to quietly approach ice floes to watch happily snoozing Weddell seals, or see the enormous yawn of a leopard seal up close
Whales may approach your zodiac while out on a cruise, particularly in late season, Watching a humpback up close from a zodiac as it shows its flukes before diving is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experience anywhere in the world.
Ice encounters
It's very common for people to visit Antarctica with wildlife on their mind but leave entranced by the endless beauty of its ice. Many of these revelations happen while out on a zodiac cruise.
Zodiacs are the ideal craft for exploring remote coastlines that are inaccessible to larger vessels, touring Antarctica’s bays and inlets. There is ice here in wonderful abundance: loose brash ice that makes you feel like a true adventurer as you pass through it, larger floes that can be scouted for wildlife, and huge icebergs that have been grounded in shallow waters to be sculpted into weird shapes by the wind and waves.
The flexibility of a zodiac cruise allows for great spontaneity in your explorations, with your guide able to quickly pivot to a new location or linger for more photo opportunities.
Marta says
Silently drifting on a zodiac cruise, we got to hear the secret sounds of Antarctica: the glassy tinkle of brash ice against our hull, and the quiet pop of millennia-old air escaping from glacial ice we scooped from the water.
Marta Laver Antarctica Sales Specialist
Education & citizen science
Your ship’s expedition team are also trained zodiac drivers, so on every zodiac cruise you’ll be accompanied by a naturalist, geologist, photographer or historian. They’ll bring all their knowledge to explain exactly what you’re seeing – carrying the talks they give on board the ship out into the field to deepen your Antarctic experience.
Zodiacs are also a key platform for carrying out many citizen science projects. Even an act as modest as leaning over the side to take a plankton sample can be a powerfully transformative moment, turning you from an observer to an active participant in the polar world, and possibly even reframing the entire way you look at the Antarctic ecosystem.
How does a zodiac cruise work?
What to wear on a zodiac cruise
Good waterproof and windproof kit is essential to wear on a zodiac cruise. You’ll be provided with a comprehensive packing list before you travel.
Dressing with warm layers is perhaps even more essential for a zodiac cruise than if you are expecting to make a landing. You won’t be moving around on a zodiac, so it’s easy to cool down faster than you expect: if in doubt, wear an extra layer. It’s also important to note that weather conditions can change rapidly in Antarctica, so dress as if you’re expecting the worst weather.
Getting wet from waves and spray is commonplace on zodiac cruises. As well as protecting yourself, take care extra with your gear. Bring a dry bag for your kit, protection for your camera and a waterproof cover for your phone.
Zodiac cruise safety
Many people can be daunted the first time they get into a zodiac, but quickly take to it with the ease of an old sailor. Passengers of any age can take part provided they have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
All passengers wear lifejackets during any zodiac trip. When embarking to and from the ship, the crew will assist you as you step in and out of the craft. During the zodiac cruise, you sit along the sides of the boat.
Zodiacs only operate in calm conditions: if the wind or swell are too high, zodiac cruises will not be offered. If conditions change during your cruise, you’ll return to the ship as quickly and safely as possible. Even in big waves however, a zodiac’s low profile makes it virtually impossible to flip.
Photography on a zodiac cruise
The stable profile of zodiacs makes them great platforms for photography. Your expedition guides will always do their best to ensure that you have every opportunity to capture the best of Antarctica on camera when you’re out on a zodiac cruise: many are keen photographers themselves, and will always be looking out for the best shot.
When a zodiac is stationary and in calm waters, your guide may allow you to stand to take photos. For safety reasons, you may only stand when advised and must never stand when the zodiac is moving.
As you’ll be exposed to the elements, changing lenses isn’t advised during a zodiac cruise. Bring waterproof protection for your camera is absolutely essential, particularly for when the zodiac is on the move.
Our most popular Antarctic Peninsula cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.5 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
- $12,795
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
- 12-13 Days
- $10,145
4.3 out of 5
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
- 13 Days
- $10,550
4.8 out of 5
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
- $16,390
4.4 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination
A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…
- 9-13 Days
- $17,895
4.6 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
4.6 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
3.9 out of 5
Ultimate Luxury Antarctic Fly & Cruise
For those travellers looking for seamless travel on a trip that is hassle-free and all-inclusive, this is the perfect option. Skip over the notorious Drake Passage on a comfortable two hour flight to Antarctica, then travel onboard a state-of-the-art mega…
- 7 Days
- $21,192
Zodiac cruises: FAQs
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How safe are zodiacs to ride in?
Zodiacs are an incredibly safe form of transport. Their low stable profile and hard rubber internal compartments make them virtually impossible to flip or sink.
For safety reasons, zodiac cruising is only permitted in good weather conditions. If the wind is too strong or the waves are too high, you won’t be allowed out on the water.
Only trained guides can drive a zodiac. During a cruise, they are in constant radio contact with the ship and each other. While driving, the guide wears a kill switch attached to the outboard motor, so in case of any accident the engine will stop automatically. All zodiacs carry a full medical and survival kit on board should extreme conditions arise during an excursion.
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How easy is to get in and out of a zodiac?
Getting in and out of a zodiac is a lot easier than you might initially think, and is manageable by anyone with good mobility.
Embarking and disembarking from the ship, you’ll enter and leave the zodiac from steps. Crew members will help you in and out.
If you are going ashore, you’ll make what’s called a wet landing, sitting on the side of the boat in shallow water and swinging your legs in or out of the vessel. It soon becomes second nature.
If there are swells, you’ll need to take extra care getting in and out of a zodiac, but the crew will assist you.
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How long do zodiac cruises last?
Depending on the weather and the location, most zodiac cruises last between 45 minutes to two hours. Your expedition team will always maximise the time you’ll have to experience Antarctica up close.
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What should I wear on a zodiac cruise?
Dress for wet and cold weather, with plenty of layers under your waterproof and windproof parka and trousers. Your expedition ship will provide you with waterproof boots. You’ll be mostly stationary while on a zodiac cruise, so will cool down faster than if you were on a landing, so wear extra layers. A hat and gloves are essential.
You will definitely get splashed on a zodiac cruise, so bring a dry bag to keep your camera, phone and gear protected.
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How close will I get to the wildlife on a zodiac cruise?
Zodiac cruises offer some of the most up close and intimate wildlife encounters anywhere in the world. You may be surrounded by penguins in the water, or drift close to seals on an ice floe.
Strict wildlife watching guidelines require that zodiacs may not approach any animal closer than 15 feet (5 m), or within 330 feet (100 m) of a whale. Guides will retreat to a safe distance if there is any chance of disturbing the animal. In practice, many animals in the water may approach you and swim around your zodiac. In the late season, it's not unusual to even have whales surface next to a stationary zodiac so close that you can taste their fishy breath.
Discover more about Antarctic cruises
Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale gliding past your kayak or sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic cruise to the next level.
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The best time to visit Antarctica
Choosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
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How to get to Antarctica
Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Peninsula or heading for the South Pole, discover the different routes by sea and air to visit the Seventh Continent.
Discover MoreWhy our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Ready 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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