Polar Kayaking
Get down to water level and paddle through sea ice, among glistening icebergs and wildlife. Encounter sea-ice seals hauled out on ice floes, dodge rafts of porpoising penguins and perhaps be pleasantly startled by curious whales surfacing to get a closer look at you. Led by highly-experienced and enthusiastic guides, join a small group of up to 20 like-minded paddlers eager to fully experience nature at its wildest. Kayaking in the polar regions can be strenuous and challenging, and is therefore not recommended for complete novices.
What’s Involved?
Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to see as much as possible. We paddle anywhere between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, sometimes taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
Each small group of kayakers will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that may be inaccessible to the Zodiacs and will also make time for their own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
When we visit the poles, the elements play an important role. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that our kayaking time will be affected by the weather that we experience.
Even if your experience is limited, we’d encourage you to call us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. Kayakers should be aged 14 years or over.
Ever wondered what it would feel like to kayak in Antarctica? Watch the video below to find out. Wildlife may appear closer in the video than they are in real life.
Equipment Included
- Kayak & Paddle
- Neoprene boots
- Safety gear
- A 15-litre dry bag
- Life jackets
- Dry suits
- Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
Our Guides
Our guides have years of kayaking experience in our destinations. The sea kayaking guide will lead the group on each excursion, explaining facts about the wildlife and other highlights we paddle across. Read about some of our expert guides below.
How to Book
Please return the kayaking form at time of booking that you would like to include the optional sea kayaking activity for your expedition. Places are limited so we recommend reserving your place early.