Adventures Within an Adventure: Activities on Polar Expedition Cruises

From Kayaking to Camping to Mountaineering there are many adventure activities that can deliver the next level of adrenaline on a cruise to the Polar Regions. Here is a short review to help you find the right one for you!

Since you are already taking the leap to embark on a trip to the Arctic or the Antarctic, you might as well make the most of it and go the extra mile by signing up on one, or more, adventure activities. The number of people per adventure activity is limited and exclusive, thus each one will giving you a unique and private experience.
These activities are best booked in advance since they are capped to small number of participants and get sold out rather quickly, they also come at an extra cost and are either pre-paid along with your expedition deposit or in some cases paid on board. Adventure activities bookings are taken on a first come first served basis, so the later you book the least chances you will have to sign up for your preferred adventure activity.

 

Sea-Kayaking

Paddling is one of the most thrilling ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond in an intimate style. To power yourself through brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes while absorbing majestic sceneries and intimate encounters with whales, seals and seabirds is a guarantee soul-moving experience.
Paddling takes place as often as weather, sea and ice conditions allow, with up to 2 outings a day. Each experience guides will take a small group (up to 10 paddlers) and rather than travelling large distances, you will paddle between 5 to 15 kilometres (1 to 3 hours) per outing.
Kayaking is carried out by almost every ship sailing the Polar Regions and it offers different modalities. You sign up for a ‘one off’ paddle outing or for the “fully immersive” program. While you don’t need experience for the former and you will be using either a sit on top or inflatable boat, experience will be required for the later and you will be using a proper sea-kayaking with a spray skirt. In both cases all the equipment is provided.
Prices varies per operator and ship ranging from US$ 250 per person per outing to up to US$ 650 – 1,000 per person for the fully immersive program. 

 

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

 

This popular activity, usually takes place in warmer climates but, why not take it to the higher latitudes? Sheltered bays and coves will host the tranquil SUP activity and with limited previous experience, standing or kneeling, you get the chance to paddle through the tranquil and gentle frigid waters of the Polar Regions.
Some ships may offer this adventure activity at an extra cost ranging US$ 225 – 295 per person. All equipment is provided.

 

Camping

Few people that walk this Earth can brag about being part of the “I Camped in Antarctica” group. Want to join?
Camping in Antarctica is a truly immersive experience and no previous experience is required. Sleeping a night out on the ice and exposing yourself to the elements may offer a rewarding experience and while you may not get starry nights, you will enjoy endless sunsets turning into sunrises, sounds of whales passing by or a snoring seal sleeping nearby. Instead of tents, most camping adventures in Antarctica will use thermal sleeping bags and bivvy bags, so you will be digging your own snow-hole before wrapping yourself cozy and warm for a good night sleep on the ice! Will you sleep long? Most likely not! This activity is only topped by returning to the ship for a warm shower and a delicious breakfast, followed by a hot sauna and a relaxing jacuzzi session!
Camping comes at an extra cost ranging from US$150-500 per person. All camping equipment is provided. Late season departures may not offer this activity.

 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing away from the group and the shoreline offers a rewarding work out reaching breath-taking vistas. While no previous experience is needed, a decent fitness level is required to walk up gentle slopes to reach Antarctica’s best vantage points allowing you to explore places other struggle to reach in boots alone. You will be provided with snowshoes and hiking poles and led by experience guides

Snowshoeing has an extra cost ranging from US$150 – 250 per person.

 

 

 

Mountaineering

Brave enough to go the extra mile? Gear up with crampons and axe, rope up and begin the trek to the summit of an Antarctic peak. Get the chance to see Antarctica from a higher and vantage view point delivering low-dropping views of this striking part of the world. You will need specific footwear to fit crampons and mountaineering experience to deal with steeper ascents and descents as well as crevasses. You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness and a desire to reach into corners of the Antarctic Peninsula that few people will ever see.

While NOT every trip to Antarctic will include this option, our Basecamp Voyages includes this activity in the price. Alternatively Mountaineering has an extra cost ranging from U$575 – $1,250 per person.

 

 

Snorkelling

If you are looking to see the hidden underworld of the Polar Regions, discovering the underwater shape of icebergs and wildlife, snorkelling may be the perfect activity for you! Offered several times during the voyage, this exclusive activity is for experienced snorkelers. The activity includes all the gear, such as drysuit, mask and snorkel as well as fins. The drysuit will keep out water prolonging your warmth and doubling up as a flotation device. Only a few ships and operators provide this experience.
Price for this activity is around US$ 440 – 800 per person.

 

 

 

Scuba Diving

Take the underwater experience to the next level with Scuba Diving in the Polar Regions. This adventure activity is limited to highly experience divers. The permitted depth is 20 meters (60 ft) allowing you to fully submerge in a world very few have ventured.

There are a number of safety protocols and previous logbooks reflecting experience in cold water dives with Drysuit dives are required. You will be provided with scuba tanks, compressor and weights. The rest of the equipment e.g dry suit, 2 freeze-protected regulators, mask and every other necessary equipment is on you.

Price varies, but expect approximately US$ 600 – 1000 per person depending on the destination and length of the voyage.

 

Backcountry Skiing

Ski/Snowboard Touring offers keen adventurers a chance to take on some of the world’s most incredible slopes. Experienced skiers and snowboarders will have the chance to enjoy day-trips to traverse across remote, snow-capped peaks to descend into pristine bays filled with floating bergs, penguin rookeries or even a breaching whale! Those interested in a multi-day ski adventure can opt to attempt Shackleton’s route across South Georgia.

From alpine bowls and crevassed glaciers, to long open slopes, join us to summit and ski a range of Antarctic and Arctic landscapes, venturing to some amazing wild and remote corners. A spirit of adventure is a must. After all, when you strap on your skis, you’ll be exploring places where few, if any, have ever skied before!

Ski/Snowboard Touring program requires a reasonable level of fitness and previous experience. The snow conditions will be varied and the terrain can be challenging at times. You will need to bring your own skiing / snowboarding equipment, including harness and crampons. Prices vary please ask the Antarctica Travels Team for more information.

 

 

Helicopter Sightseeing

The Polar Regions can now be experience and appreciated through a bird’s eye view. Providing unparalleled perspectives from the air and unreachable landing sites, Helicopter outings are due in few and exclusive itineraries, for not every vessel has a Helipad. The Ultramarine and Ortelious are currently the only vessels offering helicopter sightseeing.

A common destination in Antarctica is Snow Hill Island, home of Emperor Penguins and the fabled dry-valleys in the Ross Sea region. In the Arctic, most specifically in Greenland, the helicopter open a huge range of possibilities to further explore and discover this part of the world with a new and refreshed approach.

While some destinations and itineraries have the helicopters included in the price, other trips may have them as an additional option at an extra cost. Keep in mind helicopters fly under strict restrictions due to the noise that flies behind them and the high carbon footprint.

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