Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle - Ocean Explorer

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.

These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.

SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participants – after a bit of practice – to stop staring at their feet and admire the surrounding scenery. Imagine seeing Gentoo penguins gliding below you, or making eye contact with a Weddell seal lying on a piece of ice as you paddle by.

Guests receive on-ship and on-water instruction from a qualified SUP guide. In addition, a safety driver (in a Zodiac) stays within range to offer assistance.

Duration: 1 to 1½ hours.

Guide to client ratio: 1 SUP guide and 1 Zodiac safety driver for 10 participants

Is SUP Experience Necessary?

Previous experience isn’t necessary but comfortability with water is an asset. SUP’ing adventures are offered in protected bays and channels during calm weather conditions.

Provided Gear

• Board

• Paddle

• Drysuit

• Neoprene Booties

• Waterproof gloves

• PFD – Personal Flotation Device

Other recommended gear/clothing

• Base and mid-layers (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)

• Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (optional)

• Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)

• Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat

• Sunglasses

• Camera (either waterproof or in a waterproof case or drybag)

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team.

Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to maneuver these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.

Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-dependent and a one-time experience. Your kayak guides will attempt to take you out on the water for 1-1.5 hours of paddling. Offered on most voyages, spaces are limited. All equipment, guides and instructions are provided by Quark.

Pricing subject to change based on season.

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in Antarctica, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.

In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.

Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.

Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?

The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.

Provided gear

• Sea kayaks (single or double)

• Paddle

• Spray-skirt

• Drysuit

• Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*

• PFD (personal flotation device)

• Neoprene booties

• 10L dry bag

• Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear/clothing

• Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)

• Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater

• Fleece pants

• Liner socks

• Thick wool socks

• Neckwarmer

• Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)

• Warm hat

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen

• Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)

• Waterproof backpack or a drybag

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings

• Trekking poles are available upon request

• Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep)

• Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)

Other recommended gear/clothing

• Base and mid-layer clothing

• Waterproof breathable pants

• Wool or synthetic hiking socks

• Warm hat

• Brimmed hat

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)

• Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover)

• Warm gloves

• Camera and accessories