Antarctic Peninsula - Realm of Penguins & Icebergs 12 Days

A giant iceberg right next to your Zodiac, glacier-covered mountains, a penguin stumbling by on a scenic beach and magnificent polar landscapes – there is no way to return from an expedition cruise without bringing home the best photos of your life!

See YouToube video here!

The Polar Regions are perhaps the most photogenic on earth, with countless beautiful scenes presenting themselves every day. Endless expanses of ice, beaches crowded with seals or penguins, sunsets over unbroken horizons, starlit skies, and even the majestic northern lights — they all present fantastic photographic opportunities — and in order to make sure that you come home with some spectacular images we offer you the chance to learn and practice your photography alongside an experienced professional.

Our expert Photographer will be on hand to answer your questions and give advice, both in the form of on-board lectures and workshops on shore. Explore the key elements of photography in a fun and relaxed setting, with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Learn how to see light in a new way and experiment with the techniques of composition and framing.

Extend your exploration of the polar world even further on the kayaking adventure of a lifetime with our expert guides. Paddle silently in remote coves and inlets, away from the ship, in a small, guided group. Enjoy breathtaking icescapes, sparkling brash ice, and unique marine wildlife from our stable sea kayaks. Break free from the ordinary and experience the serenity of the true polar wilderness.

See YouTube video here!

Imagine yourself floating amid icebergs, paddling pristine bays and exploring some of the most beautiful places on Earth at your own pace! Get close-up views of wildlife and immerse yourself fully into the breathtaking polar world from the comfort of your sturdy sea kayak. We guarantee that this will be one of the highlights on your polar expedition, but booking in advance is crucial. We keep our kayak groups small and it’s an all-time favorite for real expeditioners, so spots fill up very quickly. Depending on weather conditions you'll experience various guided sea kayaking adventures at the most scenic locations of your cruise, and we’ll provide all the equipment!

Reasons to go sea kayaking 

• Explore the most pristine places on Earth in a small group of like-minded kayakers

• Enjoy the best opportunities for wildlife viewing

• Stay active during your cruise

• Feel the solitude and remoteness of the White Continent while paddling at your own pace

Sea kayaking details:

Be ready to kayak!

Our kayaking instructors are very active and eager to get out whenever weather and sea conditions permit. After all, you want to make the most of it. Be prepared to be flexible and venture out whenever your instructors schedule a sea kayaking adventure so you don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime.

All equipment provided.

We’ll take the burden off you to pack any extra gear and provide you with everything you need for your kayaking experience. All paddling gear (paddling suit, spray skirt, personal floating device/life jacket, booties and neoprene pogies) is included. We use only state-of-the art kayaks that are durable and extremely stable.

Average fitness level required.

You don’t have to be a world-class kayaker to join our group, but we’ll expect basic kayaking and paddling experience prior to your trip. Need to brush up on your skills? Just schedule a lesson or two before you leave for the Arctic or Antarctica to get back on track! You also have to be able to swim and to climb into your kayak. A good indicator for your fitness level is that you should be able to lift yourself by your own strength out of a swimming pool without using a ladder.

Safety first.

Our qualified instructors will ensure safety during the kayaking and help you board and de-board your kayak. You’ll also get a full briefing prior to your first outing and we’ll always have a safety boat close to our paddlers – just in case.

Don’t fear the sea.

Sure, you’ve heard of the wild Drake Passage (we’ll be crossing it aboard our expedition ship, the Sea Spirit) and harsh conditions of the Southern Ocean surrounding the White Continent – but don’t worry! We’ll deploy our kayakers in protected bays where waters are calm. While you may encounter wind, moderate waves and swell, we won’t let you paddle in dangerous conditions! Water temperatures are usually around 0°C (32°F) and your dry suit and spray skirt will protect you from getting too wet.

Sometimes you’ll have to make a choice…

You’ll paddle while non-kayaking expeditioners engage in other activities such as shore landings and Zodiac cruising. Sometimes you’ll rejoin the group half-way through your daily adventures, but sometimes you’ll have to choose either to kayak or join the main group.

And finally...enjoy!

The opportunity to go kayaking is very exclusive, you’ll spend time in a small group of fellow paddlers and expeditioners that love adventures – just like yourself! You’ll get an experience that many others don’t, such as a close-up view of curious penguins jumping in and out of the water, a stunning maze of iceberg formations or simply a crystal clear ocean surface to glide through while taking the pictures of a lifetime.

What will I see while kayaking?

Get ready for the best views of remote bays, pristine beaches, mesmerizing icebergs, mountain ranges and, of course, wildlife! It’s not unheard of that while you’re paddle along a calm shore a penguin will dart out of the water to land right next to you on an ice floe! Your kayaking instructor will always be there to guide and instruct you on how to stay safe and ensure compliance with all IAATO guidelines on wildlife viewing.

What are the conditions like?

We won’t let you kayak the Drake Passage – that’s for sure. But once we reach the Antarctic Peninsula and placid bays of South Georgia Island, we’ll deploy our kayaks whenever weather conditions permit. Most of the times you’ll find yourself gliding on mirror-like water surfaces with penguins, seals and even whales swimming close by. Crystal-clear waters will allow you to spot them right from the kayak! Other days you may encounter minor challenges like moderate waves and a swell, but our kayak instructors will ensure that you’ll have a good and safe time out on the water.

Sea Kayaking is available on selected voyages of Sea Spirit to Antarctica and the Arctic.

This is a limited-availability optional activity that has certain joining and membership requirements.

Space in Sea Kayaking is limited to 8 kayakers per voyage in the Arctic and 16 kayakers per voyage in Antarctica. Kayaking is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your spot we recommend that you sign up at the time of booking your voyage. Please contact us to learn if there is availability in Sea Kayaking on the voyage of your choice. If there are no more places available for your voyage, you can opt to join a Waiting List.

Tips for Kayaking

To make the most of your kayaking outings, make sure you dress appropriately! While we’ll provide a dry suit, we’ll need you to dress in basic warm layers below. Thermal underwear is always a good idea (merino wool or synthetic materials, no cotton), add a warm second-layer made of wool or fleece to it and don’t forget your thick (e.g., wool) socks, gloves, mittens, hat and sunglasses. If you want to bring your camera, opt for a dry bag to keep it safe from damage.

Provided gear:

• We’ll provide our kayakers with the following sea kayak gear:

• Durable, state-of-the-art sea kayaks (single or double)

• Paddles and pogies (rubber mittens to wear over your gloves while paddling)

• Dry suit and spray-skirt

• PDF (personal flotation device)

• Neoprene booties

• 10 liter dry bag

• Water bottle (provided to all passengers and will be in your room upon boarding)

Other recommended gear/clothing

What we strongly recommend you bring to complement your kayaking experience: Thermal underwear (merino wool, wool or synthetic, no cotton)

• Sweater and pants (fleece or wool)

• 2 pairs of socks: thin socks and thick wool socks on top

• Gloves to wear under your pogies

• Warm hat (and optional balaclava)

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

PLEASE READ ALL REQUIREMENTS HERE!

ATTENTION!

• The price for kayaking varies depending on the operational season!

• The rate shown is indicative and subject to change!

• Please request a quote from our Cruise Norway team!

What activities can you expect on a polar expedition with Poseidon?

Due to the small ship size, we typically organize an average of two activities per day, each lasting about 2.5 hours — ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the polar world! Enjoy landings with scenic hikes for all levels (walking sticks provided), wildlife encounters with insights from experts, and Zodiac cruises. Onboard, you’ll find expert-led lectures, masterclasses, bridge visits, and polar photography tips. Alternatively, you can relax in the jacuzzi, unwind in the library, or enjoy a drink at the bar. On one of the days, we’ll host a BBQ on the open deck! For the bravest, there’s the Polar Plunge (only announced on board)— those who prefer not to participate can enjoy watching the fun. Each day is packed with exciting, unforgettable experiences.Each day is packed with exciting, unforgettable experiences.

Imagine a pristine polar paradise, icebergs, penguins and the feeling of being far away from the civilized world…and yourself cuddled up in a warm sleeping bag in the middle of it all! Have you got what it takes to become a real polar expeditioner? Then sign up for camping in Antarctica! Swap your comfy Sea Spirit cabin for a night of polar adventure on the ice. And don’t worry, we’ll provide everything you need for an unforgettable adventure ashore.

Witness the drama of changing light, icebergs cracking, and glaciers groaning!

See YouTube Video here!

Reasons to experience camping in Antarctica

• Immerse yourself into the wild nature of Antarctica

• Get a glimpse of how real explorers felt discovering the White Continent

• Soak in the unique atmosphere of Antarctica from the comfort of your warm sleeping bag

• Sleep under the sky of the Southern Hemisphere

• Hear the sounds of the continent like squawks and honks from your beloved penguins

• Beсome one of the very few who can proudly say they've camped in the open on the White Continent.

Camping details

Are you ready for camping in Antarctica?

You’ve booked your cruise and noticed the camping option – should you do it? Our answer will always be yes – trust us, this will make for extraordinary memories and is a highlight for many expeditioners! No prior camping or polar experience needed. You should be in good health with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in camping in Antarctica and we recommend checking with your physician beforehand if this activity is safe for you. Ensure that your medical emergency evacuation insurance does not exclude activities such as camping – this is important and we may check this prior to the trip.

How does it work?

We’ll start with a briefing one day before your camping experience takes place. The briefing is mandatory so please don’t skip it or else you’ll have to stay behind on the ship. And what a pity to miss out on this adventure, having to hear all the amazing stories and experiences from returning campers at breakfast.

At the briefing we’ll show you how the camping gear works, go through logistics, safety and rules ashore. Campsites need to be scouted by us beforehand and everything depends on weather conditions, so we’ll usually know only a few hours in advance when we’ll go ashore for our adventure. On camp day, you’ll enjoy dinner aboard the Sea Spirit before starting your adventure. A Zodiac will then take you in a small group (max. 40 expeditioners) ashore and our team will help set up the campsite, assemble camp toilets (you are required to comply with our environmental rules and no-waste policy) and help you to get comfortable. There will be no transfer to the ship after your drop-off (only in case of an emergency). You’ll be slumbering in mummy sleeping bags suitable for temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). Outside temperatures will range around 0°C (32°F) with a little below freezing during the night. You can’t bring any food or drinks except water, but we’ll promise the hearty breakfast next morning back aboard will taste like no other!

What’s provided by us?

We’ll equip you with mummy sleeping bags (they’re comfortable, water-repellent, connectable and designed for temperatures as low as -18°C/0°F), a freshly laundered cotton sleeping bag liner, an insulated foam sleeping pad and a waterproof nylon bivy sack (which slips over the sleeping bag). Members of our expedition team will camp out there with you, help you set up the sites and will be there all night in case you need any assistance.

What clothing is suitable for camping in Antarctica?

Dress like you’re going on a Zodiac cruise! Warm base-layers made from polyester or merino-wool are perfect, followed by middle layers of fleece or wool and topped off with a hat, socks, gloves, waterproof outer gear like snow pants and your Poseidon Expeditions parka. We do not recomment cotton clothes (poor heat retention) and suggest that you choose wool and synthetics instead! Bring one change of thermal underwear in case you sweat during campsite set-up or while exploring so you’ll start your night warm and dry. If you camp earlier in the season you’ll experience plenty of daylight, but during late summer in Antarctica it may get dark early. We recommend packing a torch/flashlight to find your way around the campsite, as well as any medication you may require.

What are the weather conditions like?

We carefully select the place and day for our camping expedition and monitor weather conditions to make this a pleasurable and safe experience. Usually temperatures ashore stay around 0°C (32°F), but it can get below freezing during the night. Our equipment is carefully selected to keep you warm and comfortable even during cooler nights.

ATTENTION!

• The price for camping varies depending on the operational season!

• The rate shown is indicative and subject to change!

• Please request a quote from our Cruise Norway team!