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!
