Paddling in Antarctica (image courtesy of Michelle Sole)

Sea Kayaking or Paddling in Antarctica

Alex Burridge – October 2026

SEA KAYAKING OR PADDLING

Kayaking or Paddling in either Polar region is an incredible experience.  Traditionally it’s been necessary to sign up for the full-on kayaking experience with most operators which I believe may have discouraged some people from signing up.

Over the last few seasons that’s changed with more operators offering either a one-off experience, or a less vigorous kayaking programme, as opposed to having to buy a more immersive ‘sea kayaking’ package.

The experience as I have said is incredible.  To paddle (often in a two person kayak) quietly through crystal clear Antarctic or Arctic waters is a unique and magical experience.

As you are at sea level you can see into and through the crystal clear waters, often seeing the incredible wealth of tiny crustaceans (krill and amphipods) that attract the other slightly larger animals you’ll find on Polar regions, be that an Arctic or Antarctic Tern (weighing in at maybe 14o grams) all the way through to a humpback whale (perhaps 30 metric tons).  Both feed on the same small crustaceans – just that one takes them individually the other in 19,000 litre mouthfuls containing hundreds of thousands of krill and other crustaceans.  You have a chance of seeing both of these animals along with seals and other birdlife.

As you are travelling quietly (an accompanying zodiac is always not too far away just in case anyone needs some help) you may even encounter a sleeping whale (I’ve been on voyages where this occurred – so it’s really just good fortune and giving the experience a go).

Kayaking South Georgia

SEA KAYAKING

If you’re a keen kayaker, with a little experience, you can certainly sign up (for an additional cost) for the programme of kayaking excursions; effectively heading off in kayaks whilst other guests explore by zodiac or go ashore.  The choice is yours, so even if you have signed up to a sea kayaking package if for whatever reason you choose that day not to kayak you can join the non-kayakers in zodiacs or shore excursions (please note there is no refund).

Basically, the kayaking group, led by extremely well accomplished/qualified kayakers, will, conditions permitting, will take every opportunity to head off from the ship at most excursion sites.  If conditions are not right – then everyone gets to enjoy the other excursions.

Sea Kayakers are an adventurous lot

PADDLING

It’s possible with some ships now to basically have a taste of kayaking without signing up for the more in-depth sea kayaking package.  The Paddling option usually gives at least one opportunity to explore by kayak.  The guides will very likely select a protected site and favourable conditions to offer this activity.  For some it’s enough to simply experience this beautiful experience once.  Several ships now offer paddling utilising inflatable kayaks which are more stable and easier to set up and get in and out of than the regular tandem kayaks used for the sea kayaing programmes.

In the end the choice is yours; if you love the idea of kayaking in crystal clear waters whenever conditions permit then we recommend the sea kayaking package.

If you’d simply like the opportunity to experience something unique, but don’t want to kayak every day, or covre greater distances then we recommend the Paddling option.

There are 15 Zodiacs aboard the Douglas Mawson from which you’ll explore

COSTS TO SEA KAYAK OR PADDLE

The Sea Kayaking, more immersive, package is always an additional cost which varies by ship operator and duration of the cruise.  The Paddling option is included (and you don’t have to pre-book) by some operators with others charging a fee (where you book and pay before travelling).  When it’s included those who sign up for the experience basically join a list and then you wait until the names are called to go Paddling.

The fees cover all of your equipment as well as paying to have dedicated kayak guides and a dedicated zodiac which, as I’ve said, keeps a safe distance but is on hand should there be any need for assistance – hence the sea kayaking programmes start at about USD$900 – as above the longer the cruise the higher the cost.

Adelies on-shore – kayakers celebrate

Infaltable kayak used by paddlers

Paddling in Antarctica – courtesy Michelle Sole

IS IT SAFE?

Is it safe.  I’ll answer that in two ways; 1.  Yes, 2, do you think the ship operators want the stress of an unsafe operation.  Even in the Arctic where you have an apex predator, the Polar bear, you’re safe – if a bear is seen you’ll be asked to paddle gently away, or back to the zodiac or ship.  I’ve been fortunate to kayaking in the Arctic and we paddled relatively close to a dosing bear – it took no notice of us…

The kayaks are quite stable, as you might imagine the ship operators would prefer that everyone stays upright, hence stable kayaks are a good option.  The in-depth package does require some experience whereas the paddling is generally open to everyone willing to give it a go.

DIFFERENT SHIPS, DIFFERENT STROKES

Some operators, like Aurora Expeditions, have long since been an active and adventurous ship operator and their sea kayaking programmes tend to fill up quite quickly and are relatively adventurous in what they try to achieve (well before the ship fill up).  They do also offer Paddling (no prior experience) on some voyages.

Quark Expeditions offer both paddling (no prior experience) and Sea Kayaking (preferred prior experience).

Swan Hellenic offer kayaking, they also require some experience and they say their excursions are from 1-2 hours and shouldn’t be too physically demanding.

The above is a perfect example of the differences between operational style as for sure on Aurora’s Sea Kayaking, you’ll break a sweat and will be quite tired at the end of some kayaking trips.  The choice is yours to make – and we’ll very happily talk you through the options.Is it safe.  I’ll answer that in two ways; 1.  Yes, 2, do you think the ship operators want the stress of an unsafe operation.  Even in the Arctic where you have an apex predator, the Polar bear, you’re safe – if a bear is seen you’ll be asked to paddle gently away, or back to the zodiac or ship.  I’ve been fortunate to kayaking in the Arctic and we paddled relatively close to a dosing bear – it took no notice of us…