Zodiac Cruising in Antarctica

Zodiac cruising from Greg Mortimer Antarctica

Zodiac cruising is a fundamental part of any Antarctic Expedition Cruise.  These sturdy inflatable boats are incredibly durable and safe.  Whether you are taking a ‘zodiac cruise’ or going ashore by zodiac you’ll quickly become accustomed to getting from the ship and into the zodiac.

Most ships now have sea-level platforms from which you are helped get from the ship and into the zodiac.  Some older ships will have a set of steps that are lowered by the edge of the ship which lead to a small platform – from which you will be helped into the zodiac.

The beauty of zodiacs is that they are incredibly manoeuvrable and more importantly safe.  Zodiac are designed in such a way that they have multiple chambers filled with air – hence even if one chamber is punctured the others remain in tact and you can make it safely back to the ship.

The Zodiac Cruising Experience

You will be given a thorough briefing prior to your first zodiac excursion.  After a couple of outings you will realise it’s a fun and safe way of exploring.  My best piece of advice is to make sure you sit down on whichever pontoon (side) you are directed to and ‘shuffle’, on your bum, – this will keep you safe.  Your zodiac driver has your best interests at heart, so please listen to what they tell you – as then you’ll be safe.

Zodiac excursions can last for perhaps 2 hours, occasionally, longer.  They vary according to the place you are exploring.  Some take you to enjoy the exquisite beauty of a glacial wall and icebergs calving from it (and your expert zodiac drivers know to keep a safe distance).  Some head out exploring ice floes and you may encounter several species of seal, with luck including leopard seals.

Some sites in Antarctica don’t afford actual landing, or it could be that the swell at a beach is too great to conduct a landing; and you then zodiac cruise to explore that site.

Whales are often encountered on a zodiac cruise.

Some sites are best explored, even in the snow, from a zodiac

Zodiac Shore Excursions

In Antarctica, South Georgia and in the Ross Sea and New Zealand sub-Antarctic Island (also Macquarie Island) zodiacs will be used as a mechanism to get you from the ship to shore.  Most of the time the zodiacs will push nose first up onto a beach or other safe place, from which you get out of the zodiac (remember to shuffle).  There will be crew on-shore to help you safely from the zodiac.

As I started, after the first couple of excursions you’ll become seasoned to travelling by zodiac and will come to marvel at these incredibly versatile craft.

Appropriate Clothing for Zodiac Excursions

There is an old saying used in Antarctica ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing’.

Oh yes, you might get wet…  The spray from the sea can, particularly in windy conditions, end up coming over the zodiac – even with the utmost care of an experienced zodiac driver.  To me it’s part of the fun (even when I’m the one getting wet I have a smile on my face – you know you are alive).

Before each excursion you’ll be advised to dress appropriately, almost always waterproof outer pants (in addition to rain jacket, gloves (ideally waterproof) a beanie and several thermal layers).  Most ships supply a waterproof rain jacket, yours to keep, – and they are well designed and keep you dry and warm).

On a zodiac excursion where you’ll be sat for maybe 2 hours you can get cold (little movement and perhaps strong winds etc) if not appropriately dressed.  Layers are important, again you will be given some advice about conditions at the site (and they can change quite quickly) – I always suggest take a step outside and check the temperature for yourself – if you are susceptible to the cold better to overdress than be cold.

Waterproof back-pack.  If you’re a keen photographer please make sure you have somewhere to keep your camera (and anything else you are taking on the excursion) dry.  You’ll be asked to take any back-pack off once you’re in the zodiac (you don’t want the weight high up on your back).

If you’re still reading I can hear the thought ‘but what happens if I fall in’.

Very, very, occasionally guests, fall in.  Even with the greatest of care and advice very occasionally a guest will tumble overboard an into the sea.  The crew are well trained, you will be advised as to what to do (basically keep an eye on the person who fell in to assist the zodiac driver).  Very quickly the person who fell in will be thrown a line and they will be hauled back into the zodiac.  All Zodiacs are equipped with emergency items (actually as a requirement in case for some very unlikely event of being stuck ashore and not being able to make it back to the ship – which to my knowledge has never happened) including thermal blankets.    After being wrapped in the blanket the zodiac will immediately return to the ship.  The on-board Dr will be on-hand and some hot drinks, maybe a hot shower or even a sauna to quickly warm up the unlucky person.  AND on perhaps 15 voyages I have known of one occasion. so that’s say 1,500 people, times say 10 excursions on each voyage and one instance.