Laura Pattara | 21 May 2025
With credit to Tara SutherlandEmbarking on an Antarctica expedition cruise is the adventure of a lifetime. As you voyage to the far south, you'll discover a mesmerizing world, full of ice, pristine and rugged landscapes, and absolutely captivating wildlife. Yet beyond the cruising experience and breathtaking views, it's the many activities and excursions on offer are that can turn your trip into a remarkable experience. Whether it's kayaking alongside colossal glaciers, camping on snow, or mountaineering in the frozen wild, you'll find countless ways to soothe your adventure-seeking soul.
We highlight all the incredible things to do in Antarctica, from standard inclusions to optional thrills, and help you plan the perfect trip.
Zodiac excursion in Antarctica
> See our Expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula
Here's your go-to guide for deeper insights:
General Info About Antarctica Cruise Excursions & Activities
Things to Do in Antarctica: Included Excursions
Things to Do in Antarctica: Optional Activities
What are you NOT Allowed to Do in Antarctica?
Choosing and booking your most desired activities is as important as choosing and booking your favourite ship. To this end, here are a few essential things to keep in mind:
Availability: Not all ships offer the same activities. For instance, budget-friendly options like the MV Ushuaia—our most popular choice for budget travellers—don't include extras like kayaking or camping. These ships keep cabin prices low by focusing on the essentials, working on the premise that some passengers prefer not to pay for activities they don't plan to do.
Play Favourites: Instead of picking a ship based solely on its aesthetics, price, or size, save time by first identifying which ships offer your desired "must-do" activity. Once you've narrowed it down, then worry about other factors.
Most Common Activities: Camping and kayaking are the most widely available Antarctica cruise excursions, while paddleboarding, snorkelling, and scuba diving are limited to a few select ships.
Limited Spots: Group sizes for optional activities are restricted, so we recommend you book your favourite at the same time as your cruise—ideally, a year in advance.
Workshops: Dedicated workshops (more on that below) are exceptional, but they are few and far between, and usually book out fast. If you don’t want to miss out, book your spot early.
Combination Options: While it's common to combine activities like camping and kayaking, the number of activities you can do in one excursion is often limited.
Essential Gear: All gear needed for every activity, from snowshoes to wetsuits, is provided by the ship. There is one option though (snorkelling) that allows you to pack and use your own gear if you prefer.
Timing Conflicts: Activities usually take place at the same time as included excursions like landings and zodiac cruises, as these occur while the ship is stationary. This means they’re not additional experiences but alternatives. For example, if you choose to go kayaking in the morning, you’ll miss the zodiac outing for that time, so pick what you’d enjoy most!
Additional Costs: Some excursions are included, while others charge extra. Don't worry; optional activities must be booked and paid for in advance, so you won't accidentally sign up for something expensive without realizing it.
Weather Always Wins: It goes without saying that every activity (included or not) is weather-dependent. Trust that your ship's Captain will do their utmost to find a suitable time and place for every activity.
Age Limits: Some activities impose an age limit - usually, 16 years of age.
What can tourists do in Antarctica Oodles of very cool activities, like camping on the ice for a night!
>See our Guide to Camping in Antarctica
Unless you are visiting Antarctica on a mega cruise ship with more than 500 passengers that doesn't allow for on-shore excursions (a few exist), these are the Antarctica cruise excursions you can look forward to on your jaunt to the south.
Zodiac excursions offer an intimate way to explore more of Antarctica's untouched wilderness, getting you closer to icebergs and inlets your bigger vessel simply can't reach. All excursions are led by experienced guides, and they'll also help you spot wildlife along the way. Zodiacs are sturdy, inflatable vessels, which are also used for shore excursions. They come standard on all expedition ships and included in your voyage!
Once the Zodiac gets you to shore, you’ll walk among penguin colonies, visit historical sites, or climb a hill for sweeping views. Some itineraries include research stations or a stop at Port Lockroy’s iconic post office. These landings are typically daily—weather permitting. Most expedition cruises aim to land on the Antarctic continent itself at least once, not just nearby islands. It’s a popular photo op, and some ships bring along a sign or Antarctica flag for the occasion. If you want a personal touch, consider bringing your own flag too.
Optional activities add another layer to the experience, especially for those after a bit more adventure. While even the most straightforward expedition is unforgettable, trying something extra can really take it up a notch. From what we’ve seen here at Viva, no one’s ever regretted joining any of the following…Well—except maybe the first one.
Take a (very quick) dive into the icy Antarctic waters for a story you’ll be telling for years. You’re safely clipped to a line, and the dip is so brief you barely have time to register the cold—almost. It’s a wild tradition, a one-time chance to feel Antarctica’s raw beauty and brutality in one unforgettable jolt.
“I don’t even like cold water at the beach, yet somehow I have become addicted to polar plunges – I have completed seven now, and want to get to ten! If you are healthy, then I recommend you challenge yourself try one – it seems completely mad at the time, but it is such an adrenaline rush, and a unique experience - you will be so happy afterwards!” —
Tara, General Manager at Viva Expeditions
The iconic Polar Plunge—We have it on good authority that the regret lasts barely a millisecond. It's probably that minuscule moment just after this photo was taken.
Kayaking is the most popular optional activity on Antarctic cruises, offering a unique way to explore the icy landscape. Most ships run a kayaking programme with up to two guided sessions per day, each accompanied by a safety Zodiac.
If you sign up, you’ll head out whenever conditions are right—often 3–4 times per trip! Sessions usually start earlier than standard outings, giving you time to paddle and often squeeze in a quick landing. You’ll miss a bit of shore time, but paddling past icebergs and wildlife in near silence more than makes up for it.
The kayaking programme is open to anyone with basic kayaking skills and the ability to swim. If you’re new to the sport, consider the paddling (also known as a day kayak)—a one-off outing that lets you try kayaking without committing to the full programme of multiple outings.
“I have magical memories of kayaking in a bay full of icebergs - the morning was so calm, the mountains and ice were perfectly reflected, and there was no noise, save for the odd excited exclamation from the group, the sound of our paddles dipping the water, and penguins swimming and splashing the waters surface.” —
Tara, General Manager at Viva Expeditions
Day paddling is a great option for those who want to explore Antarctica’s waterways without committing to the full kayaking programme. These guided excursions offer a relaxed, quiet way to take in the scenery—no Zodiac engines, no crowds, just the sound of your paddle and the chance to spot wildlife like seals on ice floes or penguins darting through the water.
Outings typically last 1 to 1.5 hours and are offered throughout the Antarctic season. You’ll head out once during your voyage, weather permitting, using either a sit-on-top inflatable kayak or a standard one, depending on your ship.
If full kayaking isn’t for you, Day Paddling offers a thrilling way to connect with Antarctica’s icy waters
For a truly immersive experience, spend a night camping on snow and ice with nothing but a bivvy bag between you and the elements. With no facilities and the raw wilderness all around, this is a rugged, unforgettable way to connect with Antarctica.
Camping is usually offered from November to December, with some trips extending into January. By February and March, snow conditions often make it unfeasible. No age limit or prior experience is required, but spots are limited and must be booked early. If weather prevents it, you’ll get a full refund.
And when we say no facilities—we mean it. Camping is kept well away from penguin colonies for biosecurity, and while an emergency toilet is provided, it’s only for true emergencies.
Sure, it might not be the cosiest night you’ll ever have—but since you probably won’t get much sleep, you can really soak up every moment.
Snowshoeing lets you cover more ground with ease while enjoying the quiet beauty of the landscape—well, aside from your own panting, perhaps. Walking across untouched terrain, you’ll be exploring in the spirit of early Antarctic adventurers using this traditional polar mode of travel.
The best time for snowshoeing is November and December, when snow conditions are ideal. In recent years, it’s rarely been offered in February or March due to limited snow.
Snorkelling in Antarctica is an unforgettable experience—but if you’re used to tropical reefs, prepare for a shock. The icy water will sting a little, even in a dry suit. All necessary gear is provided, but it’s a good idea to pack extra thermal layers. If you’re experienced, you’re welcome to bring your own snorkelling kit.
If conditions allow, you’ll snorkel in small groups on most days, with sessions lasting up to 45 minutes. Expert guides will be with you, pointing out fascinating invertebrates and surreal ice formations beneath the surface. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a seal or a whale.
Only a handful of ships offer snorkelling on select departures, so it’s essential to book early.
Antarctic snorkeling reveals a surreal world of icy blues, marine life, and underwater silence — no diving license needed.
For seasoned divers, Antarctica offers the chance to explore an underwater world few have ever seen—diving beneath glaciers, weaving through ice formations, and coming face to face with curious marine life. It’s high on many divers’ bucket lists, but you’ll need solid cold-water diving experience (below 5°C/41°F) and confidence using a dry suit. You’ll be asked to show your dive logbook when booking.
The dive guides on these expeditions are some of the best in the business, so you’ll be in safe hands. Because of the logistics involved, only a few ships offer scuba diving on select departures each season. If this is something you’re keen to do, have a chat with our Antarctica experts—they’ll help you find the right trip.
If you’re up for a challenge on solid ground, hiking in Antarctica and South Georgia offers some of the most dramatic and remote trails on the planet. Guided hikes range from steep climbs to more moderate treks, but even the easier ones can be demanding—this is rugged terrain, and you’ll need a decent level of fitness.
Some hikes follow in the footsteps of explorers like Shackleton, including the final 6km from Fortuna Bay to the old whaling station at Stromness, with sweeping views of South Georgia’s peaks. To tackle the full Shackleton route, mountaineering experience is required. Whether you’re retracing history or just stretching your legs, hiking here is a raw and rewarding way to experience the landscape.
South Georgia, the “penguin” capital of the south, is one of the best hiking destinations on Antarctic expeditions.
If you’d rather earn your views the hard way, mountaineering might be your kind of adventure. These climbs usually last 2–4 hours and are done in small groups of around 7 to 10 people, giving you plenty of time—and space—to soak in the scenery in near silence.
You don’t need technical experience, just a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. At the moment, only a couple of expedition ships offer mountaineering as a one-off activity, making it a rare and pretty special opportunity.
Climb where few have dared — mountaineering in Antarctica is a raw, untamed adventure across pristine peaks, creaking glaciers, and icy ridgelines that defy the horizon.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Antarctica is an exhilarating way to experience the continent's pristine beauty at sea level. You don't need to be an absolute expert; as long as you're a good swimmer and comfortable around water, you're good to go. But it’s still a good idea to practice a bit before your trip if you're new to SUP so you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying that you might "enjoy" a free-of-charge, self-inflicted Polar Plunge.
The sessions generally last about 1 to 1.5 hours, and only a few ships currently offer them. Experienced guides will be with you throughout, to make sure you're keeping safe and point out any wildlife you might encounter.
Helicopter flights offer a rare bird’s-eye view of Antarctica’s vast white wilderness, from the Dry Valleys of the Ross Sea to remote places like Snow Hill Island, home to Emperor Penguins.
Flights operate with two helicopters for safety and follow strict guidelines to minimise noise disturbance to wildlife and other travellers. Due to environmental concerns and their high carbon footprint, helicopter excursions may not be around forever.
On Ultramarine, a 10–15-minute scenic flight is included on select voyages, with optional heli-landings available at extra cost. Ortelius also offers flights, but only on certain departures—check with us in advance if this is on your wishlist.
While most Antarctic voyages have professional photographers on board, they’re often too busy to offer one-on-one guidance. If you’re keen to sharpen your skills, look out for expeditions that include dedicated photography workshops.
Led by experienced photographers, these programmes usually combine onboard theory sessions with practical field time during excursions—so you can put new techniques to use right away. Some even offer the chance to borrow camera lenses, giving you the freedom to experiment with gear you might not have at home.
Sharpen your skills on deck, on ice, and in action — with mentors who’ve braved the White Continent before
Ever thought about pitching in with real scientific research while exploring Antarctica? Some expedition cruises actually have science workshops where you can team up with onboard scientists and contribute to their studies.
Join a science-focused expedition, and you might be out there collecting data on wildlife sightings, looking into climate change impacts, or even helping with environmental monitoring. It's a unique opportunity to connect with Antarctica and support important science work.
Explore Antarctica’s past and present in a hands-on science workshop, guided by experts in glaciology, ecology, and polar history.
And last but certainly not least…
Antarctica is one of the planet’s most pristine environments, and strict rules are in place to keep it that way. You’ll get a full briefing before departure, but here’s the gist: nothing gets left behind—not even waste.
You can’t touch, feed, or get too close to wildlife, and collecting natural souvenirs like rocks or feathers is strictly off-limits. Graffiti or leaving any mark on the landscape is also a no-go.
Think of Antarctica as a living museum—look, learn, and leave it exactly as you found it.
Ready to embark on your own exceptional expedition to Antarctica? Let us help! See our full selection of Antarctica expeditions and Contact our Destination Specialists for more tailored help. We'll help you find the ship and itinerary that suits you best, including all the Antarctic expedition excursions you desire.
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
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Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
Short on Time? Opt for this Fly Cruise Antarctica Voyage, fly from Punta Arenas over the Drake Passage, then cruise Antarctica
Small Ship Cruising: Small ship expedition cruises are a wonderful way to explore. Choose from Antarctica cruises & Sub-Antarctic Island cruises, Arctic cruises or sail the Patagonian Fiords, Galapagos Islands Cruising or New Zealand’s wonderful Fiordland.
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