Kayaking is often described as one of the most rewarding activities you can add to an Antarctica cruise. The question is: is it worth it?
Those who have tried it often speak about kayaking with a kind of exhilarated awe, describing it as the standout moment of their entire voyage. It is not only about paddling across icy waters, they say, but about the stillness, the closeness to wildlife, and the way Antarctica feels entirely different when you are sitting at water level.
To get a glimpse of what it looks and feels like, start with Tanya's short video. Here she is sharing a first-hand look at what so many travellers call a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And here's how Tara, Viva's General Manager, describes it:
“Gliding through water as your paddle crunches softly against floating bits of ice is indescribable. You're surrounded by imposing glaciers shimmering in the sun... just you, a handful of fellow adventure-seekers, and the pure sounds of nature. For me, it is one of the most unforgettable experiences life has to offer."
Right, so now that we have established just how extraordinary kayaking can be, the real question is whether it is worth it for you.
In this guide, we will share everything you need to know, from the difference between day paddling and the full programme to costs, gear, how to prepare, and what to expect on the water, so you can decide if kayaking in Antarctica should be part of your adventure.
Most visitors experience Antarctica from the deck of the ship, on a Zodiac cruise, or on a landing ashore. These all offer extraordinary moments, but kayaking adds a layer of immersion with the extreme landscape. The simple act of paddling at water level makes you feel as if you are no longer a visitor but part of the landscape.
That level of intimacy with the wilderness naturally comes with a rush of exhilaration as well. Because in Antarctica, the wild is alive! Icebergs tower above you, glowing in impossible shades of blue you didn't even know existed. Seals stretch lazily on drifting floes, sometimes lifting their heads to watch as you glide past, wondering what on earth you are. Penguins slice through the water and on a few rare occasions, a whale might surface close by, its roaring breath misting in the cold air before vanishing again into the depths.
And even when there is no marine life to see, you’re left with the startling silence, where the only sounds are the dip of your paddle, the faint crunch of ice, and the distant crack of a glacier calving across the bay. Many travellers say this is the moment when Antarctica feels most alive, not as a place you are observing, but as a world you are truly part of.
Kayaking in Antarctica gives you a front-row seat to glaciers and wildlife that feel far away from the deck of a cruise ship.
Kayaking or Day Paddling? The Pros and Cons
There are two main ways to get on the water during an Antarctica cruise, and which one you choose depends on your interests, fitness, and budget.
Day paddling (usually referred to as "Paddle Excursion" on the activities list), is the simpler and cheaper option where you enjoy a on-off kayaking excursion. You paddle for about an hour, the pace is slow and steady, and the activity designed for people who want to experience kayaking without committing to several longer sessions. It is a good choice if you are unsure about spending long periods in a kayak, or if you do not want to miss too much of the shore programme.
The full kayaking programme, or Sea Kayaking, is more involved. Numbers are limited, often to fewer than twenty people per voyage, and once you are signed up, you are called out whenever conditions are right. That might mean up to eight paddles across a ten to twelve-day cruise, sometimes twice a day. Outings are longer than on a paddling excursion, and you will build a familiar routine with the same small group and guides each time.
The major trade-off with the full programme is that you may miss the occasional landing while you are out kayaking. For some, that is more than balanced by the experience, while others may prefer the flexibility of joining every landing possible and trying kayaking once.
Another often understated bonus of joining the programme is the small group dynamic that is created, as you share the experience with the same faces each time. We’ve seen lasting friendships form from sharing kayaking outings, which is a lovely pro.
You can choose between a one-off day paddle or the full kayaking programme, depending on your comfort level, priorities, and budget.
What to Expect on the Water
On kayaking days, you will usually rise earlier than most of your fellow passengers. After a briefing, you layer up and wriggle (literally) into your dry suit, then head to the embarkation point. Sometimes you board the kayak directly from the ship’s gangway, other times you step into it from a Zodiac, with guides on hand to steady the boat and offer a helping hand.
Group size is always small, often one guide for every ten kayakers, and a safety Zodiac shadows the group at a discreet distance. Once everyone is afloat, the paddling begins at a relaxed pace. There are frequent pauses to regroup, adjust gear, or simply enjoy the landscape.
As is always the case with Antarctic cruises, conditions dictate everything. Some days, you may find glassy seas with mirror reflections of icebergs and peaks. Other times, a light swell rolls through, making it feel a little more adventurous. Trips are cancelled if the weather is unsuitable, but that unpredictability is part of the polar experience.
Guides help you in and out of the kayaks, with a safety Zodiac always nearby for support and peace of mind.
How Long Do You Paddle For?
Kayaking outings are not marathons. Sessions usually last ninety minutes to three hours, depending on the conditions and the itinerary. The pace is gentle and guides are skilled at setting a rhythm that keeps the group together. Breaks are built in so you can rest your arms and take photos, so you never feel rushed.
The most enjoyable moments often come from gliding without even paddling; the silence really is deafening.
If you join the full programme, you might go out three or four times on a classic ten to twelve-day cruise, although some lucky groups manage more. Day paddlers usually go once, on the calmest day available.
Kayaking sessions usually last between ninety minutes and three hours, with plenty of time to rest and take in the view.
One of the best things about kayaking in Antarctica is that you do not need to bring your own specialist equipment at all. The operator provides almost everything, from the kayak itself to the dry suit that keeps you warm and dry, including:
Sealed, dry suit
Neoprene booties
Spray skirt (to keep water out of the cockpit)
flotation device (just in case)
Pogies (insulated hand covers that attach to the paddle)
Paddle and emergency equipment
Sometimes, a small dry bag for personal items
The gear you should pack from home:
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Fleece mid-layers
Thermal wool socks
Sunglasses and sunscreen (the glare from water and ice can be intense)
A warm beanie
Light gloves if you want to wear something inside the pogies
You do not need to be an expert kayaker to take part. The fitness level required is modest, but you should certainly feel at ease in the water, know how to swim, and be able to paddle at a steady pace for a couple of hours. Before you set out, guides will demonstrate how to do a wet exit—slipping out of the kayak if it tips over—though in reality, capsizes are extremely uncommon.
Antarctica cruise guides are experienced in looking after people of all ability levels, so even beginners usually feel comfortable and confident after just a few minutes on the water.
This is the part many travellers want to know first, for good reason. Kayaking in Antarctica is a premium activity, and prices reflect both the demand and the cost of equipment and staff.
For the full programme, expect to pay between US$900 and US$1,200, depending on the operator and length of voyage. Some luxury options can reach closer to US$2,000. Some expedition ships run all-inclusive active itineraries, where kayaking is included. Let us know if you're interested in this option, and we'll match you up with the right expedition.
Day paddling is much more affordable, usually between US$250 and US$400 for a single outing.
Because spaces are very limited (often fewer than twenty per ship), we highly recommend you book your preferred option at the same time you confirm your cruise. Kayaking is the most popular extra activity and sells out fast.
Kayaking programmes often sell out more than a year in advance, and it is rare for places to be available once you are on board.
How to Prepare
Preparation begins before you even set foot on the ship. When you sign up, you will be sent guidance on what to pack, with emphasis on warm layers and sun protection. Practising a bit of paddling at home can help if you are new to the sport, but it is not essential if you are doing the one off paddling excursion, however, if you are doing the full kayaking programme you will need to have some prior experience kayaking, or at least allow yourself time to practice prior to your Antarctic expedition!
On board, pay close attention to the safety briefings and listen to your guides, who know the conditions inside out and will keep you safe. On the water, just take a deep breath, relax those nerves and soak up every moment.
Kayaking in Antarctica is not a race but a way to slow down and truly feel the place.
This is the question that usually hangs over the entire experience. The answer depends on your budget, your comfort level, and what you want from your voyage.The cost is significant, and you will miss the occasional shore landing, yet many travellers say the trade-off is more than worthwhile. The memories of gliding silently among icebergs, of watching penguins dart beneath your paddle, or of being dwarfed by a glacier while seated in a tiny craft are experiences that no other activity offers.
Kayaking in Antarctica is a rare chance to experience the White Continent in its purest form. If it fits within your budget and sense of adventure, it is very hard to imagine regretting it.
Many travellers say kayaking in Antarctica is the highlight of their trip, offering a perspective that is impossible to experience any other way.
An Antarctica cruise is already an extraordinary journey, and adding kayaking takes it to another level. Whether you choose the full programme or just a day paddle, it will almost certainly be one of the highlights of your trip.
Curious about adding kayaking to your voyage? Have a chat with our Destination Specialists. We will help you secure your place early, guide you through the practicalities, and ensure you are fully prepared. It could be the best decision you make about your entire Antarctica adventure.
Laura Pattara has spent more than a decade writing about polar cruising at Viva Expeditions. While she has not yet set foot on the southern ice herself, she has mastered the art of turning expert accounts and field notes into guides that feel like the next best thing. Laura has a soft spot for penguins, perfectly packed duffel bags, and a well-earned cocktail in a wild place.
