Antarctica is an excellent destination for adventurers and thrill seekers looking to get their feet moving and their hearts pumping in a safe and controlled environment.
The cruise company can arrange daily shore excursions and activities for those who would prefer to venture off the ship. On shore landings that last at least a few hours, guests will have the opportunity to explore the landscape and wildlife. Despite the fact that these hikes are relatively easy, they still provide a good workout for visitors.
Guests who prefer a more active vacation, on the other hand, will find a variety of options available to them. We’ve selected the top six Antarctic activities that we think you’ll enjoy doing. Because not all tour operators provide the same activities, it is important to consult with a specialist before making a reservation.
If you want to witness an active Antarctic crisis, the Basecamp cruise is highly recommended.
Kayaking in the ocean is a fun activity.
If you enjoy kayaking, it is one of the most popular activities in Antarctica for those who do. Although nearly all tour companies offer kayaking as an option, reservations are required due to the high demand for this activity.
The experience of sea kayaking in Antarctica provides a unique perspective on this continent. Taking a kayak tour around an iceberg provides a unique perspective on the landscape.
As an added bonus, kayaking is significantly more peaceful than traveling by traditional zodiac. Zodiacs are unable to get this close to the wildlife in this manner because of their size. Kayaks are less likely to be chased away by seals and penguins, allowing you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Whales have also been known to approach kayakers because they are naturally curious about their surroundings. Being able to kayak within feet of a whale is well worth the additional $900 investment in this trip.
While in Antarctica, you’ll have the opportunity to go kayaking almost every day of your stay. It is possible that this will not be possible due to bad weather and rough seas. A previous kayaking experience is highly recommended.
Plunge into the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean
There is nothing else in Antarctica that will get your heart racing like taking the polar plunge. As the name implies, participants in the polar plunge dive into the icy waters of Antarctica wearing nothing but their bathing suits or shorts. Participants in the polar plunge must be at least 18 years old.
The majority of tour operators are once again offering polar plunges. Some operators will jump from the boat, while others will land on the sand dunes nearby. It is possible that the waters around Deception Island are slightly warmer than they would be otherwise because the island is a caldera of an active volcano.
Guests are welcome to participate in the polar plunge at their own risk and for no charge. A stiff drink or two will be offered to you after your tram ride to help get your blood pumping once more after your tram ride.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are popular activities in the area.
Visitors who want to spend more time in the water and learn more about the world beneath the ice can opt for snorkeling or scuba diving in Antarctica, which is a popular activity.
Because diving is such a specialized activity, dive operators are few and far between. A significant amount of previous cold-water diving experience is required, and you must demonstrate this in your logbook before you can proceed with this course. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who have the necessary skills to take advantage of it. Seeing the massive size of the icebergs beneath the surface of the water is a spectacular sight.
Snorkeling is a relatively new activity in Antarctica, with only a handful of tour operators currently offering it. Comparatively to scuba diving, snorkeling does not require any prior knowledge or experience, making it more accessible to a wider range of people.
Do not forget to schedule your diving and snorkeling excursions well in advance.
Hiking enthusiasts who want to venture a little further afield during shore landings in Antarctica should consider snowshoeing as an alternative mode of transportation. Guests will be presented with a variety of snowshoeing options to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging. In addition to being accompanied by an expert guide, a guided snowshoe hike can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours in length.
Although the basic hikes do not necessitate extreme physical fitness, it is beneficial to be in good shape if you want to get the most out of them. There will be snowshoes available, but we recommend that you bring your own water bottle, hiking poles, and sunglasses to avoid being disappointed.
There are only a few tour companies that provide snowshoeing services, and it is usually included in the cruise price.
Using a stand-up paddle board to paddle around.
Similarly to snorkeling, paddle boarding is becoming increasingly popular as a new activity in Antarctica. Given the increase in popularity that it has seen in recent years, this is hardly surprising at this point. The activity of stand up paddle boarding, also known as ‘SUPing,’ is a fantastic way to get a fresh perspective on the Bay of Antarctica.
Make your way around an iceberg and marvel at its formation as you paddle quietly by sea ice, where seals rest in the summer sun. If you prefer to look up at the sky from your paddle board, you can stand, kneel, or even lie down on it.
It is not necessary to have any prior experience, but it is necessary to be comfortable in and around water. There is only one operator offering paddle boarding at the moment, but this is expected to change in the near future. You should keep in mind that, despite the fact that you will be paddle boarding in protected bays and inlets, the sport is extremely dependent on the weather conditions.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering will be a favorite activity for the ship’s more adventurous passengers. This is a more extreme version of snowshoeing, and it is what this is all about. It is necessary to have a moderate level of fitness to participate in either the half-day or full-day hike, depending on your choice. You must be able to hike for an extended period of time, including up and down some steep hills, in order to participate in the activity.
On each trip, only one hike will be offered; however, if there is enough space, additional hikes may be offered. You will be required to wear crampons on sections that are glaciated or steep in order to ensure your safety. Your guide will tie ropes around the necks of each participant in order to ensure their safety.
