Antarctica

Passengers travelling on some of our Antarctic itineraries may have the opportunity to take part in optional excursions on offer. Imagine spending a night under canvas on the world’s most remote continent, mountaineering on pristine peaks, or silently kayaking amongst glistening icebergs. 

Available on selected voyages and accompanied by specialist guides, pre-booking one of the following adventure options will give your voyage an individual twist. Please be aware that spaces are very limited and early booking is essential.

CAMPING
What better way to empathise with the great explorers of the past than to spend a night under canvas in this beautiful wilderness. Camping on this vast frozen continent offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with Antarctica in a more personal way. Weather and ice conditions permitting, a maximum of 10 campers will be allowed to spend one night camping during the voyage. Tents will be pitched close to Port Lockroy on the shores of Neumayer Channel, away from wildlife concentrations to avoid disturbance.

Camping is available on both the Classic Antarctica and Crossing the Antarctic Circle itineraries, on board the following vessels only: Akademik Sergey Vavilov, Akademik Shokalskiy and Ocean Nova. All adventure activities are on a pre-registered basis only – early booking is essential.

SEA KAYAKING
To experience the might and beauty of Antarctica from a kayak is truly unforgettable. As you paddle silently through narrow channels, past giant sculpted icebergs and alongside cobble beaches you’ll have the chance to explore the Continent’s breathtaking scenery and marine life close up. Water visibility is often incredible and you may see torpedo-like penguins darting through the ice waters below. 
Each trip is led by qualified kayak instructors and accompanied by a Zodiac safety boat. Stable Prijon kayaks are supplied, together with dry suits. Previous experience of kayaking is compulsory. 

Kayaking is available on the Classic Antarctica, Crossing the Antarctic Circle and the Peninsula, Falklands & South Georgia itineraries, on board the following vessels only: Akademik Sergey Vavilov, Akademik Shokalskiy, Ocean Nova and Plancius. All adventure activities are on a pre-registered basis only – early booking is essential.

MOUNTAINEERING
If gazing up at spectacular Antarctic icebergs isn’t awe-inspiring enough, you can always put your mountaineering skills to work and try climbing one of the ice cliffs or beautiful peaks on the Antarctic Peninsula. Our expert guides provide detailed briefings and all the equipment you need, together with helpful direction as you climb. If you’re up for the challenge, this will add a new dimension to your Antarctic adventure. Previous experience is preferred but not essential, though you must be in excellent health and of above average physical fitness.

Mountaineering is available on selected departures of the Classic Antarctica and Peninsula, Falklands & South Georgia itineraries, on board the Ocean Nova only. All adventure activities are on a pre-registered basis only – early booking is essential.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Imagine cross-country skiing across this vast continent. Ski past stunning scenery and admire unique Antarctic wildlife as you traverse this remote part of the world. Travel in the same manner as Scott and Shackleton through this spectacular landscape, on your own pair of cross-country skis. Cross-country skiing in this region means you can travel quickly and quietly under your own power; allowing you to explore deeper into this great white continent and enjoy rare wildlife encounters. Previous cross-country skiing experience is not necessary, however, participants should be in good physical condition. 

Cross country skiing is available on selected departures of the Classic Antarctica and Peninsula, Falklands & South Georgia itineraries, on board the Ocean Nova only. All adventure activities are on a pre-registered basis only – early booking is essential.

From US$550 per person