Antarctic Adventure Activities

Antarctic Adventure Activities

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can enhance with optional Antarctic adventure activities. How many people can say that they’ve kayaked at the bottom of the world surrounded by seals, whales, and penguins? Or paddled among Antarctic icebergs and hiked a mountain on the 7th Continent? Not many. Our guests can do one or more of these activities while traveling with us. Discover which adventure is right for you.

Hiking and Snowshoeing in Antarctica

One Antarctic adventure to get started is touching ground in Antarctica. Hear the crisp white snow crackle as your snowshoes help you glide along untouched terrain. Or grab your walking poles as we hike through to the best vantage points each landing has to offer. Each excursion location is selected to offer the best views of the surrounding landscapes. Under the leadership of your expert polar mountain guide, you start from the shore and climb to higher elevations, enjoying breathtaking views as you gain ground. All required equipment is provided by Antarctica21. All you need to pack is your sense of adventure and a camera.

• The excursion is available at an extra cost on all our Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle voyages.
• Only 12 people per voyage can participate, led by a hiking or snowshoeing guide.
• Each excursion lasts about 90 minutes.
• Note that those wishing to book the hiking and snowshoeing program do not need previous experience. However, a certain level of fitness is required of participants.

Sea Kayaking in Antarctica

One of the best Antarctica adventures is gliding through Antarctica’s waters on a sea kayak. With icebergs surrounding you, and wildlife playing inquisitively around your vessel, you’ll see the White Continent as you’ve never imagined. Your Kayak Master navigates you through the calm waters of the Peninsula, pointing out wildlife and natural wonders. The Kayak Master will strive to offer some time at the landing site so you can also explore on land. At some locations, there is an opportunity to sit back and absorb the indescribable natural beauty, and the silence is interrupted only by the sounds of nature. It’s a magical experience.

• The sea kayaking adventure is available at an extra cost on all our expeditions, except the Antarctica Express air-cru.
• Each excursion lasts about 90 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore on land as well.
• You must be 16 years of age or older to participate, and you must have some prior experience with kayaking.
• Only 10 guests per voyage can book the sea kayaking option, and it usually sells out quickly.

Please read one of our Antarctica21 Team Member’s experience on Sea Kayaking in Antarctica or view our Program Details for Kayaking in Antarctica.

Kayaking in Antarctica

Citizen Science in Antarctica

Opportunities for understanding and for gaining knowledge are weaved throughout your Antarctic adventure, with multiple touchpoints. Our expedition team offers engaging presentations on board the ship and interpretation in the field. Additionally, there are several one-on-one moments throughout your journey where conversations with team members build upon the day’s experiences, leading to contextualized understanding.

Thanks to the small-scale of our operation, those moments frequently happen: in the lounge, in the dining room, on deck, during a Zodiac cruise, and on countless other opportunities.

Finally, we offer interactive workshops where you can participate and learn, like Citizen Science programs that collect data in support of scientists worldwide and more. Participate by taking phytoplankton surveys along the fjord-lined coast of the peninsula, keeping track of migrating whales, gathering photos of wildlife, and reporting on their tags, or conducting bird surveys while at sea or onshore

Read more about Citizen Science Onboard with Antarctica21.

Other Antarctic Adventures to Enjoy

Zodiac Excursions
There are many other Antarctic adventures to have as well while you are in Antarctica. On every trip with us, you can enjoy taking a zodiac excursion that allows you to view the 7th Continent from the vantage point of the sea and explore harder-to-reach places that are not accessible by ship.

Read about the different Penguins in Antarctica or the Rare and Fascinating Wildlife Encounters in Antarctica that you too can have.

Polar Plunge
One of our most exhilarating Antarctic adventures is jumping into the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Our guides will tell you this is one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating activities to try, and they take the opportunity to dip into the blue waters every chance they get. Even if you’re not ready to take the plunge, watching your fellow travelers dive in is also a fun way to participate.

Photograph Antarctica’s Wildlife and Landscapes
A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice and an array of wildlife species, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty and is one of the best places to take advantage of your photography skills.

Read one about the photography experiences of one of our past guests or a story from the lens of a professional photographer.

Observe the Wildlife
All of our Antarctic adventures give you ample time to see the wildlife that makes the White Continent its home. Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in Antarctica during the Austral Summer. Present in large numbers, you can move along in their world.

Here are a few other stories to help you get started planning your travels to the White Continent.

• Read our Guest Travel Experiences
• Read our Antarctica21 Team Stories
• 10 Steps to Plan an Antarctic Expedition
• The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica
• How to Visit Antarctica?
• Everything You Need to Know About Flying to Antarctica