If you are looking for another way to nurture your inner adventurer, our day paddle excursion might be the perfect fit! Absorb the majestic scenery from a more intimate vantage point as you paddle through the pristine waters of Antarctica on a sit-on-top kayak. 

Our expertly guided, one-time Paddle Program gives you the rare chance to see White Continent from the same perspective as most of the marine wildlife – at the surface of the sea.

Is a day paddle for you?

Our day paddle excursions are a great way to feel at one with the sea while enjoying some spectacular glacial scenery and perhaps watching penguins swim directly underneath your kayak. Our stable, inflatable crafts offer you an intimate experience and are ideal to see Antarctica from a different perspective. They are easy to navigate and don’t require any previous experience. If you want to add some variety to your expedition and have little or no paddle experience, then our day paddle excursion is the perfect addition to your Antarctic voyage.

What to expect

Our day paddle excursions last 1.5-2 hours and are offered to our guests once per voyage. Our experienced guide will lead the small group, consisting of paddlers, one guide and one safety Zodiac driver, safely throughout the paddle excursion while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. We offer a limited number of Day Paddle excursion spaces per voyage and they can be pre-booked. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. Additional spaces may be made available for booking on board via our Expedition Team, subject to itinerary and weather conditions.

Safety precautions

You will be guided by a minimum of one experienced cold-water guide and one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions will determine the timing and location of the paddle excursion. For your safety, you will need to verify that your travel and medical insurance covers kayaking and all participants will be required to join a briefing and sign a waiver prior to disembarking for the excursion. The recommended minimum age for participants is 16 years and you must be an efficient swimmer.

Clothing and equipment

On the Ocean Endeavour, we will provide you with instructions and equipment, including dry suits, neoprene booties, waterproof gloves, and PFD (personal flotation device). You will be guided as to what to wear under your drysuit before your first excursion.

Is paddle experience necessary?

If you have little or no paddling experience but have an adventurous spirit and would like to add some variety to your expedition, our day paddle excursion is perfect for you. No experience is required to manoeuvre our very stable, inflatable sit-on-top kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in the breathtaking surroundings of Antarctica.

How physically fit do I need to be?

You must be fit enough to enter and exit the kayak from the Zodiac and to manoeuvre with your paddle.

How often will I paddle?

Our day paddle excursions are a one-time experience and we will aim to take you out on the water for 1-2 hours of paddling. Wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of our paddling excursions.

What size is the group?

The Expedition Paddle Guide-to-Day Paddle participant ratio will always be at least 1:10. A safety Expedition Zodiac driver accompanies the group at all times.
Day Paddle Info Sheet

View our full range of Antarctica Cruises