Watch My Experience in Antarctica {Sound On}
Expedition Activities
You better believe this is going to be an expedition filled with adventure! In fact, the main reason I selected this particular ship was that it offered the greatest range of exploration and polar adventure out of every company venturing here.
On my last trip, 'Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Peninsula' (which followed the same itinerary we will take), I enjoyed spectacular mountainside hikes that retraced parts of Shackleton's final journey, polar snorkelling, countless animal sightings, as well as constant surprises every single zodiac and on-shore excursion.
It felt as though I condensed ten years of adventure into three weeks!
On our expedition, every passenger can expect to enjoy:
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Guided Hikes
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The Polar Plunge
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Antarctic Photography Workshops
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Citizen Science Projects
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Zodiac Excursions
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Shore Landings
It is impossible to provide a set itinerary as each landing and activity will be based around the weather for that day. We are in the most pristine, but also wild part of our planet, so the route we take will be an adventure in itself, to ensure we get the maximum amount of time exploring on land each day.
So you can better understand what your day might consist of - you might spend the morning observing a penguin colony, or hiking up a glacier on the continent of Antarctica, followed by a zodiac excursion or the polar plunge in the evening.
Optional Adventure Add-on Activities
Something for the Thrill Seekers!
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For those of you who are looking to step up your adventure level to its maximum and also tick off your ultimate Bucket-List experience, our expedition ship will also offer Optional Adventure Activities.
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Sea Kayaking
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Polar Snorkelling
These are programs in which you can participate at every available opportunity, but don't worry - you won't miss out on anything else by choosing this. Those who are participating in an Optional Activity will leave the ship first and arrive back last, allowing them more time off the ship so that they can still participate in the Zodiac Cruise and On Shore Excursion.
Due to the logistics of assigning specialised equipment and organising safety checks for each program team, it will not be possible on this voyage to participate in both the Snorkel and Kayak program, instead you should choose just one (on my voyage I chose Snorkelling).
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All equipment (e.g. dry suits) will be provided, so the only thing you need to bring is an adventurous attitude and a water-proof camera to capture it all (don't worry - I'll be filming and shooting the entire thing).
Because of the specialised guides that are required to lead you on these small group programs, along with all of the additional resources (drysuits etc) - these programs are subject to availability and an additional cost will be required.
Someone from the ships booking team will discuss this with you, but I would recommend booking in as soon as possible to confirm your space.
Sea Kayaking
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica.
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The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.
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Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.
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Get down to water level and paddle through sea ice, among glistening icebergs and wildlife. Encounter sea-ice seals hauled out on ice floes, dodge rafts of porpoising penguins and perhaps be pleasantly startled by curious whales surfacing to get a closer look at you. Led by highly-experienced and enthusiastic guides, join a small group of like-minded paddlers eager to fully experience nature at its wildest. Kayaking in the polar regions can be strenuous and challenging and is therefore not recommended for complete novices.
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What’s Involved?
​Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to see as much as possible. We paddle anywhere between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, sometimes taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.
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Each small group of kayakers will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that may be inaccessible to the Zodiacs and will also make time for their own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.
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When we visit the poles, the elements play an important role. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that our kayaking time will be affected by the weather that we experience.
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Even if your experience is limited, we’d encourage you to call us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart.
Equipment Included
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Kayak & Paddle
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Neoprene boots
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Safety gear
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A 15-litre dry bag
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Life jackets
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Drysuits
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Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)
Our Guides
Our guides have years of kayaking experience in our destinations. The sea kayaking guide will lead the group on each excursion, explaining facts about the wildlife and other highlights we paddle across. Read about some of our expert guides below.
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How to Book
Please return the kayaking form at the time of booking if you would like to include the optional sea kayaking activity for your expedition. Places are limited so we recommend reserving your place early.
Sea Kayaking
Snorkelling
Discover the underwater world of Antarctica!
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Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautifully sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!
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With a longstanding tradition of pushing the boundaries, Aurora Expeditions launched our Antarctic snorkelling adventures in 2014. This unique experience will allow passengers to see both destinations in a completely new dimension, witnessing wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth.
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This latest innovative activity option is led by our expert polar diving guides, and utilises state of the art equipment including drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel. Passengers will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need to experience Antarctica from this truly unique angle.
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Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependent), taking delight in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing.
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Our Guides
Our team of experienced dive guides have over 20 years’ polar diving experience and provide snorkellers and divers with detailed briefings and best practice procedures to ensure a safe snorkelling and diving experience.
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Group Size
Polar snorkelling requires at least 6 snorkellers for the activity to proceed. Please ask our team for numbers at time of booking.
How to Book
Please return the polar snorkelling activity form at the time of booking. Simply inform our Expedition Experts at time of booking that you would like to include the optional snorkelling activity to your expedition. Places are limited.