Guests enjoying the paddle excursion in Greenland. Photo by Acacia Johnson.

Paddling Excursion

Available in All Regions

Overview


Glide through the pristine polar waters in a sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayak for an unforgettable experience in the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by an additional safety driver who will stay close by to provide additional support.

Information at a Glance

Optional Add-On Adventure Activity

1 Guide and 1 Safety Driver Per 10 Guests

1-1.5 Hours

Moderate Fitness Level

No Past Experience Required

This activity has a minimum age requirement of 18, or, 16 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is also a weight restriction of 250 lbs.

Expeditions With Paddling Excursions

What You’ll Need

Suggested Equipment

  • Base and mid-layer clothing
  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks
  • Glove liners
  • Hand warmers
  • Brimmed hat or warm hat
  • Scarf, buff, or neck warmer
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof & sweatproof sunscreen & lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
  • Waterproof camera and accessories

Provided Equipment

  • Inflatable kayak
  • Muck boots
  • Dry suit
  • Paddle
  • Gloves
  • Life jacket
  • Quark Expeditions parka
  • Water bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

The Paddling Excursion was created for guests with little or no paddling experience, or for those who want a single paddle experience to add variety to their expedition. Participants must be fit enough to enter and exit the inflatable kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.  

The Paddling Excursion is a one-time, guided outing using stable inflatable kayaks—perfect for beginners or those wanting a short, easy experience. The Sea Kayaking Program is a more in-depth, multi-day experience with traditional sea kayaks, offering experienced kayakers a more active and immersive adventure.

Paddling excursions are scheduled in either a morning or afternoon excursion slot, when weather and sea conditions are ideal. You’ll embark on your paddling excursion while others are exploring in a Zodiac, or conducting a shore landing. You may get to conduct a shore landing after the excursion, however if you don’t, no need to worry as you’ll still have other opportunities to go ashore during the voyage.

Your paddle guide will only take you out when the weather is favorable and the water is calm. Your safety is always our top priority. If conditions aren’t suitable on a given day, the excursion will be postponed and rescheduled for a day with better conditions. If we’re unable to run the paddling excursion at all during your voyage due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund for the activity.

If you’re booking with one of our Polar Travel Advisors, just let them know you’d like to join a Paddling Excursion and they’ll be happy to add it to your booking (pending availability). If you’re booking online, you’ll have the option to add a Paddling Excursion during checkout, provided it’s available for your chosen voyage.

Already booked your expedition? No problem, just reach out to our Client Experience Team by giving us a call. They’ll confirm availability and pricing, and help you add the experience to your booking.

Point of view from a paddler's perspective. Photo by Acacia Johnson

Ready To Go Paddling?

Our Polar Travel Advisor will recommend the best expedition
itinerary to suit your requirements.

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