Beginner
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.
Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in both Antarctica and the Arctic, in which paddlers will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective. Whether you're relatively new to kayaking or you've been paddling for years, you will enjoy this program, but you must have some previous kayaking experience.
Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guides will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.
Additional Details
Fitness Level Required
Moderate
Experience Required
None
Other Limtations
None
Provided Equipment
• Sea kayak (single or double)
• Spray-skirt and paddle
• Dry suit, neoprene pogies and booties
• Rubber gloves for waterproof layer
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• 10L dry bag
Suggested Equipment
• Base and mid-layer clothing (drysuits keep you dry, but not warm)
• Wool or synthetic hiking socks
• Water bottle (complimentary collapsible reusable water bottles provided onboard)
• Brimmed hat as well as a warm hat
• Scarf/buff/neck warmer
• Sunglasses and/or goggles
• Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)
• Camera and accessories
More Adventure Options
Exclusive Heli-Landing
Antarctic
Imagine setting foot in an area of the world that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate.
Paddling Excursion
Antarctic
Every sweep of the paddle as your craft glides through the pristine polar waters creates an incredible soundtrack: the jostle of glacial ice, the lapping of waves against the rocky shore, the perpetual drip from your paddle, the call of seabirds, and the occasional splash as wildlife break the su
Presentations
Antarctic
Arctic
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
Exclusive Heli-Landing (Patagonia)
Antarctic
Imagine setting foot in an area of Patagonia that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive site where no ships can navigate.
Sea Kayaking
Antarctic
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable.
Hiking
Antarctic
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica.
Polar Plunge
Antarctic
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac.
Flightseeing aboard Ultramarine
Antarctic
Sea Kayaking
Antarctic
Arctic
Beginner
Zodiac Cruising
Antarctic
Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
Camping
Antarctic
Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements.
Photography
Antarctic
Arctic
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Antarctic
Alpine Heli-Trekking
Antarctic
Let us take you on an active adventure high up in the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be part of an intimate group of adventurers to board one of Ultramarine's two twin-engine helicopters for a trekking excursion in an area only safely accessed by air.