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 surface of the water.
Our Paddle Excursion Program provides sit-on-top, two-person, inflatable kayaks that provide guests with an intimate, water-level experience in unforgettable locations in both the Arctic and Antarctica. These stable, rugged and comfortable crafts are an ideal way to see the polar regions from a different perspective. On-ship, you'll be provided with instruction and equipment including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will lead you safely throughout the paddling excursion. Your group will always be escorted by a safety driver in another kayak who will stay close by to provide additional support.
Excursions last a minimum of one hour and are offered to participants once per voyage. Each group includes 10 paddlers, 1 guide and 1 one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions determine the timing and location of Paddling Excursions.
Is Kaying Experience Necessary?
The Paddle 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 kayak from the Zodiac, and to maneuver with your paddle.
Provided Gear
- Inflatable Super Lynx sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle
- Drysuit
- Insulated rubber gloves
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Neoprene booties
- 10L dry bag
- Water bottle
Other recommended gear/clothing
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Thin fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Liner socks
- Thick wool socks
- Neckwarmer
- Warm hat
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and lip balm
- Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)**
- Waterproof backpack
Tip: It’s a good idea to protect any camera gear in a drybag. Small waterproof cameras should be attached to your PFD with a string and carabiner.
More Adventure Options
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sea Kayaking
Antarctic
Arctic
Beginner
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.
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.
Stand-up Paddleboarding
Antarctic
Flightseeing aboard Ultramarine
Antarctic
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.
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
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.