Which Antarctica cruises let you kayak, camp on the ice, or dive in a submersible?
By Aspen Travel Advisors · Last verified · Grounded in the Base Camp Living Atlas
Kayaking is offered by nearly every serious operator — Quark, Aurora, Lindblad, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant and others — but only in small paid programs (often 10–16 paddlers per sailing) that sell out months ahead. Overnight ice camping is rarer: Quark and Aurora are the reliable names. Submersibles are Seabourn's card — Venture and Pursuit each carry two six-guest subs. Helicopters are Quark's — Ultramarine carries two, flying heli-hiking and flightseeing programs nothing else in the fleet can match.
The rule across all of it: adventure options are capacity-capped, weather-dependent, and booked at reservation time, not on board. If the polar plunge is the only add-on you want, relax — everyone offers that, weather permitting, free.
Who offers what
| Activity | Operators / ships | Typical capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea kayaking | Quark, Aurora, Lindblad, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant, HX | 10–16 guests per sailing | Paid program; some lines require prior experience, others train |
| Overnight ice camping | Quark, Aurora | 20–30 per night | One night, bivvy bags on snow; sells out first |
| Submersible dives | Seabourn (Venture, Pursuit) | 2 subs × 6 guests | Weather- and site-dependent; book early, expect waitlists |
| Helicopter flightseeing / heli-hiking | Quark (Ultramarine) | 2 helicopters | The only heli program in the luxury Antarctic fleet |
| Polar plunge | Everyone | All guests | Free, supervised, unforgettable, brief |
| Snowshoeing / hiking tiers | Aurora, Quark, Lindblad | Varies | Usually included; sign up on board |
| Polar scuba diving | Aurora (select departures) | Small, certified divers only | Dry-suit experience required |
How to actually get the slot
- Reserve activities the same day you reserve the cabin — kayak and camping manifests for December–January fill 6–12 months out.
- Ask whether the kayak program is 'expedition kayaking' (same paddlers all trip, most immersive — Lindblad, Aurora style) or 'try-it' paddling excursions (rotating slots — easier to get, less committed).
- Submersible and helicopter operations need calm weather; on a 10-day trip most guests fly/dive once. Treat a second outing as a gift.
- Check the physical requirements honestly — camping means a night at -5 to -15°C, and polar diving is expert-only.
Frequently asked
How much do the add-ons cost?
Ballpark, per person: kayaking programs about $500–$1,200; camping about $300–$500; submersible dives are frequently included on Seabourn but capacity-limited; Ultramarine's flightseeing is included with rotation, while heli-hiking packages carry a premium. Prices move — confirm at booking.
Can beginners kayak in Antarctica?
On most lines, yes — calm-water outings with guides and safety Zodiacs. Aurora and Quark's full expedition-kayak programs prefer or require prior paddling experience. Be truthful on the form; the Southern Ocean isn't the place to discover you hate kayaks.
Is camping on the ice comfortable?
No, and that's the point. You dig a shallow trench, sleep in a bivvy bag, hear the ice talk all night, and it becomes the story you tell most. One night is exactly enough.