Which Antarctica cruises let you kayak, camp on the ice, or dive in a submersible?
By Aspen Travel Advisors · Last verified · Counts drawn live from the Virtuoso-sourced atlas
Kayaking is offered by nearly every serious Antarctic operator, but in small paid programs of 10–16 paddlers that sell out months ahead. Overnight ice camping is reliably run by Quark and Aurora. Submersibles are Seabourn's — Venture and Pursuit each carry two six-guest subs. Helicopters are Quark's, on Ultramarine.
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.