One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.
Glide silently past towering icebergs or paddle through warm turquoise waters, discovering remote bays, hidden coves, and wildlife up close.
From the icy waters of Antarctica and the Arctic to the vibrant coastlines of Costa Rica, Panama, Indonesia and Borneo, our sea kayaking adventures are an unforgettable way to connect with nature.
Polar Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking holidays in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica, the Arctic are guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle around brash ice and near icebergs of all shapes and sizes, absorbing the majestic scenery as it unfolds before you.
Tropical Sea Kayaking
Discover the rhythm of the tropics by kayak as you paddle through the warm, wildlife-rich waters of Costa Rica, Indonesia and Borneo. Navigate hidden lagoons, explore lush coastlines, and glide beneath jungle canopies alive with birdsong.
Featured Sea Kayaking Itineraries
Polar Expedition
Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica Active: All Inclusive Activities
15 Days
USD
$21,495
per person
twin share
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Polar Expedition
Svalbard
Jewels of the Arctic
13 Days
GBP
£12,661
From
£14,895
per person
twin share
Discovery Expedition
Scotland
Wild Scotland
12 Days
GBP
£9,595
per person
twin share
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Sea Kayaking FAQs
How big are the kayaking groups?
Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.
Kayakers must be 14 or over. Parent or Guardian’s signature is required for participants between 14 and 18 years old.
How often should I expect to paddle?
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. We value a program style that maintains participants through trip to maximise skill progression, group bonding and dynamics, and minimise wasted time with briefings and equipment tryouts.
Top reasons to choose a Scuba Diving holiday
See wildlife unobtrusively
Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach. SUPs are one of the best ways to spot rare wildlife, from curious marine life to diverse birds.
Better access
Access intimate bays and coves that bigger crafts can't reach.
Knowledgeable guides
Our experienced sea kayak guides will help bring your chosen destination to life.
Become an expert
Hone your kayaking skills and gain a hobby for life!
Make friends
Become lifelong friends with your small group of like-minded adventurers.
Stay fit on your holiday
Being active every day on your holiday means you don't have to feel guilty about being spoilt by our expert chefs!
Enhance your experience
Add another layer to your once-in-a-lifetime holiday and make the most out of your time in some of the most remote places on earth.
It's fun!
Have the time of your life exploring some of the wildest places on earth from the water.
FAQs
How big are the kayaking groups?
Our guide to paddler ratio is 1:10 and we provide an accompanying safety Zodiac. There are 26 places available in Antarctica and tropical voyages, 20 in temperate regions, South Georgia and all Arctic trips except in Franz Josef Land where the maximum is 16 kayakers.
Is there an age limit?
Kayakers must be 14 or over.
How often should I expect to paddle?
Sea kayaking is offered in place of regular shore excursions. We aim to paddle as often as possible. Depending on the voyage, we generally aim to paddle twice per day.
Can I carry anything in the kayak?
We will give you a drybag for extra clothing, binoculars and anything that needs to be kept dry. You should also carry a water bottle. We recommend bringing a waterproof camera or phone, or ensuring you have a good quality waterproof case.
What if the weather changes during an outing?
If the weather changes during our outing we will head back to the ship and perhaps join a shore excursion. The ship’s captain, expedition leader and kayak guide always maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. We do not attempt to paddle too far away from the ship. The emphasis is on experiencing the destination rather than travelling long distances.
What about paddling through ice or swell?
The kayaks are made with a hard plastic and are easily paddled in swell and conducting shore landings, and through small patches of brash ice. We manoeuvre around the larger ice chunks and floes.
What wildlife will I see?
Polar regions
Kayaking in the poles offers a unique wildlife viewing experience. In Antarctica, we have many opportunities to encounter penguins, seals and whales, and occasionally we may even spot leopard seals or orcas. In the Arctic, we’ll paddle under nesting bird colonies, past massive glaciers and around large icebergs, however we maintain a safe distance from polar bears and walruses. Our guides carry rifles and flare guns in the Arctic to ensure your safety against polar bears.
Temperate regions
Kayakers in wild temperate regions will have a unique wildlife experience, with possible encounters with seals and basking sharks. You will have the opportunity to view some of the largest sea bird colonies in the northern hemisphere.
Tropical regions
The superb wildlife-viewing opportunities are endless in the astonishingly biodiverse nature reserves we visit. Kayaks offer a unique opportunity to view marine and land mammals, coral reefs, tropical fish, sea birds and an astonishing range of rainforest birds. We will bring our snorkelling gear with us during our paddles and take advantage of any opportunities to view marine life up close.
What happens if I capsize?
In the unlikely event of a capsize, your experienced guide will assist by righting the kayak, stabilising it then pumping it out. Paddlers will re-enter with the guide’s help, or with a support Zodiac. With drysuits and warm clothing underneath you will be comfortable in cold water for up to half an hour. Note that the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads, which means they will float after a capsize.
Can I share my kayaking place?
No. Each kayaking place is for one person only. Passengers are unable to share a kayaking place as we customise the kayaks and dry suits for each individual kayaker at the beginning of each voyage.