Optional Activity: Day Paddling

Day Paddle (also called Discover Kayaking) is a one-time excursion and is generally done on a beginner friendly kayak.

Is the Day Paddle option best for you?
Day paddle excursions are a great way to feel at one with the sea while enjoying some spectacular glacial scenery and perhaps watching penguins swim directly underneath your kayak. You will usually paddle on a stable kayak which offers you an intimate experience and are ideal to see Antarctica from a different perspective. They are easy to navigate and don’t require any previous experience.

If you want to add some variety to your expedition and have little or no paddle experience, then a day paddle excursion is the perfect addition to your Antarctic voyage. 

Note: Some ships may have day paddle as an excursion that is available to book onboard only. 

What to expect
Day paddle (Discover Kayaking) excursions generally last 1.5 to two hours and are offered to guests once per voyage. You will paddle with an experienced guide who will lead a small group, with a safety Zodiac driver, while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Each departure offers a limited number of Day Paddle excursion spaces per voyage and they can generally be pre-booked. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. 

The excursions are subject to weather conditions. In the event of favourable conditions more spaces may become available to book and pay for onboard the ship. If your paddling experience is cancelled due to weather, most providers will provide a refund for this and you will receive this through your booking agent on your return. 

Day Paddle VS Kayaking 
For ships that offer BOTH Kayaking and Day Paddle, you may be wondering what the difference is?

Day Paddle is a one-time experience that is designed for people who want to experience kayaking in Antarctica once. You don't need any previous experience kayaking, however, you should be able to swim and have a reasonable amount of fitness.

Kayaking programmes offer multiple excursions on kayak and are for people who want to be kayaking as much as possible. You have the option of exploring by zodiac and on-shore excursions (especially if the weather does not permit kayaking), but this is for experienced kayakers who want to explore the bays of Antarctica mainly via kayak. The cost for multiple kayak excursions is much higher than a day paddle one-time experience.

Safety precautions
You will be guided by a minimum of one experienced cold-water guide and one safety Zodiac driver. The wind, weather and water conditions will determine the timing and location of the paddle excursion.
For your safety, you will need to verify that your travel and medical insurance covers kayaking and all participants will be required to join a briefing and sign a waiver prior to disembarking for the excursion. The recommended minimum age for participants is 16 years and you must be an efficient swimmer.

You must have adequate fitness and range of motion to be able to paddle and to climb in and out of a kayak to be able to participate in this activity. 

Clothing and equipment
You will be provided with instructions and equipment, including dry suits, neoprene booties, waterproof gloves, and a PFD (personal flotation device).

You will be guided as to what to wear under your dry suit before your first excursion.