{"id":3866,"date":"2019-09-02T13:27:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T12:27:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting\/?p=3866"},"modified":"2022-07-28T06:27:31","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T05:27:31","slug":"kayaking-in-antarctica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildfoottravel.websitepro.hosting\/kayaking-in-antarctica","title":{"rendered":"Kayaking in Antarctica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The great white continent is one of the last places on earth where you can experience true adventure. With its stark climate, extreme landscapes and incredible wildlife, it\u2019s fast becoming a popular destination for travellers who are looking to witness the sheer beauty and thrill of being in the wilderness. At Wildfoot, we offer a variety of different expeditions to ensure that your dream adventure is truly unforgettable. As well as fantastic itineraries<\/strong><\/a> to choose from, we also offer a number of exciting activities to try \u2013 one of the most popular being kayaking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog post, we\u2019ll explain all you need to know about kayaking on an Antarctica cruise expedition, as well as a special feature from Wildfoot Travel Expert, Debbie Grainger.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kayaking with Wildfoot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re going to have incredible opportunities to spot wildlife, such as seals and albatrosses, on your Antarctica cruise expedition<\/strong><\/a>, as well as taking in the beauty of this alien landscape. However, nothing compares to the experience of getting close and personal with whales or dolphins in your very own kayak. There\u2019s no doubt that kayaking gives you a unique perspective when exploring a new and exciting location. While it\u2019s a great workout and will have you deep breathing the fresh sea air in no time, paddling through icy blue waters with cold white icebergs in the distance can also be a form of meditation. Calming and stimulating and at the same time \u2013 what\u2019s not to love?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildfoot guides are adventurers to their core, so you can be sure they\u2019re going to recommend the most incredible itinerary for your trip. Not only do they know the Antarctic extremely well, they\u2019ve got first-hand experience of kayaking through the ice so they know how magical an experience it is. You can also be sure that while the adventure is important, safety comes first and they\u2019ll always prioritise your comfort and security \u2013 so you can kayak with confidence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kayaking. If ever you have an opportunity to kayak in the Polar regions, grasp it with both hands! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Experience: What to Expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exploring in a kayak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It\u2019s one of the best ways to see the continent, however, it might not be for everyone. Here\u2019s an overview of what to expect to help you decide if it\u2019s an activity you might like to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It gets your blood pumping:<\/strong> While you\u2019ll be seeing some incredible sights on your trip, spending around ten days on a ship means it\u2019s easy to become a little sedentary. You will have opportunities to explore on land but much of your time will be spent on the main vessel. Kayaking throughout your trip is a great way to keep active and get your body moving. So if you\u2019re an activities kind of person on holiday, you\u2019ll definitely want to give it a go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing like it<\/strong>: Exploring the icy waters of this part of the world is a feeling like no other. It\u2019s a rare experience that will deeply enrich your trip and it gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself. You\u2019ll have so many chances to get out on the kayak that you\u2019ll soon find yourself exploring areas that you may have missed on the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camaraderie<\/strong>: You will be one of a small group of kayakers and together you will be sharing the life-changing experiences of being fully absorbed in the majesty of the landscape around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get closer to nature:<\/strong> One of the best parts of an adventure like this is the nature and wildlife that you\u2019ll encounter. When you kayak, you\u2019re brought even closer to this magical world \u2013 you can literally touch the water around you. All that ice you see, you can reach out and put your hands on it (safely of course). You might even get the chance to sneak up on a group of seals or dolphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to commit:<\/strong> If you choose to kayak on your trip, you\u2019ll be committing to a certain number of outings nearly every day. This can be quite strenuous for some people, so you\u2019ll want to consider this carefully before signing up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife sightings<\/strong>: As you are quietly paddling there are opportunities to spot some wildlife<\/strong><\/a> that you might otherwise miss if you only opt for Zodiac cruises. On occasion some of our kayakers have returned from an expedition with reports of close encounters with surfacing whales: a truly life changing moment for them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography opportunities:<\/strong> Being on a small boat on the water is all about balance, which means if you want to take your big, fancy camera out every few moments, you\u2019ll be impeding that balance. A Go Pro with a mount or stick for taking underwater images is ideal, and your guides will make sure that you have opportunities to take still photos. The secret is being prepared in advance with a waterproof bag and making use of the kayak\u2019s netting which is in reach of the first kayaker on each boat. It takes a lot of skill to photograph<\/strong><\/a> from a\u00a0 kayak, but many of our cruises include photography workshops on board so you will have a chance to get lots of advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How it Works<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to kayak during your trip, you\u2019ll be put into a group of fellow kayakers and will have your own itinerary throughout the trip. Before you set off, you\u2019ll be fully briefed on the equipment and safety procedures, and be able to ask any questions. (Usually, there\u2019ll be an extra cost to take part in the kayak tours.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to kayaking, safety is paramount. If the sea conditions are poor or the currents are too dangerous, you will not be permitted to go out. An expert guide will be assigned to each group of kayakers (generally 15-20 per group). A zodiac and guide will be in attendance at all times but will remain far enough away so that the amazing silence of the kayaking experience is not disturbed by the boat\u2019s engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring the Antarctic from the water will give you an unforgettable perspective of this beautiful part of the world. Usually, you\u2019ll head out a few hours earlier than the zodiac groups and paddle for a few hours. This means you\u2019ll reach the landing site later and have less time on land but, often, there\u2019ll be fewer people around and you could even have the site to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Planning your Kayaking Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At WILDFOOT Travel, we encourage our customers to choose their excursions at the time of booking. This is to save disappointment if they decide later to kayak or camp, to find out at that stage that they\u2019re fully booked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that we have some expeditions that include a taster of various activities includingcamping<\/strong><\/a>, kayaking, snowshoe\/hiking, mountaineering and photo workshops? You can find out more about our available cruise expeditions here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prices for kayak trips start from around \u00a3366pp. Subject to weather conditions, the expedition team will aim to get you out as many times as possible, as other passengers will do the landings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is typically included in your kayaking trip?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kayaks, paddles, drysuits, splash shirts and spray covers, and a life-jacket\/kayak vest are all included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you will want to make sure you dress appropriately for your excursion in the open Polar air. So, you\u2019ll need to bring along your own:<\/p>\n\n\n\n