11 days of polar exploration, from Ushuaia to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctica at water level
Sea kayaking in Antarctica means entering a world where time seems to stand still: ancient glaciers, ice-covered mountains, wind-sculpted icebergs and silence broken only by the breath of a whale or the splash of a diving penguin.
The expedition ship becomes our polar base camp. It crosses the Drake Passage, moves between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, then launches the kayaks close to the exploration areas. Kayaking offers a completely different experience from the view from the deck: slower, quieter and more intimate.
In Antarctica, no itinerary can be fixed in advance. Weather, wind, swell, ice and wildlife activity determine which sites are accessible and which activities are possible each day. This flexibility is not a limitation of the voyage: it is the very essence of a genuine polar expedition.
Expedition essentials
Antarctica · South Shetland Islands · Antarctic Peninsula
Fully booked
Guaranteed departure
- Duration
- 11 days · 10 nights aboard
- Embarkation
- Ushuaia · meet at around 4:00 pm
- Ship
- Plancius · Oceanwide Expeditions
- Kayaks
- Tandem kayaks exclusively
- Kayaking programme
- Up to 2 outings per exploration day · around 1½ to 2 hours per outing
- Return port
- Ushuaia
- Price
- From €10,100 per person, depending on cabin category
The voyage outline is indicative. The captain and expedition leader adapt the navigation, landings and kayaking outings each day according to sea, ice and weather conditions.
Watch the expedition
Experience Antarctica from the kayak and the expedition ship: the ice, the mountains of the peninsula and the extraordinary scale of these polar landscapes.
Why this expedition is different
- Two complementary experiences: the comfort and range of the ship, followed by the silence of the kayak at water level.
- A genuine polar voyage: two crossings of the Drake Passage and navigation that constantly adapts to the sea and ice.
- Active days: kayaking outings, Zodiac cruises and shore landings are combined whenever conditions allow.
- Exceptional proximity to the landscape: icebergs, glacier fronts, sheltered bays and the mountains of the peninsula.
- Wildlife on its own terms: penguins, seals and whales may be seen, but their presence and proximity can never be guaranteed.
How do the 11 days unfold?
This outline conveys the rhythm of the voyage. It is not a contractual itinerary: the days devoted to the South Shetland Islands and the peninsula may be moved or reorganised according to conditions.
- Day 1 — Embarkation in Ushuaia
Meet at the port in the middle of the afternoon, usually around 4:00 pm. Settle aboard Plancius, attend the safety briefing, then sail overnight through the Beagle Channel and towards the Drake Passage. - Day 2 — Crossing the Drake Passage
A full day at sea to settle into the rhythm of the expedition, attend briefings and prepare for the first polar activities. - Day 3 — First explorations in the South Shetland Islands
When progress and conditions allow, arrive in the morning. The first activity may be a kayaking outing, Zodiac cruise or shore landing, followed by an overnight passage towards the Antarctic Peninsula. - Days 4 to 7 — Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
The ship moves between areas as opportunities arise. Each day generally includes one activity period in the morning and another in the afternoon. Kayaking outings alternate with shore landings and Zodiac cruises. - Day 8 — Final explorations and northbound passage
Depending on the chosen route, continue activities around the peninsula or make another call in the South Shetland Islands, which are often revisited on the return journey. The ship then heads towards the Drake Passage. - Days 9 and 10 — Return crossing of the Drake Passage
Two days at sea towards South America: time to reflect on the voyage and watch the ocean from the ship. - Day 11 — Return to Ushuaia
Enter the Beagle Channel, arrive in port and disembark in the morning.
Good to know: a change to this outline does not mean a reduced programme. It allows the expedition team to choose the best options that are genuinely accessible at the time of the voyage.
Indicative map of the exploration area
This map shows the South Shetland Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and several sites that are frequently considered. The route illustrates one possibility; it is not the guaranteed itinerary of any particular departure.
The Drake Passage: an integral part of the voyage
The Drake Passage separates the tip of South America from the white continent. Allow around two days for the crossing in each direction, including overnight navigation. The sea may be rough or, at times, surprisingly calm; conditions cannot be predicted far in advance.
This crossing marks a genuine transition. The ship gradually leaves the inhabited world behind, crosses the Antarctic Convergence and approaches the first ice-covered peaks. On the return journey, the same passage offers time to take in everything you have experienced.
The Antarctic kayaking experience
Exploration days generally include two activity periods, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. When weather, ice and the ship’s programme allow, the kayaking group sets out for around 1½ to 2 hours. Launches are supported by the Zodiacs and expedition team.
The pace is deliberately contemplative. The aim is not to cover distance, but to explore a bay, weave between blocks of ice, observe wildlife while respecting minimum distances and enjoy the light. An outing may be moved, shortened or cancelled if conditions do not allow safe paddling.
Kayaks and group organisation
- Tandem kayaks exclusively: they provide stability, cohesion and safety in the polar environment.
- Paddling pairs and kayak places are organised with the team according to the group and conditions.
- When not kayaking, the expedition team’s other planned activities remain available: Zodiac cruises, shore landings, walks and wildlife watching.
Possible sites, never a guaranteed itinerary
The sites below illustrate the variety of areas these expeditions may explore. They are not a contractual list: other locations may be chosen, and some of those presented here may remain inaccessible because of ice, wind or sea conditions.
- South Shetland Islands: Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Elephant Point or other anchorages offering volcanic landscapes, glaciers and wildlife colonies.
- Cuverville Island: dark cliffs, ice-bound shores and large penguin colonies.
- Port Charcot: a landscape of ice and small islands, particularly spectacular from a kayak.
- Petermann Island: channels, icebergs and the characteristic mountains of the peninsula.
- Paradise Bay: glacier fronts and mountains plunging into often-sheltered waters.
- Lemaire Channel: an iconic passage whose accessibility depends closely on ice concentration.
Plancius: base camp for the 2027 expeditions
Both 2027 departures take place aboard Plancius, an Oceanwide Expeditions vessel. It handles the crossings, overnight passages and navigation between activity areas. Cabins, shared spaces, the restaurant, outside decks and Zodiacs make it possible to alternate exploration with life aboard throughout the eleven days.
Depending on the year and programme, voyages may operate aboard Plancius, Ortelius or Hondius. The ship influences the style of life aboard, capacity and cabin categories, but the principle remains the same: a mobile base camp capable of navigating polar waters.
Learn about and compare Plancius, Ortelius and Hondius
An expedition led by a passionate kayaker
Julien Burellier is both a kayaking guide and the organiser behind Voyage Kayak. This dual role means he helps prepare the voyage before departure and leads the group on the water as part of the expedition team. The ship provides the comfort and safety of a base camp, while kayaking keeps the experience personal and close to the elements.
Dates, price and booking
Fully booked
Guaranteed departure
Price: from €10,100 per person. The final amount depends on the cabin category and its availability at the time of booking.
February 2027: the kayaking group is fully booked. You may still join the waiting list in case a place becomes available.
December 2027: this is a guaranteed departure and bookings are open. Cabin choice remains subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the voyage?
Both 2027 departures last 11 days and 10 nights aboard, with embarkation and disembarkation in Ushuaia.
Where and when do we embark?
Meet at the port of Ushuaia on Day 1 in the middle of the afternoon, usually around 4:00 pm. After settling in and attending the safety briefing, Plancius sails towards the Drake Passage.
Why is there no fixed day-by-day itinerary?
Weather, wind, swell, currents and ice determine which sites are accessible. The captain and expedition leader choose the best option each day. The locations mentioned on this page are possible examples, never guaranteed stops.
What is the Drake Passage crossing like?
Allow around two days at sea in each direction, including overnight navigation. The sea may be rough or calm. No particular sea state can be guaranteed far in advance.
How many kayaking outings are planned?
On exploration days, up to two outings may be organised, generally in the morning and afternoon, lasting around 1½ to 2 hours each. There is no kayaking during the Drake Passage crossings, and every outing remains subject to conditions.
Is kayaking guaranteed every day in Antarctica?
No. An outing may be moved, shortened or cancelled if wind, swell, ice or the ship’s overall programme do not allow safe paddling. Zodiac cruises and shore landings then complement the programme.
What kayaks are available?
The programme uses tandem kayaks exclusively. Paddling pairs and kayak places are organised with the team according to the group and conditions.
Which sites will be visited?
The voyage explores the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Cuverville Island, Port Charcot, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island and the Lemaire Channel are among the possibilities, but other sites may be chosen and none of these locations is guaranteed.
What wildlife might we see?
Depending on the sites and encounters, you may see different penguin species, seals, seabirds and whales. These are wild animals: their presence, numbers and proximity can never be guaranteed.
Which ship is scheduled for the 2027 departures?
Both the 8–18 February and 20–30 December 2027 departures are scheduled aboard Plancius, an Oceanwide Expeditions vessel. Other programmes may operate aboard Ortelius or Hondius.
What is the price and why does it vary?
The price starts at €10,100 per person. It varies according to the chosen cabin category and availability at the time of booking.
What are the statuses of the 2027 departures?
The 8–18 February 2027 departure is fully booked. The 20–30 December 2027 departure is guaranteed and open for booking.