South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey

Sea Kayaking

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages.

The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the European Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul. Paddle between brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or under soaring bird cliffs, or drift quietly as you watch wildlife unobtrusively, absorbing the majestic scenery.

Led by experienced guides, paddling in small groups allows us the opportunity to paddle between ice floes, brash ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes as well as allowing easy and intimate access to beautiful coastlines.

What’s Involved?

Rather than travelling large distances, our aim is to see as much as possible. We paddle anywhere between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, sometimes taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on our excursion.

Each group of 4 to 10 kayakers will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that may be inaccessible to the Zodiacs and will also make time for their own shore excursions and wildlife encounters.

When we visit the poles, the elements play an important role. It is important that you have an adventurous attitude and understand that our kayaking time will be affected by the weather that we experience.

Even if your experience is limited, we’’d encourage you to call us to discuss your suitability. There is often ample time to gain the required experience before you depart. Kayakers should be aged 14 years or over.

Equipment Included

• Kayak & Paddle
• Neoprene boots
• Safety gear
• A 15-litre dry bag
• Life jackets
• Dry suits
• Pogies (insulated mittens that attach to your paddle)

Our Guides

Our guides have years of kayaking experience in our destinations. The sea kayaking guide will lead the group on each excursion, explaining facts about the wildlife and other highlights we paddle across. You can view our sea kayaking guides’ profiles here or see below.

How to Book

Simply inform our Expedition Experts at time of booking that you would like to include the optional sea kayaking activity for your expedition. Places are limited so we recommend reserving your place early.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing makes walking up gentle slopes and across Antarctica’s soft, powdery snow a breeze, allowing you to explore places others struggle to reach in boots alone. Armed with your very own set of snowshoes and ski poles, you’ll be led by our expert guides who will provide all the instruction you need. Snowshoeing is an excellent way to ascend to some of Antarctica’s best vantage points, stretch the legs and take in the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Snowshoeing is the perfect activity for everyone, with no previous experience required. Join in on the fun and discover a different slice of Antarctica!

Required Experience & Fitness

This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.

Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.

The minimum age for this activity is 14.

Our guides

Our highly-qualified guides have many years of climbing, skiing and snowshoeing experience and all hold relevant mountain instruction and safety certificates . They aim to provide a personalised and unique experience for every customer whilst maintaining safety to the highest standards. We have one snow shoeing guide for every 10 guests.

Our Outings

While we aim to get out as often as possible, the number of outings will be dependent on weather and our itinerary’s landing points. The average number of outings is usually six or more per voyage, lasting up to three hours per outing. Every voyage is different but some of our typical landings spots have been:

• Ronge Island Georges Point
• Neko Harbour
• Almirante Brown Base Paradise Harbour
• Port Lockeroy
• Brown Bluff
• Jougla Point

Equipment and clothing requirements

Aurora Expeditions will supply all snowshoes and ski poles for all participants. As well as the general packing list provided by Aurora Expeditions, we also recommend:

• Breathable fabric outerwear as you will be exercising
• Thick pair of socks and sheep wool inner soles
• Snow gaiters are optional

You should also ensure your insurance policy covers snowshoeing. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage. Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. Please contact Aurora Expeditions if you need assistance with your insurance policy.

How to book

If you would like to partake in our snowshoeing option on your voyage please return a snowshoeing form at time of booking. Our guides will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your place in the group.

Ski/Snowboard Touring

Ski/Snowboard Touring offers keen adventurers a chance to take on some of the world’s most incredible slopes. Experienced participants will have the chance to enjoy day-trips to traverse across remote, snow-capped peaks to descend into pristine bays filled with floating bergs, penguin rookeries or even a breaching whale! Those interested in a multi-day ski adventure can opt to attempt Shackleton’s route across South Georgia.

From alpine bowls and crevassed glaciers, to long open slopes, join us to summit and ski a range of Antarctic landscapes, venturing to some amazing wild and remote corners. A spirit of adventure is a must. After all, when you strap on your skis, you’ll be exploring places where few have ever skied before!

Required Experience

Our Ski/Snowboard Touring program requires a reasonable level of fitness and previous experience. The snow conditions will be varied and the terrain can be challenging at times. While you don’t need to be a back-country athlete to participate, and there are opportunities to develop skills during the expedition.

Below are the minimum ability requirements:

• Advanced level of skiing or snowboarding ability (ability to ski/ride in advanced terrain-black run resorts runs is required)
• Off-piste experience in a variety of snow conditions
• Previous touring experience is an advantage, but not essential (depending on your off-piste experience and overall ability)

Our guides can teach you the required touring skills from day one, as well as important mountaineering skills including ice axe and crampon use, roped glacier travel, constructing snow and ice anchors, assessing and moving in avalanche terrain, personal avalanche equipment and rescue, constructing emergency shelters, navigation and interpreting weather.

Fitness Requirements

You can expect to tour from two to six hours each day, some of which will include an ascent of a small peak or two. Participants must be fit and prepared for this activity. Ideally, you will have trained with outdoor carry packs, however uphill walks or riding bikes is also ideal for backcountry training.

You will enjoy your touring much more if you have prepared adequately. If you have any queries regarding your suitability or fitness please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our mountain guides will be able to assess your ability and offer advice on training and preparation.

Age Limit

The minimum age for this activity is 14.

Group Size

Group size is limited to 10 skiers in Antarctica and 8 skiers on the South Georgia Crossing, plus two guides.

Ski/Snowboard Touring Outings

While we aim to get out as often as possible, the number of outings will be dependent on weather and other factors. The average number of outings is usually six or more per voyage – depending on your itinerary. Every voyage is different but some of our typical landings spots have been:

• Tour up and ski off Mt Tennant, Ronge Island – 700m descent
• Mt Hoegh down to Andvord Bay – 800m descent
• Mt Pond to Whalers Bay – 540m descent
• Port Lockroy from Doumer Peak – 550m descent

Our Guides

Our highly-qualified guides have many years of climbing, ski and snowboard touring experience. Most of our guides have an extensive knowledge of the areas we plan to ski or snowboard. They aim to provide a personalised and unique experience for every participant whilst managing safety to the highest standards. Group sizes are limited to ten, with the average group size between 4 and 10.

Wind, Ice and Weather in Antarctica & South Georgia

You can expect to experience a variety of weather, from blue skies and sunshine through to snow, rain and grey clouds. The weather in some places can change extremely fast, ranging from sunshine to gale force winds. We usually begin our tours from sheltered landings, however wind and ice build up at higher altitudes may disrupt, change or cancel planned outings.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. You will need to ensure that your insurance policy covers you for Ski Touring activity and related equipment. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage. Please contact Aurora Expeditions if you need assistance with your insurance policy.

Activity Surcharge

Touring is available for an additional surcharge and includes your guide, permits, outings and some equipment.

How to book

If you would like to participate in this activity, please request a Ski/Snowboard Touring Activity Form at the time of booking for submission or download here. Our guides will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your place in the activity.

Shackleton Crossing in South Georgia by Ski

Since March 2001, Aurora Expeditions have offered the chance for a small band of adventurous souls to attempt to repeat the epic 1916 crossing of Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean, and trek for up to three days across South Georgia from King Haakon Bay to Stromness.

South Georgia offers a spectacular yet extreme mountain environment, which must be approached with great caution. Although the crossing does not involve any actual technical climbing, there is a steep ground crossing from the Tridents down to the Crean Glacier, as well as potential risks with crevasses.

This trip is suitable for persons with alpine trekking or mountaineering experience as it traverses glaciated and mountainous terrain. Our South Georgia Alpine Crossing by Ski offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the chance to delve deep into some of the world’s most rugged and remote terrain.

Example Alpine Crossing Itinerary

Day 1
Ascend to Murray Snowfield, traverse up and over Trident Pass. Descend to Crean Camp.

Day 2
Pre-dawn start. Ascend Crean Glacier to Great Nunatak. Cross Fortuna Glacier and descend to Fortuna Bay. Overnight on the ship.

Day 3
Walk Fortuna Bay to Stromness, accompanied by fit passengers. Sail to Grytviken and Shackleton’’s grave.

Please note: Itinerary is subject to departure time, weather and ice conditions. Crossing length, route and time will vary.

Crossing Length and Time

The crossing distance can vary from 35 to 50 kilometres depending on the route we take and involves crossing large, heavily crevassed glaciers and alpine passes. In good weather, the crossing could take only two days, but we allow three days in case of bad weather.

Our Guides

Our guides have many years of climbing experience in our destinations and hold relevant mountain instruction and safety certifications. The guide will lead the group adhering to strict safety practices as well as explain facts about the wildlife and other highlights as we come across them. We have one Alpine Crossing guide for every 4-6 crossers. You can view our Alpine Crossing guides’ profiles here.

How to Book

If you would like to participate in the Shackleton Crossing in South Georgia by Ski, please return the activity form at the time of booking. Our guide will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your place.

• Download booking form