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July 4, 2025

Kayaking among the polar ice is an experience that can truly shift one’s perspective on nature. It’s not just an outdoor activity—it’s an authentic encounter with the most untouched, and remote parts of our planet.

Oceanwide Expeditions, a long-standing leader in Arctic and Antarctic exploration cruises, offers guests the opportunity to enjoy this moment in a way that is safe, accessible, and profoundly moving. What makes this activity so appealing is that one does not need to be an athlete or a seasoned explorer to take part. It is enough to feel the desire to become part of the surrounding environment, allowing oneself to be guided by the rhythm of the paddles and the voice of the ice.

The landscapes that can be explored by kayak with Oceanwide are among the most iconic and captivating in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. From the surreal white expanses of the Antarctic Peninsula and the Antarctic Circle—where time-carved icebergs drift in a silent sea populated by penguins and seals—to the deep fjords of Greenland and the rugged coasts of the Svalbard archipelago, where the horizon is painted in shades of blue and white and the only sound may be the cracking of a calving glacier. These regions, thanks to their unique geography, provide ideal conditions for kayaking: protected bays, calm waters, and narrow passages hidden between blocks of ice that larger vessels cannot reach. And so, while others explore the shore by Zodiac or admire the view from the ship, those in kayaks enter a parallel world made of reflections, low-angled light, and a deep sense of intimacy with nature.

One of the most common questions people ask before booking a kayaking excursion is: “Do I need experience?” The answer depends on the type of voyage chosen. Oceanwide offers three levels of kayaking activity. For those new to the sport, Basecamp voyages are the ideal option. In these multi-activity expeditions, kayaking is just one of several outdoor offerings (alongside hiking, mountaineering, wildlife photography, and camping). Even complete beginners can enjoy a calm paddle here, accompanied by experienced guides in sheltered waters and without any technical preparation required. For many, it’s during these first outings that something clicks—that sense of floating among the ice, passing a sleeping leopard seal on a slab of pack ice, and feeling the raw power of the landscape all around.

For those with previous experience and a desire for longer outings or more variable sea conditions, Oceanwide offers a standard kayaking activity available as an add-on on many cruises. In this case, a degree of familiarity with sea kayaking is required: while the ability to perform a kayak roll isn’t necessary, participants must demonstrate control over the kayak, the ability to maintain balance, to handle moderate waves, and to follow guides’ instructions. Safety is a non-negotiable priority. Guides retain the right to deny participation to those who cannot show the required skills. Such decisions are never taken lightly and are always made in the interest of group and individual safety. However, those who are approved for these excursions can expect four to six outings during the voyage, each unique and always subject to changing weather and ice conditions—factors that in the polar regions shift rapidly and demand flexibility.

For the most experienced and committed adventurers, a third option is available: the Kayak Skills Progression Camp (KSPC)—an intensive, advanced program designed for those who want to refine their technical kayaking skills in an extraordinary Arctic environment. This isn’t a simple excursion, but a real training course with daily outings in small groups of four participants, each using high-performance single-seat kayaks (TRAK models), accompanied by expert instructors and supported by safety boats. The aim is to improve technique progressively through daily practice in fjords, bays, and protected areas. Sessions typically last one to two hours and take place in the morning or afternoon, alternating with other onboard activities. The physical demands are higher, as is the required baseline of experience: participants must already be agile, in good shape, and comfortable in a sea kayak. The reward, however, is the chance to be part of a select group, to learn from top-level guides, and to return home with an experience few others can match.

All equipment for kayaking activities is provided by Oceanwide. Depending on the ship and the type of outing, guests may use double kayaks (for standard excursions) or single kayaks (in the KSPC), along with drip-ring paddles, 4 mm neoprene wetsuits, waterproof jackets, spray decks to keep the kayak interior dry, life vests, and neoprene boots. However, each participant is expected to bring specific personal gear: thermal underwear, fleece layers, insulated or neoprene gloves, thick socks, a winter hat, neck warmer, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Cotton clothing, such as t-shirts or jeans, should be strictly avoided as they retain moisture and do not dry easily in cold climates—something that can make the experience quite uncomfortable. For those planning to take photos or carry binoculars, a waterproof bag or a dry container is strongly recommended.

Another often underestimated aspect is physical fitness. While elite athleticism isn’t necessary, a basic level of strength and conditioning—particularly in the arms and shoulders—is important. Kayaking also requires a degree of agility to get in and out of the vessel, especially when wearing boots and wetsuits.

So what does one actually see during a kayaking excursion? The truth is that every outing is different, but each offers magical moments. You might paddle past cliffs sculpted by time, weave through narrow channels filled with blue ice blocks, or skim along deserted beaches where curious seals rest. The silence is such that you can hear your own breath under your wetsuit hood or the sharp crack of an ice crystal breaking just meters from your bow. Whales may surface nearby, penguins might dive from a pack ice ledge beside your kayak, and seabirds can circle overhead as Arctic or Antarctic light paints every surface with otherworldly reflections.

Over the years, Oceanwide has developed a finely tuned system for managing its kayaking activities: certified guides, Zodiac support vessels, detailed briefings, and a planning approach that is both flexible and rigorous. Every group is led by a dedicated kayak guide who stays in the water with the participants, while a support boat follows at a safe distance, ready to intervene if needed. The objective is not only to ensure safety but also to make sure each guest enjoys the best experience possible—without anxiety, without rush, and always with a sense of inclusion.

Polar kayaking is one of the expedition cruise activities that allows for the closest, most immersive observation of the surrounding environment. It offers a different way of experiencing the landscape, drawing participants into a quieter, more personal mode of travel. From the seat of a kayak, away from the sound of engines, the natural sounds of water, ice, and wildlife become much more distinct. This is not an extreme experience, but rather a style of exploration that promotes calm and mindfulness. From this perspective, paddling among the ice allows travelers to appreciate the environment without interference, through a lens of greater attentiveness and respect. For some participants, this more measured approach becomes one of the most meaningful aspects of the entire journey.

If one is considering a polar cruise, kayaking might just be the activity that adds a new dimension to the overall experience. Whether it’s an introductory outing in Antarctica, a skill-building itinerary among Greenland’s fjords, or a more intense adventure in the waters around Svalbard, Oceanwide Expeditions offers a range of options suited to various levels of preparation. All that’s asked of participants is a spirit of curiosity, a willingness to challenge themselves, and an openness to being amazed by a landscape that, when seen from water level, reveals an entirely new perspective.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Oceanwide Expeditions on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Giorgia Lombardo

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