With this exciting activity, you can explore an icy polar world, encounter exotic marine life, and enjoy the beautiful interplay of ice, light, and water in a rarely-seen underwater environment.
Snorkeling in the polar regions
The polar regions are home to some of the world's most iconic marine wildlife, along with dazzling icebergs, glaciers, and crystal-clear water teeming with life. On an Oceanwide Expeditions trip to both the Arctic and Antarctica, you can book polar snorkeling as a supplementary activity, giving you the chance to enter an ethereal underwater world unlike anywhere else on Earth.
To take part in polar snorkeling, you must have basic drysuit experience. You'll also need to bring your own snorkeling gear, such as a snorkel, facemask, and swim fins.
All snorkeling sessions are supervised by certified snorkel guides, ensuring your safety and the best conditions for an optimal snorkeling experience.
General information regarding snorkeling
- Snorkelers must have basic drysuit experience.
- We aim for one to two daily snorkeling sessions (morning and afternoon).
- Our ability to snorkel depends on local ice and weather conditions.
- All snorkel guides are certified and experienced experts in their field.
- You must bring your snorkeling gear.
- We snorkel directly from Zodiacs.
- In both Antarctica and the Arctic, we may observe sea squirts, squat lobsters, spider crabs, soft corals, anemones, peacock worms, dogfish, sea snails, crabs, sea butterflies, shrubby horsetails, jellyfish, sea hedgehogs, kelp walls, and several species of starfish.
- Details on booking this activity can be found on our dates & rates webpage.
Picture by Jim van Gogh
Snorkeling in the Arctic
The farthest reaches of the far north are home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife, of which polar bears and Arctic foxes are just a part. On our Arctic snorkel program, you can encounter wondrous sea life and beautiful ice formations that truly distinguish this region from Antarctica. We may also encounter seals, sea lions, and walruses in the Arctic. When these beloved animals are close to the Zodiacs, we may try to observe them underwater using snorkels. But because of the possible danger, we cannot snorkel with Walruses. In the Arctic, you can snorkel in Spitsbergen (Svalbard) & Greenland.
Snorkeling in Antarctica
Antarctica's dazzling icecaps, colossal glaciers, and towering mountains are rivaled only by the sub-Antarctic islands' white-sand beaches and intriguing flora and fauna. Both areas host many penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds. Our Antarctic snorkel program is similar to our Arctic program. We snorkel directly from our Zodiacs, encountering polar marine life, and sometimes shipwrecks. During these snorkel sessions, you may observe penguins, fur seals, and perhaps even leopard seals. Many of the sub-Antarctic islands are also rich in krill, one of the prime food sources for many marine species, such as whales, and, therefore, highly useful in locating wildlife. In Antarctica, you can snorkel in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Picture by Jim van Gogh
Required Snorkel Equipment
Please bring the following equipment yourself:
- Drysuit
- Hood, gloves, and booties
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
Snorkeling & the polar weather
Arctic voyages are organized during the milder Northern Hemisphere summer (May to September). During this period, the sun shines 24 hours per day, and temperatures often range between 5 and 15°C (41 to 59°F). In Antarctica’s Southern Hemisphere summer (December to February), temperatures are generally close to freezing, varying between -5 to 8°C (23 to 46°F). Combined with the strong katabatic winds of this area, the cold can often feel even colder. Warm and waterproof clothing (and a flexible attitude) are required for both regions, especially Antarctica. Severe weather may cancel landings and snorkels, as excursions can only occur in safe conditions. We know our snorkel destinations in great detail and always explore new sites, but every snorkel session can encounter surprises. Remembering that nature calls the shots in the polar regions is important.
FAQ
What is the average visibility?
Visibility will be affected greatly depending on current and previous weather conditions, algal blooms, and glacial/river outwash; our expedition team will look for the best options for snorkeling options at sites with the best available visibility.
However, ice and weather conditions differ significantly, so accurate prediction is a challenge.
What about currents and drift snorkels?
Currents are specifically mentioned at some sites where they may pose a problem. Currents could be present anywhere, at any time. We always check the current before snorkeling. We do not do drift snorkels. Drifting pack ice makes this too hazardous. If ice arrives while snorkelers are underwater, it can be hard to see them if they surface among them. We only snorkel near icebergs that are hard aground or floating in water clear of brash ice or pack ice.
Do I need a full-face mask?
This is up to you and based on whether you are used to snorkeling with a full mask.
What type of gloves should I bring?
Use a minimum of 7mm wetsuit gloves. Otherwise, we recommend dry suit gloves.
Do I need a waterproof bag to carry my smaller items?
Bringing a waterproof bag to use while preparing your snorkel equipment on deck is good practice. In the Zodiac, it is best not to bring more than your necessary snorkel equipment.
What is the water temperature?
Water temperature usually sits at around freezing or slightly below.
Picture by Jim van Gogh
Additional information
- Snorkeling is an equipment-intensive activity, and ice snorkeling, in particular, requires extensive equipment due to the cold and remote locations. Snorkelers in cold water may have higher air consumption, expend more energy, and become fatigued more easily. Cold water also decreases your ability to perform complex manual tasks.
- Do not bring any new equipment you have not tested in the water. The polar regions are not the place to test new equipment. Please ensure you have done at least four or five snorkels with your equipment. This will allow you to fine-tune your buoyancy and trim characteristics and take note of how much weight you need when snorkeling.
- Contact your airline about luggage restrictions and request a special allowance for your snorkel equipment before departure. All excess baggage is at your own expense.
- Snorkelers are expected to prepare their equipment before each snorkel session and take care of it afterward. Bring spare parts for your regulators and dry suit in case of leaks or damage.
- We do not have rentals on board. Please make sure you check out all your snorkel gear before leaving. Bins are available for storage.
- While packing snorkel gear, remember that you must carry your equipment in and out of the Zodiac for filling and logistical changes.
- Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage. Participation in an expedition cruise is 100% at your own risk. In our travel documentation (specifically our personal information form for snorkeling), all passengers must sign a liability statement agreeing that Oceanwide Expeditions and snorkel staff are exempt from responsibility for personal injury and property damage, including loss of items. Oceanwide cannot accept any liability claims.
