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Paddling the Polar Ice: A Detailed Itinerary of My Antarctica Kayak Adventure

  • Writer: Ruth Bergman
    Ruth Bergman
  • Mar 10
  • 16 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Antarctica is a truly unique destination, and a dedicated kayak-focused expedition is rare enough that I believe our itinerary is worth documenting in detail. This post aims to do just that. To the best of my recollection, I’ll outline the locations we visited, where we spent each night, and, most importantly, our kayaking routes. While I’ll briefly mention the landscapes and wildlife we encountered, I’ll save in-depth descriptions for future posts.

Unlike my usual storytelling style, this post will be more factual than inspirational. It may serve as both a personal record and a useful resource for others researching or planning a similar trip. Our kayak routes are likely unique, as kayaking from expedition cruise ships offers a very different experience—typically limited to short excursions.

Day 1-2: Waiting in Ushuaia Harbor

Day 3: We're off and Motoring the Beagle Channel

Day 4-6: The Drake Passage

Day 7: Arrive Antarctica, Icebergs, Fur Seals, Melchior Base and Champagne

Day 8: First Paddle, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy

Day 9: First Penguin Colony, Icy Paddle down Lemaire Channel, Ship with Two Masts

Day 10: A Paddle with Big Ice, Lunch Break with a Calving, Hike with a View

Day 11: Petermann Island, Adelie Penguins, Vernadsky Station

Day 12: Circumnavigate an Archipelago, Fog, a Museum and Tourists

Day 13: Motor to Paradise Bay

Day 14: A Dream Paddle, Whales and more Whales, Stepping on the mainland

Day 15: Paddle to Gonzales station, Waking a giant, Danco Island

Day 16: Paddle with Wind, Penguins Superhighway, Chin Strap Penguins, Humpback Show

Day 17: A Paddle of varied conditions, Whaling History

Day 18: Motor to Trinity Island

Day 19: Motor to Deception Island, the Orca Show

Day 20: Paddle Yankee Harbor, Start of the Bad Weather

Day 21: King George Island, Elephant Seals, A Visit to Carlini Research Base

Day 22: The Flight That Wasn't, Bad Weather and Birthday Cake

Bonus Day 23: To the Airport, Russian Church, A Real Hike, and Guests for Dinner

Bonus Day 24: The Plane, The Plane

Antarctica: Unrepeatable and Unforgettable

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