Which expedition cruise lines offer kayaking and camping in Antarctica?

By Richard Jasinski·Updated 9 November 2026

These 16 expedition cruise lines offer sea kayaking or camping in Antarctica on their own websites, read 9 November 2026. Each card gives what the line says about it, with the ship, voyage, length, price or number where it names one, then why to choose it, what to ask for and the limits it publishes.

Which expedition cruise lines offer kayaking and camping in Antarctica?

16 expedition cruise lines in the Uncompromised Travel table say on their own websites that they offer sea kayaking or camping in Antarctica; Quark Expeditions, Natural World Safaris and Aurora Expeditions have the most Google reviews under the line's own name.

Who is on this page and why. The Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table holds 54 companies: the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often when asked about expedition cruises, plus lines found from the IAATO and AECO member lists. Their own websites were read on 9 November 2026, with their Google and Trustpilot listings matched by name. This page carries every line in the table that, on its own website, offers sea kayaking or camping in Antarctica: 16 lines. Cards are in alphabetical order. Each line on a card gives what the company's own website says, with a link to the page it came from; a second reader checked 324 of the table's rows against the pages. No company paid to be on this page.

Albatros Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship voyages to both polar regions
Kayaking or camping: Offers small-group kayaking in the Arctic and Antarctica and a night camping on the continent on select Antarctic voyages.
Why choose them: Has one expedition team member for every seven to eight guests, with the team averaging a dozen years' experience. Trustpilot: 2.2 out of 5 from 49 reviews, newest 7 March 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a camping night on one of its select Antarctic voyages or a small-group kayak outing.
Not the fit if: you want to camp in Antarctica on any departure: camping runs on select Antarctic voyages only.
Website: albatros-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: home page.

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Antarctica21

Best for: Flying over the Drake to Antarctica
Kayaking or camping: Offers sea kayaking as an optional extra for up to 20 participants per expedition, paddling in two groups of 10; experience is required. Camping is not offered.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered the Antarctica fly-cruise programme in 2003, flying with DAP Airlines. Google: 4.6 out of 5 from 75 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.0 out of 5 from 17 reviews, newest 5 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, its most popular itinerary, which flies from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
Not the fit if: travelling with children under 8: air-cruises take children aged 8 and above, sea voyages 12 and above.
Published price: From $15,995 USD per person in a double cabin on Magellan Explorer, Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise, 8 days, late November to early March. Read 9 November 2026.
Enquiry: antarctica21.com/book-a-call

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: antarctica-trip-packages-extra-services, landing/antarctic-flights-agents, home page.

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Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best for: All-inclusive ice-class yachts, sailing year-round
Kayaking or camping: Offers optional sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Antarctica for a fee, plus Antarctic camping conditions permitting, booked in advance and paid on board.
Why choose them: Its three yachts, World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, are Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B. Google: 4.0 out of 5 from 86 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Drake Express voyage, which includes a roundtrip private charter jet between Punta Arenas and King George Island.
Not the fit if: you use an electric wheelchair or scooter: only collapsible wheelchairs are accepted on board.
Published price: From US$12,150 per guest, double occupancy, 11-night Antarctica voyage on World Navigator roundtrip from Ushuaia, 8 March 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: atlasoceanvoyages.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faq, home page.

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Aurora Expeditions

Best for: Small-ship polar voyages with solo cabins
Kayaking or camping: Offers sea kayaking and camping in Antarctica as optional activities that cost extra, with a deposit of 25% of the activity cost per person.
Why choose them: Publishes an Expedition Team-to-expeditioner ratio of 1:7. Google: 4.4 out of 5 from 107 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for one of the 10 dedicated solo cabins with no single supplement on the Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.
Not the fit if: you may need to cancel late: from 120 days before departure the cancellation fee is 100% of the full ticket price.
Published price: Spirit of Antarctica, 11 days, from USD $15,436 per person twin share (was $19,295), December 2026 and 2027 seasons. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Deposit Protection Program: all voyage deposits go into a separate trust account (Aurora Passenger Trust).
Enquiry: aurora-expeditions.com/booking-form

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: expedition-types, about-us, terms-and-conditions.

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EYOS Expeditions

Best for: Private expedition yacht charters worldwide
Kayaking or camping: Offers kayaking among icebergs and beneath glacier fronts in Antarctica. Camping is not offered.
Why choose them: Says it pioneered expedition yachting, defining the category in 2008.
Ask for: Ask for a book-by-cabin departure, such as Antarctica aboard Sherakhan on December 13-20, 2026, or a private charter planned around your own priorities.
Not the fit if: you need a guaranteed polar bear sighting: it says sightings in Svalbard can never be guaranteed.
Published price: 62,500 EUR based on double occupancy, Book-by-Cabin Antarctica aboard Sherakhan, December 13-20, 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: eyos-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: destinations/antarctica, home page, destinations/svalbard.

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Heritage Expeditions

Best for: Ross Sea and Subantarctic expeditions
Kayaking or camping: Offers the option of sea kayaking excursions with an expert guide on its Antarctic Peninsula voyage; whether it costs extra is not stated.
Why choose them: Aims to keep a guide-to-client ratio of 1:12 on its expeditions.
Ask for: Ask for the 17 December 2026 Galapagos of the Southern Ocean voyage, which has a wildlife photography workshop with Nikon Ambassador Rachel Bigsby.
Not the fit if: you need a refundable deposit: the 25% deposit is non-refundable and on Antarctica voyages the full fare is lost within 120 days of departure.
Published price: From US$10,900 per person (reduced from US$13,500), Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Cruise incl. South Shetland Islands on Heritage Discoverer, departures from 22 November 2027. Read 9 November 2026.
Money protection: Deposits held by Heritage Security Ltd on behalf of Heritage Expeditions (2018) Ltd under a customer deposit agreement.
Enquiry: heritage-expeditions.com/contact

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: destinations/antarctic-peninsula-cruises/antarct, about/responsible-travel, terms-conditions.

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Mystic Cruises

Best for: Hybrid-powered small ships for polar expeditions
Kayaking or camping: Offers kayaking with a Kayak Master and team. Antarctic camping takes up to 40 guests (plus a waitlist of 10), with equipment provided and alcohol not permitted.
Why choose them: Each of its expedition vessels carries a team of 17 specialists, among them a Kayak Master and an onboard photographer. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 4 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a place on an Antarctic camping night, open to up to 40 guests plus a waitlist of 10.
Not the fit if: you count on camping ashore: places are capped at 40 guests and each guest must be approved by a team that can include the doctor, Expedition Leader and Master.
Website: mysticcruises.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: antarctic-camping-how-the-experience-works-and-h, expedition-teams-the-soul-behind-every-polar-lan.

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Natural World Safaris

Best for: Specialist-led wildlife voyages on partner ships
Kayaking or camping: Sells the Active Antarctica Expedition on Sylvia Earle, 14 days from $22,500 per person, 24 November to 7 December 2026, which includes paddling, snowshoeing, snorkelling and a night camping on the ice.
Why choose them: Has been planning wildlife travel since 2005 and has expertise across 40+ countries. Google: 4.9 out of 5 from 139 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews, newest 7 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Svalbard Wildlife Safari, an intimate ship charter focused on polar bears, with its dates and price in writing.
Not the fit if: you might cancel within 89 days of departure: 100% of the entire cost is then payable.
Money protection: ATOL or Trust My Travel, included for UK and EU clients.
Website: naturalworldsafaris.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: polar-regions/antarctica/safaris/active-expediti, resources/about-us, resources/terms.

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Oceanwide Expeditions

Best for: Activity-focused polar voyages on ice-class ships
Kayaking or camping: Includes camping (8 to 30 campers) and kayaking free on Basecamp voyages, such as Antarctica Basecamp on m/v Hondius, 23 November to 5 December 2026, from 10,150 USD per person.
Why choose them: Says Ortelius and Hondius have the highest ice-class notation among its ships, UL1 and Polar Class 6, which it gives as equal to 1A-Super. Google: 4.5 out of 5 from 66 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for an Antarctica Basecamp voyage, where camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and a photo workshop come free with no pre-booking.
Not the fit if: you want a cabin alone at little extra cost: single occupancy costs 1.7 times the Twin or Superior rate.
Website: oceanwide-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: trips/dates-rates, home page.

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Polar Latitudes

Best for: Small polar ships with citizen science
Kayaking or camping: Offers camping in Antarctica for $395, Discover Kayaking for $350 and Immersive Kayaking for $1,195, all at extra cost.
Why choose them: Publishes a passenger-to-staff ratio of 7:1 to 8:1 on every voyage. Google: 4.1 out of 5 from 7 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.7 out of 5 from 189 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Solo Vista Stateroom on MV Discoverer, designed for solo travellers with no single supplement.
Not the fit if: you want to sail without travel insurance: it is mandatory at booking, with at least $150,000 USD cover for medical expenses and evacuation.
Website: polar-latitudes.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: resources/antarctica/booking-guide, about, terms-and-conditions.

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Ponant

Best for: Polar expeditions with French-style service
Kayaking or camping: Lists sea kayaking among Le Commandant Charcot's included polar activities, with limited places and a minimum age of 16; on some other cruises kayak outings are a paid option.
Why choose them: Le Commandant Charcot is a hybrid electric ship running on LNG, which it says cuts CO2 by 25%, nitrogen oxides by 85% and fine particles by 95%. Google (whole company): 4.8 out of 5 from 699 reviews; Trustpilot (whole company): 4.6 out of 5 from 644 reviews, newest 7 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a departure with the single supplement waived, marked 'Voyageur Solo 0%', for a double cabin to yourself at no extra price.
Not the fit if: you travel with children under 6, who are not accepted on expedition cruises (under 8 on Le Commandant Charcot).
Website: ponant.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faq, destinations/mediterranee.

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Poseidon Expeditions

Best for: One small ship in both polar regions
Kayaking or camping: Offers both for an additional fee booked in advance: the Sea Kayak Club for paddlers with fitness and experience and Antarctica camping limited to 30 campers per voyage, aged 18 and over.
Why choose them: Founded in the UK in 1999, it now sails one ship, the 114-passenger Sea Spirit. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 36 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.5 out of 5 from 595 reviews, newest 3 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Request-Share programme if travelling solo: if no cabin-mate is found, the single supplement is waived.
Not the fit if: you require walking assistance: it advises such guests to strongly consider not joining.
Published price: From US$8,846 per person, Classic Antarctica, 12 days, 28 Nov to 9 Dec 2026, with 25% off and a free upgrade. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: poseidonexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: info-for-travelers/faq, about, antarctica.

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Quark Expeditions

Best for: Polar-only voyages with helicopter options
Kayaking or camping: Offers sea kayaking and a night camping on the snow in Antarctica; some activities are included and others are booked in advance at extra cost.
Why choose them: Ultramarine carries two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs. Google: 4.8 out of 5 from 604 reviews; Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 from 578 reviews, newest 8 November 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for the Antarctic Express fly-cruise options if you would rather fly the Drake Passage than sail it both ways.
Not the fit if: you want to pay late: the full balance is due 150 days before Day 1 and bookings made inside that window are paid in full.
Money protection: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA).
Website: quarkexpeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: home page, about-us/small-ships, booking-terms-and-conditions.

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Swan Hellenic

Best for: Cultural expedition cruises on three ships
Kayaking or camping: Offers kayaking in Antarctica and the Arctic in sessions of 1.5 to 3 hours for guests with prior experience. Camping is not mentioned.
Why choose them: SH Minerva and SH Vega carry 152 guests each and SH Diana 192. Trustpilot: 4.6 out of 5 from 179 reviews, newest 28 October 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask which departures waive the single supplement for solo travellers.
Not the fit if: you might cancel within 60 days of departure: 100% of the cruise package price is charged.
Money protection: Insolvency bonding with ACTA (Cyprus) for cruise-only and flight-inclusive bookings.
Website: swanhellenic.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: faq, latest-news/how-many-people-are-on-a-cruise-ship, terms.

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Terra Nova Expeditions

Best for: Antarctica on a 98-guest ship, activities included
Kayaking or camping: Includes kayaking (pre-booking required) and open-air camping in bivvy gear, limited to 30 guests per departure, at no extra charge.
Why choose them: Keeps its Antarctic expeditions to fewer than 100 guests, with Terra Nova Adventurer taking a maximum of 98.
Ask for: Ask for an open-air camping place early: it is included but limited to 30 guests per departure.
Not the fit if: you want to fly over the Drake Passage: every voyage leaves Ushuaia and crosses it by sea.
Published price: From $6,490 per person in US dollars, Classic Antarctica, 10 days on Terra Nova Adventurer, next departure December 2026. Read 9 November 2026.
Website: terranova-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: home page, en/faqs.

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Waterproof Expeditions

Best for: Small-group Svalbard voyages and polar snorkelling
Kayaking or camping: Includes camping, kayaking and snowshoeing in the price of its Antarctica Activity Expeditions; on Sea Spirit voyages kayaking and camping cost extra and have limited places.
Why choose them: Founded in 2007 by Marlynda Elstgeest and Göran Ehlmé of Waterproof Diving International. Google: 5.0 out of 5 from 59 reviews. Read 9 November 2026.
Ask for: Ask for a Signature Expedition such as Svalbard Awakening on Explorer, led by its own guides.
Not the fit if: you cannot manage the gangway: to join landings you must get up and down from the ship to the water to board the Zodiacs.
Website: waterproof-expeditions.com

Read on its own website, 9 November 2026: expeditions/antarctica-activity-expedition-ortel, about-us, faq.

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Which of these show a dated price on this page?

10 of the 16 cards show a price for a voyage of this kind, with its currency and a date or season. Ponant, Quark Expeditions and Waterproof Expeditions publish fares on their own websites without a date or currency on the pages read, so no figure is shown for them. Ask every line for a written quote with the departure date and what it includes.

Antarctica21
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Aurora Expeditions
EYOS Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions
Natural World Safaris
Oceanwide Expeditions
Polar Latitudes
Poseidon Expeditions
Terra Nova Expeditions

Which of these lines name a scheme that protects your money?

5 of the 16 lines name a scheme, bond, licence or account that protects payments for some or all bookings; check the number with the scheme before you pay.

Aurora Expeditions: Deposit Protection Program: all voyage deposits go into a separate trust account (Aurora Passenger Trust)
Heritage Expeditions: Deposits held by Heritage Security Ltd on behalf of Heritage Expeditions (2018) Ltd under a customer deposit agreement
Natural World Safaris: ATOL or Trust My Travel, included for UK and EU clients
Quark Expeditions: USTOA Consumer Protection Plan ($1 million posted with the USTOA)
Swan Hellenic: Insolvency bonding with ACTA (Cyprus) for cruise-only and flight-inclusive bookings

Who to contact first

Start with the 8 lines on this page that publish both a voyage price and their cancellation terms on their own websites, then add any other card that fits your dates and the voyage you want.

Atlas Ocean Voyages
Aurora Expeditions
Heritage Expeditions
Natural World Safaris
Polar Latitudes
Quark Expeditions
Terra Nova Expeditions
Waterproof Expeditions

What to ask each one to set out in writing:

What the fare includes, line by line: flights, hotel nights before and after, drinks, gratuities, excursions, kayaking or camping, parka and boots.
The ship: passengers on board, ice class where it matters, the cabin and whether anything on board costs extra.
The deposit, when the balance is due, what you lose if you cancel and what happens if ice or weather changes the route.
Which scheme or licence protects your money, the travel insurance you need and the medical cover it must include.

Antarctica kayaking and camping: the questions people ask

What should I ask an expedition cruise line before booking?

What the fare includes, line by line; how many passengers the ship carries and how many go ashore at once; the deposit and what you lose if you cancel; the travel insurance and medical cover it requires; and which scheme protects your money.

Can I book with these lines directly?

Yes. Each card links the line's own website or enquiry page; ask for a written quote that lists what the fare includes and the cancellation scale.

Do these lines all sell the same kind of voyage?

No. Each card names the voyage, ship or offer the line's own website gives; ship sizes, lengths, routes and prices differ, so compare the cards before you ask for quotes.

Do I need travel insurance for an expedition cruise?

12 of the 16 lines set out on their own websites what insurance they ask for; many polar voyages require cover for medical evacuation. Ask each line for the cover it requires before you buy a policy.

Which of these have the most Google reviews?

Quark Expeditions, Natural World Safaris and Aurora Expeditions, in that order. A count says how many people reviewed a line, not whether it fits your voyage; each card gives the rating and count, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these have Trustpilot profiles?

8 of the 16: Albatros Expeditions, Antarctica21, Natural World Safaris, Polar Latitudes, Ponant, Poseidon Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Swan Hellenic. Each card gives the TrustScore, the review count and the newest review date, read 9 November 2026.

Which of these publish their cancellation terms?

9 of the 16: Atlas Ocean Voyages, Aurora Expeditions, Heritage Expeditions, Natural World Safaris, Polar Latitudes, Quark Expeditions, Swan Hellenic, Terra Nova Expeditions and Waterproof Expeditions. Ask each for the full scale in writing before you pay a deposit.

Where can I check these facts myself?

Each card links the pages of the line's own website its lines were read from, with the date they were read.

How were these lines chosen?

Each one is in the Uncompromised Travel expedition cruise lines table, built from the expedition cruise lines ChatGPT names most often. On its own website it offers sea kayaking or camping in Antarctica. A line is on the page because its published facts fit the question, never because it paid.

Is any company on this page paying to be here?

No. No company on this page is a partner of Uncompromised Travel; none paid to be on it.