Quest Paddlesports

In conjunction with Icebird Expeditions

Antarctica is the greatest wilderness on earth, and the Antarctic Peninsula a sea kayaking paradise. An archipelago of glacier-fringed bays, icebergs gliding majestically through deep channels, and offshore islands populated only by penguins and seals, where the wildlife is as curious about you as you are about them. Penguins are a constant companion, whales are daily visitors, and seals - fur, crabeater, or fearsome leopard - pause from their hunt to nuzzle inquisitively at your kayak.

We're pleased to partner once again with vaunted polar captain Cath Hew on her custom-built expedition support vessel, the yacht Icebird, for the adventure of a lifetime. Departing by cruise ship from Ushuaia on January 25th, 2026, we'll cross the storied Drake Passage, sighting Antarctica a few days later. We'll cruise down the peninsula, wildlife watching and taking excursions as we go, before rendezvousing with the Icebird in the Gerlach Strait, in the heart of the most spectacular kayaking location in the world. Once we're settled in our new home, we'll head out for a shakedown paddle on the first of 10 days yacht-based kayak expeditioning. Exact itinerary will depend on weather, ice coverage, and the needs of the group, but will typically involve several 3-4 days expeditions, returning to the Icebird in between to refresh and cruise to a new area. Finally, we'll rendezvous again with the cruise ship and return to Ushuaia.

Itinerary (subject to weather)

January 25 - late evening departure from Ushuaia aboard cruise ship ''Ushuaia''

January 26, 27 - days at sea

January 27 - arrive late evening depending on weather

January 28, 29 - visits to wildlife sites and ship activities

January 30 - Rendezvous with Icebird and transfer aboard. Briefings, familiarisation and afternoon paddle.

January 31 to February 8 - 10 days yacht-based kayak expedition

February 9 - Rendezvous with cruise ship

February 12, 13 - days at sea crossing Drake Passage

February 14 - return to Ushuaia early morning

Cost: $16,750 (USD) ex Ushuia

What's included:

All & drink food on board cruise ship and Icebird, transfers and accommodation, kayak rental, equipment rental (drysuit, paddle, buoyancy aid, etc.). Camping equipment may be available, please enquire.

What's not included:

Travel to Ushuaia; travel insurance; expedition food

FAQ

Do I need to be an expert sea kayaker?

No! During the Austral summer, the Antarctic peninsula has a fairly stable weather pattern, and the protected network of islands and narrow channels protects it from the swell. Some familiarity with kayaking is desirable (we can help with that), but the focus is on travelling through the wilderness, with all that can offer, rather than grinding out hundreds of miles of distance in wild conditions.

Do I need wilderness experience?

Competency in living outdoors is definitely needed. We'll be travelling by kayak and camping on the ice, so familiarity putting your tent up in a variety of conditions, competency with cooking and sleeping outdoors are all good skills to have. We've always got the Icebird for support, but this is a serious expedition. Again, we can help with preparing for the trip.

How cold will it be?

The Antarctic peninsula is surrounded by sea, so temperatures during the summer never reach the mercury-freezing lows you might expect! Temperatures just below freezing are common.

How do I book?

Please get in touch for a chat and we can take it from there.