North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife - Summer Solstice

One of the best things about a polar voyage is that you’re never done exploring. Even if you think you have walked every shore, climbed every mountain, and spotted every penguin (or polar bear), there is still a whole other world to explore on the water.Polar kayaking is a great way to tour the blue-and-white beauty of the polar seas up close, visiting stunning ice formations and waterways too small for our ships to enter.

Do I need to be an experienced kayaker?
The amount of experience we require depends on the cruise you choose. If you have no experience at all, we suggest one of our Basecamp voyages, where we will happily introduce even the most inexperienced kayakers to this wonderful outdoor sport.
The toughest part of kayaking in gentle waters is usually getting into the kayak itself. After that, you just have to keep a steady rhythm with your paddles.

Some of our cruises require that you have more kayaking experience because they involve longer kayak excursions. These excursions expose you to water that might not be as gentle as a sheltered bay, and you stand more of a chance of encountering rougher weather conditions.You will not need to be able to do a kayak roll, but you should be able to demonstrate that you’re comfortable in a sea kayak. On these non-Basecamp excursions, our guides reserve the right to refuse you access to a kayak if it is clear you don’t have the necessary experience. This is for your safety as well as theirs.

How physically fit do I need to be?
You will want to be in decent physical shape and possess a good sense of balance. Kayaking can be demanding on your core and arm muscles.

Our kayaking equipment is available in a range of sizes but for larger stature please consider the suitability of this activity. Guests above the maximum weight for our kayaks will not be allowed to participate.

If you’re not sure if you are quite ready for kayaking, please do not hesitate to check out our kayaking FAQ or simply contact us. We would be happy to explain more about the activity and help you with any additional questions you might have.

How many times can I go kayaking?
On basecamp trips, we aim for each guest to kayak once. On regular voyages, we aim for four to six excursions per passenger who has booked the supplement. Our kayaking activity is always determined by weather and water conditions, since your safety is our primary concern.

Is polar kayaking safe?
All of our kayaking outings are led by certified and experienced guides, but you must always take caution when kayaking in the polar regions.We will provide you with suitable outer clothing for kayaking. Kayak excursions are limited to 14 passengers per kayak guide. This number lets our guides keep track of everyone and make sure our guests are having a good time.

One guide stays with the group in a support kayak, while a safety boat follows in case of emergencies. All guides will try to scale excursions to the skill level of the group.

Do I have to bring my own kayaking equipment?
We will provide the following items:
Seven double-seat sea kayaks on Plancius & Ortelius
14 double-seat sea kayaks on Hondius
Paddles with anti-drip rings
Basic (4 mm neoprene) wetsuits in different sizes
Kayak spray cover
Waterproof lightweight jacket (cagoule)
Life jacket / kayak vest
Neoprene boots

Please bring the following gear:
thermal underwear, bottom and top (for under the wetsuit)
fleece jacket or vest to wear over your thermal underwear
gloves (insulated ski or snowboard gloves with grip or neoprene watersport gloves)
waterproof bag (if you are bringing a camera or binoculars)
fleece hat
turtleneck or neck gaiter
thick socks
sunglasses
sunblock

Avoid bringing cloth clothing like T-shirts or jeans. Once it gets wet (from water or sweat), it will stay wet for a long time – not a comfortable experience in polar weather!

What will I see while kayaking?
You’ll see rugged shorelines sloping up into snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, and icebergs that turn the water beneath you a brilliant blue. You may also see some local wildlife, which the peaceful nature of kayaking makes even better.

Group size: 4 to 10 per group
Number of outings:1
Type of kayak: Double-seat kayaks
Required experience:N/A
On-site team: 1 kayak guide + 1 safety Zodiac driver

Get one step closer to kayaking like a pro in the Arctic and Antarctica with our all-new Kayak Skills Progression Camp (KSPC).Our KSPC program is split in two:

TRAK – performed in cooperation with TRAK performance sea kayaks using TRAK fold-up boats; we advise this option for guests already familiar with TRAK kayaks.
KSPC (regular) – performed using a mixture of P&H Virgo and Leo sea kayaks.

In this exhilarating supplemental activity, you’ll join an exclusive group of four to eight other kayakers using top-of-the-range kayaks and learn key kayaking skills led by expert guides. The best part? You’ll do all of the above in some of the most spectacular polar environments on Earth.If you wish to book the TRAK KSPC, please inform your travel agent or contact TRAK directly; this program is not in combination with the regular KSPC.

How is this course structured?
This course focuses on the daily progression of kayak skills and is available for four to eight participants per tripp. Kayakers will be split into two groups of four, and each group will embark on one outing per day (in the morning or afternoon) lasting one to two hours (weather permitting).We will go on as many kayak outings as local conditions permit. Groups that kayak in the morning will return for lunch aboard the vessel and then swap activities with the morning hiking group.

What kind of kayaks and other equipment will we use?
The supplemental fee for this activity grants you the use of industry-leading TRAK single-seater kayaks as well as protective dry suits for the duration of your voyage. We do recommend bringing your own dry suit if you have one.This program is offered using single P&H Leo and Virgo kayaks. For those with experience in TRAK kayaks, they may also be available on request (at time of booking).You must also bring your own thermal layers for additional warmth, as the areas in which we will kayak can be cold in the early part of the day. An equipment list outlining what you should bring in your personal luggage will be provided with your travel confirmation.

Do I need to be an experienced kayaker to participate?
This course is aimed at kayakers with previous kayak experience. Physical fitness is essential.This is a fun activity in a leisurely format, but the course also focuses on education and skills progression. The goal is to advance your kayaking abilities while enjoying the incredible polar world, which you will explore in sheltered fjords, bays, and secluded harbors.

Is this activity safe?
All kayak outings will be provided under the guidance of experienced kayak guides who will take into account the experience and physical fitness of each participant. You will also be escorted by one Zodiac craft for added safety during your kayaking trips.

What routes will we take with the kayaks?
Kayaking routes cannot be determined in advance because local conditions influence the final program. All itineraries are subject to change in the event of unsafe conditions.

Summary of our kayak skills progression camp (KSPC)
Four to eight kayakers per group.
One outing per day (group split to morning and afternoon sessions).
Use of single-seat kayaks and dry suits provided.
Supplemental activity (with fee) on all trips.
Target group: agile and sporty clients with previous kayak experience.
Physical fitness is essential.

Group size: 4 to 8 per group
Number of outings:6
Type of kayak: single-seat kayaks
Required experience:expert kayaking level
On-site team: 1 kayak guide + 1 safety Zodiac driver