Skip to main content
Passengers kayaking in Arctic Landscape

Sea Kayaking

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in the Arctic, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.  

In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.

Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.

Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?

The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.

Provided gear

  • Sea kayaks (single or double)
  • Paddle
  • Spray-skirt
  • Drysuit
  • Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*
  • PFD (personal flotation device)
  • Neoprene booties
  • 10L dry bag
  • Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear/clothing

  • Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)
  • Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater
  • Fleece pants
  • Liner socks
  • Thick wool socks
  • Neckwarmer
  • Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen  
  • Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)
  • Waterproof backpack or a drybag

 

 

More Adventure Options

Greenland Camp Experience

Arctic
Join local hosts at one of the most exclusive camps in Greenland. Our local guides will lead you on an immersive experience through the wonders of their homeland. Spend ample time, in intimate groups, walking through the beautiful landscapes and remote fjords, roam the tundra with a local chef who will show you local ingredients and then prepare an incredible meal. Overnight at the camp and, if conditions are right, experience the magnificent colours of the polar twilight which will bring the beautiful mountainous surroundings into full effect. Accommodation at the camp is in shared two-person tents. Groups traveling together in pairs will share a tent, and individual travelers will be assigned to a tent with another guest of the same gender.
Learn more