Zodiac landings and excursions in Antarctica

Through the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans in Zodiacs

During your ship expedition to the Arctic and Antarctic, some days will include up to two landings and Zodiac excursions.

What are Zodiac boats?

Zodiac boats are robust and maneuverable inflatable boats that remain stable and safe on the water thanks to their rigid floor and support tubes. Your expedition crew can power the boats with an outboard motor. Due to their flat bottoms, Zodiacs are particularly well suited for landing on coastlines or beaches.

How are Zodiac boats used?

With these rubber dinghies, you can reach bays that even the smallest and most maneuverable expedition ships cannot access. You can get close enough to touch (at least as close as it is safe to go) to icebergs. And with a little luck, a whale may appear right next to you.

On excursions in Zodiacs, you glide between imposing icebergs and sail into deep fjords, following the numerous bird species on their journey. Sometimes a few seals lounge on ice floes or a family of penguins goes on an outing. Whales accompany you on the left and right.

Landing refers to when you go ashore in bays that are inaccessible to ships and other boats. Since there are no piers or harbors in Antarctica, this happens as it must: your boat captain (the expedition crew of your ship) drives onto the beach, where it is received by colleagues who have arrived ahead of time. You disembark in mostly shallow water. Your expedition crew will assist you. Now you know one reason for the rubber boots you receive on board: they allow you to go ashore without getting your feet wet. Once ashore, you can go on hikes, visit research stations or former whaling stations. Depending on the area and region, there are countless sightseeing opportunities.

How do you get in/out?

Depending on the weather conditions, getting in and out of the Zodiacs requires a little practice. You will leave the anchored ship in full gear (rubber boots, waterproof pants, backpack) via a staircase or ladder. A member of the expedition crew will already be waiting for you with the Zodiac lowered into the water below the staircase or ladder.

Now comes the challenge: you grab the Zodiac guide's arm with a particularly secure and stable artist's grip. You wrap your arms around his forearm and he wraps his around yours, just like trapeze artists in the circus. At the same time, you take a big step into the Zodiac, which is dancing on the waves. Even in light seas, it is important that you can keep your balance here. Your boat guide will show you your place in the Zodiac. You sit down on the rubber bulge and pull yourself up to it using the ropes on the edge of the boat or with the help of others who are already sitting in the Zodiac. A secure seat on the Zodiac is extremely important.

No more than 100 people at a time

Special guidelines for travel in Antarctica stipulate that no more than 100 people per ship may go ashore or on a Zodiac excursion at any one time. So if you want to spend the maximum amount of time ashore or on the Zodiacs, travel to Antarctica with our small ships.

Be careful when getting in

You can board the Zodiacs either via the ship's external staircase or a fixed platform. Either way, caution is advised when boarding the boats, as they sit lower in the rocking waves. Your experienced expedition crew will assist you, teaching you your first safety trick: the sailor's grip.

The zodiac guide standing in the boat will hold your wrist and you will hold his as you transfer from the stairs or platform to the floating boat. This can be a wobbly affair, so he will have a firm grip on you in case you struggle to keep your balance.

The most important thing is that both your hands are free for this maneuver. So stow everything you want to take with you on your "ride" securely in your backpack, which should be strapped tightly to your back. Once you have safely boarded the boat, sit down immediately on the edge of the inflatable boat and slide into your assigned seat. Here you can hold on to the ropes stretched across the Zodiac. Please do not stand up and always follow the instructions of your expedition crew.

While driving

During the trip, you may well be surprised by splashing water. That's why waterproof clothing is particularly important on such excursions. Warm outdoor clothing is best suited (see also Antarctica packing list). To protect cameras from seawater during adventure trips, waterproof zip-lock bags should be used. Waterproof backpacks offer an alternative solution. To prevent the backpack from being completely exposed to water, it is recommended to wear it under your life jacket.

The landings

High rubber boots with shafts reaching up to the knees are essential for shore excursions on Antarctic voyages. Most of the shipping companies in our program will lend you these on board, so you don't need to bring them in your luggage.

To get out of the Zodiac, lift both legs over the edge of the inflatable boat and then slide down over the outer edge. You will usually end up in knee-deep water in the Southern Ocean. And now you understand what the rubber boots are for.

But there is also a second reason for the rubber boots: if you brought your own boots from home, there could be traces of parasitic seeds or tiny creatures stuck to the soles that may not have been completely removed after your last walk in the woods, visit to a farm, or gardening session. Antarctica is a protected region and must be protected from foreign organisms that could be harmful in order to preserve its unique biodiversity.

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