Basecamp Adventure Cruises

❄️ What Is a Basecamp Expedition Cruise?

A Basecamp cruise is designed to keep the ship anchored in carefully selected locations for extended periods, allowing guests to explore by land, ice, and water through a rotating program of guided activities.

The goal is simple: more time off the ship and more ways to experience the polar environment up close.

Activities may include:

• Mountaineering

• Hiking & Long Walks

• Snowshoeing

• Kayaking

• Zodiac Cruising & Shore Landings

• Camping

• Photography Workshops

All activities are led by expert guides and are included at no additional cost.

Basecamp Activities Included:

???? Sea Kayaking

Paddle through calm, iceberg-dotted waters in small guided groups. Basecamp kayaking allows guests to participate more than once, exploring sheltered bays, glaciers, and ice floes from a peaceful, water-level perspective. Stable kayaks and full gear are provided.

❄️ Snowshoeing

Ideal for days with deeper snow, snowshoeing lets you walk effortlessly across snowy slopes and access viewpoints unreachable on regular hikes. This activity is beginner-friendly and offers incredible photo opportunities.

???? Hiking & Long Hikes

Choose from leisurely shoreline walks, moderate hill climbs, or strenuous long hikes for experienced trekkers. Routes vary daily depending on conditions, offering panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.

???? Mountaineering

A more advanced option for fit and adventurous travellers. Led by certified mountain guides, mountaineering includes ascents on snowy slopes, glaciated terrain, and alpine ridges. Technical gear—crampons, ropes, ice axes—is provided.

???? Zodiac Cruising & Shore Landings

A core Basecamp experience. Zodiacs take guests to wildlife colonies, glacier fronts, historic sites, and remote landing areas. These outings provide close encounters with penguins, seals, seabirds, and dramatic ice formations.

???? Photography Workshops

Professional photographers lead workshops covering technique, composition, and polar-specific challenges like capturing snow, wildlife motion, and changing light. Sessions take place both on land and aboard ship.

????️ Camping (Antarctica Only)

Spend a night on the ice, surrounded by absolute silence and stunning polar scenery. Guests sleep in bivy bags or tents under the midnight sun or starlit sky. This is one of the most memorable Basecamp experiences and follows strict “leave no trace” principles.

???? A Typical Basecamp Day

While conditions vary, a Basecamp day might include:

• Morning: Zodiac cruise + hiking option

• Midday: Kayaking sessions

• Afternoon: Long hike or snowshoe walk

• Evening: Photo workshop or mountaineering briefing

• Night (optional): Camping on the ice

Guests rotate through activities throughout the voyage, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate.