Polar Plunge

Included Activity

Take the leap with the unforgettable polar plunge! This is an included activity at no extra charge, offered on most of our Arctic and Antarctic cruises. This exhilarating experience invites travelers of different ages to dive into the icy polar waters—a thrilling highlight of any expedition.

What Is the Polar Plunge?

The polar plunge is a controlled, heart-pounding experience where you jump into near-freezing waters under the watchful eyes of our experienced team. It’s a celebration of courage and adventure, made safe with the use of a tethering rope to ensure your security.

Antarctic Polar Plunge: What It Actually Feels Like

Imagine standing on the gangway of your small expedition ship, dressed in a swimsuit, eyeing the freezing Southern Ocean right beside you – these are the last moments before your polar plunge. The Antarctic polar plunge is not your average dip into the water, but an extraordinary rite of passage and often the culmination of your Antarctic expedition adventure. Most of our plunges take place around the Antarctic Peninsula, where sheltered bays between the peninsula and offshore islands provide a dramatic stage for this memorable adventure.

Once you bravely jump into the ocean, and after the first thrilling feeling of the freezing cold water against your body passes, you’ll find yourself looking up at towering ice cliffs, glacier fronts, and icebergs drifting through the bay. Don’t be surprised to see penguins and seals resting on nearby ice floes while you take in the surreal scenery.

Expect some of the coldest swimmable water on Earth, ranging from around -1.8°C to +2°C (28.8°F to 35.6°F), depending on the season and exact location. Our travelers describe their feelings from the moment they dip in to the water variously from “refreshing” to “what exactly have I done,” but quickly realize that this is one of the most spectacular places in the world to take a swim. Polar plunges take place during the austral summer, from November through March. Earlier in the season, in November and December, you generally experience more sea ice, while by February and March, conditions get somewhat milder. We offer polar plunging once on every journey, choosing the best moment based on weather, sea, and ice conditions.

Arctic Polar Plunge: Svalbard, Greenland and Beyond

The Arctic offers a very different polar plunge setting. Instead of Antarctica’s towering ice cliffs, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rugged tundra slopes and dramatic fjords. In Svalbard, you may plunge against a backdrop of steep mountains and glacier fronts, with ice calving into the waters nearby. In June and July, the midnight sun provides ample daylight to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Arctic Ocean at any time of the day. As Svalbard is also polar bear country, safety always comes first. On Svalbard, our guides follow strict safety protocols for all off-boat activities, including the polar plunge, scanning the surrounding area before and during the activity. You may also spot walruses hauled out on the shore or nearby ice floes.

In Greenland, you may dip beneath icebergs drifting in the fjords, creating a backdrop of incredible natural ice sculptures. East Greenland’s fjords are among the most mesmerizing settings on any of our itineraries. And then there is Jan Mayen: the most remote plunge location on our cruises, a rarely visited volcanic island where very few people have ever taken a swim.

Arctic water temperatures vary more than those in Antarctica. Water temperatures during the Svalbard summer usually range from around 2–5°C (36–41°F), while waters around southern Greenland can be slightly warmer.

How It Works

Here’s how you prepare for this unforgettable event:

• Head to Your Cabin: Slip into your bathing suit (don’t forget to pack it for your trip!) and grab a warm robe. You’ll want to have everything ready when the call comes.
• Wait for the Signal: The polar plunge happens once per voyage, but there is no fixed time on the itinerary. Our Expedition Leader and Captain monitor the weather, sea, ice, and wildlife conditions throughout the voyage and select the optimal moment. The plunge is typically announced a few hours in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare – and perhaps enough time to reconsider your choice!
• Gather for the Plunge: Join your fellow travelers for the plunge, either on the ship’s gangway or on shore, depending on the location and conditions. Shore-based plunges offer the unique experience of standing on a remote beach surrounded by polar wilderness before jumping into the water, while gangway plunges put you right at the edge of the ship, with polar waters waiting directly below. Both options allow for full immersion and are carried out with the same safety procedures.
• Make the Leap: Our team will provide a full safety briefing and ensure you are securely tethered before you jump. When it’s your turn, take a deep breath and leap into the icy water! The crew will be right beside you to ensure your safety and assist you out of the water.
• Celebrate the Experience: After your plunge, you’re welcomed back on board with warm towels and hot drinks. Then it’s time to celebrate with your fellow travelers, because being brave enough to dip into the polar waters definitely deserves a toast!

Who Can Participate?

The polar plunge attracts adventurers of all ages, from spirited young explorers to seasoned travelers. It’s not about age—it’s about having the spirit to embrace this unique and exhilarating opportunity. Everyone who wants to participate in the polar plunge can do so. There are no queues or long waits, as our 114-passenger expedition ship allows for small-group polar experiences, including polar plunging without long waits.

Don’t Feel Like Jumping?

Not ready to take the leap? That’s absolutely fine! You can still be part of the excitement by cheering on your fellow travelers from the deck. Watching the mix of courage, joy, and triumph unfold is an inspiring experience in itself.

Safety First

Your safety is our top priority. Each participant is securely tethered with a rope before entering the water. The rope is attached to a fixed point and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the water, while our guides remain right beside you and can pull you out immediately after the plunge. Our onboard physician is on standby and available in case of health issues. Whether you are in Antarctica or in the Arctic, the same careful approach applies. As an IAATO member since 2011, we plan every polar plunge in full compliance with wildlife approach and environmental protocols. Site selection always accounts for the presence of wildlife in the area.

Our Expedition Leader and Captain choose the timing and location based on weather, sea conditions, ice, and wildlife. We don’t rush the plunge and only proceed when conditions are suitable. One of our team members remains on the water in a Zodiac directly alongside the participants, ready to assist at any moment if needed.

The plunge itself is brief: jump in, fully immerse yourself, and get out. You will typically spend less than 60 seconds in the water before returning to the ship, where warm towels and hot drinks are waiting for you. The polar plunge does not require a particular level of fitness or swimming ability. You simply need the confidence to take the leap into the freezing water. Everyone, even seasoned swimmers, will be tethered before the jump.

Why It’s Special

• Unforgettable Memories: Whether you jump or watch, the polar plunge is a highlight of the voyage.
• Shared Adventure: It’s a bonding experience that brings travelers together, creating stories and connections that last a lifetime.
• Adrenaline and Achievement: There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of conquering the icy polar waters.
• The Science of Cold Water: There is a reason you emerge from the Southern Ocean feeling incredibly energized. Cold water immersion triggers your body’s acute stress response, causing your heart rate to rise and prompting the release of adrenaline and endorphins. Blood flow shifts as your body works to protect its core temperature. The immediate result is a gasp, yelp, or laughter, and then a remarkable feeling of energy and alertness that many of our travelers report can last for hours. The body of known research on the benefits of cold water immersion is constantly growing, with scientists looking into its potential effects on mood, longevity, and other aspects of well-being. For now, we’re enjoying the fun and its refreshing effects on our polar cruise adventures.

The polar plunge promises a once-in-a-lifetime memory that truly captures the spirit of polar exploration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to swim to do the polar plunge?

No, you do not need to be a strong swimmer or have much swimming experience at all. Every participant is securely tethered before entering the water, and a member of our team remains right alongside throughout the plunge. You simply need the confidence to take the leap.

How cold is the water exactly?

It depends on where and when you plunge. Around the Antarctic Peninsula, Southern Ocean surface temperatures range from -1.8°C to +2°C (28.8°F to 35.6°F). In Svalbard, summer water temperatures are typically around 2–5°C (36–41°F), while the waters around southern Greenland can be slightly warmer.

Is the polar plunge available on every voyage?

Yes, the polar plunge is offered once per voyage, subject to weather, sea, ice, and wildlife conditions. Our Expedition Leader and Captain select the optimal moment during the voyage, and the plunge is typically announced a few hours in advance.

Can children participate in the polar plunge?

This depends on the individual child and the specific voyage – we recommend parents discuss this directly with our Expedition Team on board. The polar plunge does not require a particular fitness level or swimming ability, but every participant must be comfortable following safety instructions and taking the leap into the extremely cold water.

What do I wear for the polar plunge?

A swimsuit is all you need for the actual plunge. Before heading out, you’ll have a warm robe to wear, and you should have a towel and warm clothing ready for afterward. Some of our travelers choose funny or colorful swimsuits, as our photographers will capture the moment of your jump into the cold water.

What happens right after I get out of the water?

You’ll be pulled safely out of the water and immediately wrapped in a warm towel. Once you’re back on board, hot drinks will be waiting to help you warm up. After the plunge comes the best part: celebrating with your fellow plungers and proudly telling everyone that you actually swam in polar waters.

Can I watch without participating?

Absolutely! You are welcome to cheer on your fellow travelers without taking the plunge yourself. Watching your fellow travelers take the plunge is just as entertaining, particularly when you see the expressions on their faces as they hit the water.

Discover the excitement of the Polar Plunge — watch our video and get inspired!