Polar Snorkeling during an Expedition Cruise

Discover the polar regions below the surface

The snorkelling operation managed by the Waterproof Expeditions team relies on more than 15 years of experience. We combine the highest level of safety with quality snorkeling. The polar snorkel experts have experienced many extreme situations in the field and are trained to find the best opportunities for snorkelling, taking into account unpredictable weather and wildlife. Some of the best encounters we had with large mammals, like leopard seals and humpback whales, were by polar snorkelling.

We offer both dedicated snorkeling voyages, as well as expedition cruises where you have the opportunity to go snorkeling. The advantage of traveling on board a ship is that you can go snorkeling in a new location every day. This offers the best opportunites for seeing wildlife under water, as animals don't tend to stay in one place.
For more detailed information and questions about our expeditions or polar snorkelling please contact us. We're happy to give you expert advise. 

Practical and safe Polar Snorkeling

Preparing for Cold Water Snorkeling

If you want to go polar snorkeling we advise you to have some previous snorkel experience. However you don't need any (scuba) diving experience. On board we provide you with a drysuit and snorkeling equipment. Before we start the snorkeling activities we do a check-out snorkel to familiarize yourself with the buoyance of the drysuit, to adjust your mask and snorkel, and to feel the cold temperature of the water. Prior to each excursion there will be a briefing. We usually take the zodiac for going to the snorkeling site. The guide will instruct you when it is safe to go into the water. There is always a guide accompanying you on the snorkel excursions, who stays in the zodiac.  In case you feel uncomfortable during the excursion you can get out of the water at any moment. 
While snorkelling we hope to encounter a lot of marine life. Depending on your destinations you might find yourself swimming with whales, orcas, penguins and seals. 

Let's go Polar Snorkeling!

Number of snorkel excursions

During our expeditions we aim to go snorkelling 2 times per day (except for days sailing out at sea), however we can’t guarantee this frequency as it depends on the weather conditions and wildlife sightings. Trip itineraries are a guideline, we will always try to hold to the itinerary as much as possible but safety is our number one priority. Since these are expeditions to remote parts of the world, unpredictable weather conditions, availability of anchorages, wind conditions and other factors beyond our control will always dictate when it is safe to go snorkeling.

Discover all our Snorkeling & Diving expeditions »

Tips for Polar Snorkeling

Is it your first time snorkeling?

• It's not possible to wear glasses underneath your snorkel mask. If you have bad eyesight we advise to wear contact lenses or use prescription goggles. 


• Never snorkel if you don’t feel comfortable. There is lots to see from the ship and on land too. 


• Be flexible and patient during the expedition. Some snorkel excursions may be changed or cancelled due to the ever-changing weather and ice.


• If you have any problems or concerns, never hesitate to ask our guides for help