HX Pronounces In depth Growth of Tenting and Kayaking in Antarctica
This Antarctic season, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s oldest expedition cruise firm, is launching an intensive enlargement of its tenting and kayaking actions in Antarctica, considerably rising capability throughout the fleet. Beginning in October 2025, HX will provide extra company the chance to kayak and camp in Antarctica than ever earlier than, with a 188% improve in kayaking capability and double the tenting spots. All of that is achieved whereas upholding the very best requirements of environmental stewardship and working totally inside IAATO pointers, of which HX is a founding member.
“We’re not simply including extra spots, we’re reimagining how company expertise Antarctica,” stated Karin Strand, VP of Expeditions Improvement, who has accomplished greater than 150 expeditions to Antarctica and designed the brand new providing programme. With over 20 years of expertise in Antarctic journey, HX continues to guide the class in each scale and innovation.
“With expanded kayaking and tenting capability, plus better flexibility and entry, we’re giving extra company the prospect to expertise the polar areas in a very private and significant manner. It’s about making these once-in-a-lifetime moments accessible to everybody on board, whereas delivering them in small, intimate and responsibly managed teams. Whether or not you’re gliding previous icebergs in your kayak or sleeping beneath the celebs, we’re right here that will help you write your individual Antarctic story. And importantly, all experiences are designed in concord with nature and in strict adherence to the environmental laws that govern human exercise in Antarctica.”
What’s New for the 2025/26 Antarctica Season?
188% improve in kayaking capability throughout the fleet – as much as 92 company
Tenting capability doubled – as much as 60 company
Solo travellers welcome – no associate wanted for kayaking or tenting
New: Discovery Kayaks – solo, inflatable, self-guided paddling with no language requirement • An business first, custom-designed with NRS (US) and Escape Watersports (UK) • Combines modern design and top-tier efficiency
New: Bivvy Bag Tenting – light-weight, low-impact in a single day beneath the celebs • Closest expertise to true polar expedition tenting • Customized-built Scandinavian gear, HX-tested
New expanded exercise choices – contains: • Two kayaking types • Two tenting codecs • Snowshoeing • Polar plunges • Prolonged hikes*
HX’s enhanced providing isn’t nearly amount – it’s about smarter, extra inclusive, and extra various adventures. From calm solo paddles to extra deep dive guided excursions, HX is now providing seven distinct exercise choices throughout its fleet, together with two kayaking types, two tenting types, polar plunges, prolonged hikes, and snowshoeing.
Two Methods to Camp in Antarctica:
Bivvy Bag Tenting (New!): Sleep out within the open beneath the Antarctic sky in new light-weight, weather-ready bivvy luggage, the closest expertise to true polar expedition tenting. With custom-built gear match for polar circumstances (HX-tested in Scandinavia for the harshest circumstances), this uncooked and rugged journey lets company join instantly with the ice, the silence, and the celebs. Capability: as much as 60 company. Worth: EUR 350 pp
2-Individual Tent Tenting: Conventional low-impact polar tenting in high-performance expedition tents. A terrific possibility for many who need to share the expertise with a companion, whereas staying sheltered from the weather. Capability: 30 company (2 per tent). Worth: EUR 429 pp
All mandatory gear is offered for each tenting choices, together with both a bivvy bag or tent equipment, insulated sleeping mats, a sleeping bag with liner, and a head torch. Visitors are suggested to convey their very own heat, layered clothes, thermal socks (plus spares), gloves, a hat, neck overlaying, water bottle, and a digital camera to seize the expertise. Tenting is usually provided as soon as per five-day voyage. On longer itineraries, a second night time on the ice could also be doable, topic to climate and circumstances.
Two Methods to Kayak in Antarctica:
Discovery Kayaks (Inflatable – New!): Inflatable, self-guided kayaks that includes a light-weight, sturdy, and trendy design that gives a close-to-the-water expertise. They are perfect for calm circumstances and intimate exploration. Visitors paddle independently at their very own tempo inside a devoted space, with security boats monitoring all through. Solo travellers are welcome to paddle alone, and no English is required.Capability: 60 company. Worth: EUR 129 pp
Sea Explorer Kayaks (Laborious Shell – Expanded Capability): Laborious-shell sea kayaks, guided by two expedition consultants, designed for longer-range paddling and enhanced management in dynamic Antarctic circumstances. Engineered for vary, stability, and the power to slice by way of Antarctic silence, these smooth, expedition-grade kayaks are perfect for extra technical outings. Every kayak is paired for the last word shared expertise with a pal or companion. Capability: 32 company. Worth: EUR 199 pp
For the 2025/2026 Antarctica season, all kayaking and tenting bookings shall be managed onboard by the Expedition Workforce, permitting real-time flexibility based mostly on climate, itinerary, and visitor preferences. The earlier lottery system shall be eliminated, with a first-come, first-served system used on most sailings. A pre-booking system is in growth for future seasons. All actions are climate and itinerary dependent. Within the occasion of a cancellation, HX will make each effort to reschedule. If rescheduling shouldn’t be doable, a full refund shall be offered.
“Experiencing Antarctica should include duty,” Strand concludes. “Each step we take is guided by the rules of sustainable tourism. We work inside the framework of IAATO pointers to make sure our presence leaves no hint – minimising impression, respecting wildlife, and preserving the pristine great thing about the polar setting for generations to return.”
HX is proud to now provide its largest and most various kayaking and tenting programme in Antarctica. With new gear, upgraded programmes, and smarter operations, the model continues to guide the class not simply in scale, however in ambition and innovation.
Source link
