Zodiac Cruises

What Is Zodiac Cruising?

Zodiac cruising involves donning a lifejacket and stepping from your expedition cruise ship into an inflatable boat known as a Zodiac. If this is your first time doing it, stepping into small inflatable boats in such a remote place can feel daunting, but you are in safe hands.

Driven by a naturalist guide or an expedition leader, Zodiac cruises are the secret sauce of expedition cruising as they allow far greater flexibility for exploring. Thanks to the Zodiac’s shallow draft, you can access remote beaches and shorelines the expedition ship couldn’t reach. It’s the big difference between an expedition cruise and a regular cruise.  

Zodiacs are used for cruises (known as Zodiac excursions or Zodiac rides) and shore landings. They are essential for exploring Antarctica and the Arctic. Imagine going all that way and not being able to step ashore or see anything up close!

The Zodiac Boat

A Zodiac is a durable rubber inflatable boat equipped with a powerful engine. Typically, it seats 10 – 12 guests and one guide, so it’s a great way to experience wildlife and raw nature in an intimate way. These tough boats with shallow drafts can be dragged onto rocky beaches and safely brought alongside the expedition cruise ship in a swell.  

Expert Tip: Choose a smaller expedition ship where the total number of guests matches the total number of Zodiacs available. This will ensure less waiting time and offer you more opportunities to explore.

To find out which ship is a good fit for you, why not get in touch with us?

Wildlife Watching

Zodiac excursions are excellent for wildlife watching. They offer guests a chance to experience wildlife up close and intimately without disturbing it.

I have often seen polar bears in Svalbard from a safe distance on a Zodiac. The guide shut down the engines so as not to cause a disturbance, and we watched as a large polar bear walked along the edge of the ice. For a moment, we were part of nature and completely lost in the moment. This is not something you could do with a larger ship.

In Antarctica, Zodiacs are used for wildlife safaris. It’s incredible to witness whales breaching or leopard seals resting on ice floes from the intimacy of a Zodiac. It’s like watching a nature documentary unfold in front of your eyes.  

Shore Landings

In the polar regions, there are no docks or pontoons to tie up against, just remote natural landscapes. Zodiacs are used to transport guests from the ship to the shore. The great benefit is that a Zodiac is light enough to be pulled onto a beach, allowing access to many different landing sites.

Zodiacs also provide safety and support for kayaking and polar plunge activities.

What to wear on A Zodiac cruise

A Zodiac is an open boat, and you will be exposed to the elements for the duration of your ride or shore landing, which could last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours.

The temperature in Antarctica and the Arctic can vary, so it’s essential to remain warm and dry. Remember that in a Zodiac, water may splash on you.

In the Zodiac, the following clothing is essential:

• Windproof and Waterproof Jacket. A parka is highly recommended for Antarctica and may be included in your cruise.
• Waterproof trousers
• Rubber Boots (these are typically supplied by the ship)  
• Warm layers of clothing
• A hat
• A neck warmer or face covering
• Polarizing Sunglasses on bright days
• Gloves (ideally waterproof)
• A dry bag or waterproof backpack for cameras

How To Prepare For A Zodiac Cruise

For a speedy process, it’s crucial that when your group is called, you are ready for your Zodiac ride. Here is how to prepare:

• Bring your life jacket. This will have already been allocated to you and will likely be kept in your cabin.
• Be fully dressed in warm and waterproof clothing with rubber boots. Remember it may be chilly out on the water.
• Put any belongings you don’t want to get wet into a waterproof bag.
• It’s essential to be hands-free when entering the Zodiac. Put cameras and phones in a zipped pocket when boarding.
• Remember your camera. You will see lots of things you want to take pictures of.
• Be aware of the weather conditions. If it is windy be prepared to get splashed.

How To Get Into A Zodiac

Entering and exiting a Zodiac is relatively easy for most people. However, it is important that you have a basic level of mobility and balance. When embarking and disembarking, always follow the instructions of the Zodiac driver.

Entering and Exiting From the ship

An expedition ship will have platforms close to the water’s edge for Zodiac operations to ensure comfortable boarding for passengers. Depending on the ship, you may have to walk down a set of steps to reach the Zodiac platform. Zodiacs will be tied to the platform, and it is as simple as stepping down from the platform and onto the inflatable tube of the boat known as the pontoon. Remember to take the hand of the Zodiac driver for safety at all times. At times, there can be swell, and Zodiacs move, so having a good grip is essential.

Entering and Exiting From the Shore

At the shore, the driver will bring the Zodiac’s bow up onto the beach. When it is secure, the guest at the front slides their legs over the edge of the tube and step foot ashore. You must stay seated until your turn to exit and follow the guide’s instructions. There is often a second guide assisting passengers on and off.

At times, you will have to step out of the Zodiac into shallow water, known as wet landings (this is why waterproof rubber boots are essential.)

In places with surf, such as South Georgia, a stern landing may be required to keep the bow into the oncoming waves. Be prepared to get splashed, and pay close attention to never step behind the Zodiac in these conditions.

Zodiac Safety

When you enter a Zodiac, the driver will give a short safety briefing and explain what to do in the event of an emergency. Here are my top safety tips:

• You must follow the driver’s instructions at all times.
• Stay seated at all times unless you ask the driver to stand when the boat is at a slow speed.
• Take backpacks off your back and place them on the floor of the Zodiac.
• Ensure there is nothing that could impede your life jacket from inflating, such as camera or bag straps.

Is A Zodiac Cruise Suitable for me?

Zodiac cruises are suitable for most people. You need mobility to climb safely in and out of the Zodiac.

As with any adventure activity, it is recommended that you consult a doctor prior to your trip if you have any physical conditions or back problems, which can be exacerbated in a Zodiac.

Zodiac Cruising Destinations

In the polar regions, there are so many options for sightseeing by Zodiac.

In Antarctica, explore the wildlife and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands or take a longer voyage to the Ross Sea. Look out for whales, leopard seals resting on ice floes, and orcas that frequent the icy waters.

Visit penguin colonies in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands and see incredible birdlife.

In the Arctic, you can see polar bears in Svalbard, East Greenland, or the Canadian Arctic. You can also Zodiac cruise remote glaciers and stare at the endless icebergs.

FAQ

Why is a boat called a zodiac?

The name Zodiac comes from the brand name Zodiac and is a term used to describe most durable inflatable boats (even if the Zodiac company does not produce them).

Is Zodiac cruising safe?

Zodiac cruising is generally considered safe. As with any adventure activity, there are some risks involved, although accidents are rare. One of the biggest dangers in the polar regions is cold water immersion. passengers must follow safety instructions at all times and wear life jackets that automatically inflate if they come into contact with water.

Are Zodiac Boats seaworthy and unsinkable?

Zodiac boats are incredibly seaworthy and fit for purpose, and they operate safely in the polar regions, although they are not unsinkable. The boat is designed with multiple inflatable chambers, so in the event one chamber becomes compromised, it will still float. It is made from heavy-duty, durable materials that will not pierce if it comes into contact with brash ice or gravel beaches.

Do you get wet on A Zodiac Boat?

Depending on the sea conditions, getting wet on A Zodiac ride is possible. During windy conditions, when there are waves, guests sitting at the front of the boats are likely to get splashed, which is why waterproof clothing is essential.

How Many people can fit on a zodiac boat?

Zodiacs typically take small groups of 10 – 12 passengers, although some larger boats can carry up to 20 people.

How long are Zodiac cruises?

Zodiac cruises in the polar regions typically last 1-2 hours. On a photography tour, it’s possible to spend 3-4 hours observing wildlife.

I hope you found this helpful guide. To find out more please see our guide to expedition cruises.

Are you ready to explore? As a next step, check out our expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica.