Polar Plunge

What is the polar plunge?

A polar plunge involves jumping (or gently stepping) into the icy water of the polar regions, either off the ship, the shore, or sometimes off the ice. It’s cold water immersion at its most extreme – think an ice bath but in some of the most remote places in Antarctica or the Arctic.

For many guests, it is a must-do bucket list adventure and something I recommend trying once in your life. Remember, it’s not for the faint of heart! The water in Antarctica and the Arctic is often close to freezing.

The rewards of the polar plunge are well worth it. It’s not every day that you swim in the icy waters of some of the planet’s most natural places (even if it is just for a few seconds). After you dry off, your body feels like a million pounds, and the memories will stay with you.

Types Of Polar Plunges: Ship, Shore or off the Ice

A polar plunge in Antarctica with Quark Expeditions

On an expedition cruise to the polar regions, everything is dictated by the weather and ice conditions. Where (and if) you do a polar plunge will ultimately come down to the expedition leader having a safe window to allow it to occur. Usually, on an Antarctica cruise, you will have at least one opportunity to do the Polar Plunge unless you are unlucky with the weather.

There are three ways to do a Polar Plunge on an expedition cruise:  

From The Ship

This involves entering the water from the ship. Usually, an expedition ship has a platform close to the water level with a ladder down into the sea. The guide team will attach a rope to a waistband to tether you to the ship. And you are ready to go!

You can jump in (taking the plunge) or step down the ladder.  

If this is your first time or you are worried about the temperature of the water, climbing down the ladder can be the more sensible option. You can gradually adjust to the temperature, although it does prolong the impact of entering freezing water. This method lets you keep your head out of the water and helps prevent cold shock. I have even seen people wear woolly hats to warm their heads.

Alternatively, you can dive straight off the platform for that perfect photo opportunity. Remember to breathe as the cold takes its effect!

A significant advantage of entering the water from the ship is that within minutes, you can be in a sauna or hot pool warming up from the experience.

From The Shore

It’s possible to do a polar plunge during a shore landing. Before the landing, the guide team will mention that a plunge may be possible. You can bring your swimwear or wear it under your outdoor clothes.

A great example of this is Deception Island in Antarctica. You enter the water of a gently sloping gravel beach and can run in and get the cold water immersion over and done with or gradually walk in and prolong the feeling.

I did my first polar swim on Deception Island. It’s an ideal place to do a polar plunge in Antarctica due to its sheltered bay, and the water is warmed by volcanic activity on the island (although some may consider that cheating). If you dig down with your hands through the gravel, you will find warm water to sit in after your polar dip.

Top Tip: Bring enough clothes and dry towels to keep warm during the Zodiac ride back to the ship. After swimming in Antarctica’s waters, it can be very cold.  

From The Ice Edge

The most extreme polar plunge is jumping off the sea ice’s edge. The fact there is ice suggests that the water will be below freezing.

It’s quite rare to be able to plunge from the edge of the ice, as expedition cruises tend to visit Antarctica and the Arctic during summer months when the ice edge has receded.

During the spring, I did a plunge from the ice edge onboard the Icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot in East Greenland. The ship had sailed into the sea ice and stopped there, lowering its walkways onto the ice. As the ship was surrounded by ice, there was no way of entering the water, so a tent was set up on the ice’s edge. The only option was to jump in.

Top Tip: Wear decent footwear to walk across the ice to where you will enter the water. You will be thankful for it on the way back.

A polar plunge in Greenland with Quark Expeditions

How to Prepare for a Polar Plunge

• Choose an expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic with a polar plunge listed as an activity. Many cruise lines offer this free of charge. At Polar Escapes, we will help you find the best cruise.
• Decide if you want to do it before you depart on your expedition cruise. It’s not for everyone, so don’t feel peer pressure if you don’t want to. Instead, you can enjoy being warm on deck while watching other people plunge into the freezing water.
• Before you depart, it’s advisable to get a physical check by your doctor. Some expedition cruise lines require this. For my polar plunge in East Greenland, the cruise line required me to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) to participate. When booking through Polar Escapes, we will explain all the requirements.  
• Pack the correct swimwear to take with you.
• Be prepared to sign a waiver onboard that says you understand any risks associated with cold water swimming.
• Be flexible. Polar swimming is weather-dependent.

A polar plunge in Antarctica with Quark Expeditions

What to wear for a Polar Plunge

Bathing suits or swimming shorts are suitable attire. You can also wear a T-shirt, but it is unlikely to make any difference in the freezing water. Consider taking Crocs or water shoes in case you do the plunge from a rocky shore.

Make sure you have a dry towel, a robe and a warm hat close by so you can immediately warm up after your icy dip.

If you are doing a polar plunge from the shore, make sure you have adequate clothing to wear during the Zodiac ride back to the ship to prevent yourself from getting cold.

My Top Tips For Taking A Polar Plunge

• Take a moment to acclimatize to the air temperature in your swimwear before taking the plunge.
• Understand the water temperature. Not all plunges are alike. I have done many and found that the difference in water temperature can vary, and you can be in for a surprise when it’s on the colder side.
• Get ready to go for it. The longer you wait, the longer the coldness will persist.
• Follow the instructions of the guide team and listen to their advice.
• If you haven’t experienced cold water before, consider stepping in gradually down the ladder or from the shore.
• If you jump in, be prepared for cold shock and take deep breaths. Hold your nose to prevent seawater ingestion.
• Make sure you have a photographer ready to capture the moment.
• Have a towel and your gear nearby to put on immediately afterwards.
• Celebrate! Completing the plunge is a significant achievement and a memory that will stay with you.

How to warm up after a polar plunge

It’s important to warm yourself up immediately after coming out of the water. Here are a few of my recommended ways:

• Warm yourself up gradually. Hot drinks are perfect for getting your body temperature back up.
• Use a towel to get as dry as possible, especially if you are entering the sea from the shore. The more damp you are, the colder you will be.
• Take a warm shower.
• Head up to the ship’s sauna or on-deck hot tub.

To find out more please see our 10 Ways To Keep Warm On A Polar Cruise.

Benefits (Why you should take a polar plunge!)

First, taking the polar plunge is a passage of rights and a part of the adventure when visiting the polar regions, whether the Arctic or Antarctica. Here are some top benefits:

• A deep sense of accomplishment. Not everyone who visits the polar regions will take a plunge, and it takes a certain level of courage to do it. Maximum bragging rights will be awarded.
• You will experience an adrenalin rush. In my experience, your body experiences a sense of euphoria after exiting the water.
• Polar Plunges and ice water immersion are proven to have health benefits, including improved circulation.

Cold water Safety and Dangers of a Polar Plunge

While a polar plunge is safe for most people, there are dangers involved, and it is good to be aware of the risks.

The Risks

• Plunging into cold water elevates your adrenaline and heart rate. As your body reacts to the freezing water, you may also experience cold shock. Remember to relax and breathe.
• You are in a remote area far away from hospitals in the event of any complications.
• Hypothermia is risky if you stay in the water for more than a few minutes.

Safety

• The ship’s doctor will be on hand in case of any emergencies.
• When jumping from the ship, you will be tied to the ship by a safety rope as a precaution.
• A rescue zodiac is present near any swimming activity in the polar regions.
• The activity is supervised by a highly experienced expedition leader and guide team, who will give you guidance and instructions. A staff member will always be present.

Age Restrictions and Health Considerations

If you suffer from cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure, it is highly recommended that you do not take the Polar plunge. If you have a health issue that could affect your ability to participate in a polar plunge, we strongly advise you to consult the ship’s onboard doctor before participating.

If you are pregnant, it is vital to first get medical advice before taking a Polar plunge.

There is no age restriction for taking part, but you must be in good physical shape and able to swim.

Remember that plunging into cold water can cause your body to enter a state of shock, raising your heartbeat and blood pressure levels beyond the norm.  

Do all ships offer a Polar Plunge?

Not all ships and itineraries to Antarctica and the Arctic offer polar plunges. For the best chances, we highly recommend choosing a smaller ship with under 200 guests.

Remember ultimately the weather conditions will dictate wether or not you can take the jump.

If you would like to participate in this activity, the team at Polar Escapes will help you find a suitable trip.

How Much does a Polar plunge cost?

The polar plunge is an included activity on your expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic, and there is no extra charge for it.

How long can you stay in the water during a antarctic polar plunge?

When the water is nearly freezing, it is a jump-in-and-jump-out-again experience. It is not recommended to stay in the water for more than a few moments. Hypothermia can set in in a matter of minutes in water with temperatures this low, so a polar dip must be quick.

What temperature is the water in Antarctica?

An Antarctic polar plunge is one of the coldest, with water temperatures varying between +2 and -1 degress, which is really cold. The air temperatures are also close to freezing, although it will feel a lot warmer when you exit the water than in it. It’s essential to have clothes ready to wrap up warm if you are off the ship.

Where can you do a polar plunge?

You can do a polar plunge anywhere in the polar regions, whether in the Arctic Ocean or Antarctica. If you get fortunate, you may be able to plunge beneath the Antarctic Circle, which is something few people get to experience. Also polar plunges are offered on longer cruises to the Falkland islands and South Georgia.

During your expedition cruise, the captain of the ship and expedition staff will decide on the safest place to take a polar plunge.

As with everything on an expedition, it is weather-dependent.

Where did the polar plunge originate?

Also known as the polar bear plunge, The concept of cold water immersion and its benefits has been around for a long time. Rumour has it that in the 20th century, the first scientists decided to jumping into the water themselves in Antarctica. The idea obviously went down well, and now it is a highlight of most expedition cruises in the polar regions.

Ready to take the big splash yourself? Check out our expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic and live the ultimate adventure for yourself.