Taking the Polar Plunge

by Oceanwide Expeditions Blog

There are some human activities that for many people simply defy understanding: We juggle chainsaws, we breathe fire, we fling ourselves out of perfectly good airplanes.

Regions: Antarctica, Arctic

Polar plunge, a bucket list burrrrr

There are some human activities that for many people simply defy understanding: We juggle chainsaws, we breathe fire, we fling ourselves out of perfectly good airplanes.

And some of us do the polar plunge.

In case you’re not familiar with it, the polar plunge is a practice (some might say desperate cry for help) of swimming in the frigid, bone-chilling, dear-god-I-never-imagined-there-could-be-anything-this-cold water of the polar regions.

While Oceanwide is not always able to accommodate this insan – er, activity, we try to do so when our guests request it. We also tend to take a lot of pictures.

You know, just so people don’t think we’re making this stuff up.

So here are a few of those pictures, along with our best attempts at trying to explain this… Shall we say “interesting” polar activity.

The polar plunge in practice

Whether on an Arctic or Antarctic cruise, we only offer the polar plunge as an event at the end of a landing, when the beach is suitable and conditions are friendly. And in reality, the activity is better characterized as a dip rather than a plunge.

Also, we only do the polar plunge from shore, never from the ship. We simply can’t take the risk of someone having an issue in deep water, where it’s not as easy to get them out again.

Zodiacs are always waiting nearby, ready to get everyone quickly back to the vessel. This gives polar plungers ample opportunity to frolic in water so cold even some penguins won’t touch it.

Brave, brave souls. A little nuts maybe, but who are we to judge?

Back on the ship we keep the hot chocolate hot and the vodka flowing, so when these chill-seekers come back (their lips a little bluer but eyes a little brighter) they can get warm and comfortable as fast as possible.

Final ponderings on the polar plunge

Joking aside, we do understand the polar plunge impulse.

For some it’s a personal challenge, to others a welcome thrill, and to all participants there’s no question it is a supremely invigorating activity. Polar travelers seem to like that combination.

But it goes without saying that the polar plunge is not for everybody. Some polar travelers are invigorated enough with just a strong cup of coffee.

Believe us, we totally relate.

Still, if you’re looking for a real eye-opener, you can’t fail to be satisfied by the polar plunge. At the very least, you could earn the respect of some very hard-to-impress walruses.

But we’ll completely understand if you prefer to stick with the coffee.

Related cruises

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Experience the northern lights on Earth’s largest fjord

RVR15-24 Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

28 Sep - 9 Oct, 2024

Berths start from:

6650 USD

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up
Up to $250 OFF Free transfer

Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail - Incl. bus back up

Experience Iceland’s remote and breathtaking fjords, harbors, and inlands at an exceptional time of year

RVR16-24 Northern and eastern Iceland are characterized by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanoes, and mountains. We are in the heart of nature here, and the scenery is breathtaking. This destination offers...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

9 Oct - 15 Oct, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $8500 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species!

PLA20-24 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

18 Oct - 7 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

6650 USD

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering
Up to $7650 OFF

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, photo workshop, mountaineering

The best activity voyage in Antarctica

HDS21a24 The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

1 Nov - 13 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Up to $2400 OFF

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins

OTL22-24 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

10 Nov - 20 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

9700 USD

Loading