Zodiac
tips & insights

Why a Zodiac is special

This small, inflatable, rubber motorized craft is swift, stable and maneuverable. It's ideal for navigating rocky shallow waters. You get close-up views of places regular boats cannot access.

The ship's fleet

Most Antarctica cruise ships that make landings have 8 to 12 Zodiacs. Each accommodates 10 passengers plus the skipper.

Number of trips

You normally make two Zodiac excursions per day, one in the morning, the second in the afternoon. Each lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Types of Zodiac trips

Most are landings, others are sightseeing cruises through iceberg-dotted bays and channels.

Wet landings

There are no docks, so you have to make wet landings. This means you slide off the Zodiac into shallow water averaging a depth of 30 centimeters or 12 inches) and walk ashore.

What you see

You observe large rookeries of waddling penguins and their charming chicks, beaches spotted with lazing seals, cliffs sporting a myriad of seabird nests, and spectacular icebergs and landscapes.

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Zodiac landing tips

PAGE TWO - More pointers
PAGE THREE - Your safety

Best 3 Antarctica cruise ships
When to go
Who should go - and not go
Small versus big ship
Itineraries
Costs
What-to-pack checklist

Zodiac landings
How to identify penguins
Antarctica history in brief
Interesting facts & tidbits
Glossary
More  pointers
Photo gallery

Top 10 experiences
Suite photos
Deck plans
Onboard enrichment
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