FAQ about Antarctic Polar Plunging with Albatros Expeditions

If you’re off to Antarctica and you’re contemplating a polar plunge, this post is for you!

We were both pretty nervous leading up to our polar plunge…

The truth is, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to do it!

But, thanks to a good bit of peer pressure in our Facebook Group (see exhibit one and two) and a dose of YOLO, there wasn’t really any doubt that we’d end up doing it.

If, like us, you’re a little tentative about taking the leap, this post will hopefully help set your mind at ease and give you a good understanding of what’s to come…

Sarah and Nathan polar plunging on Ocean Albatros.

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Polar Plunging in Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions

We sailed with Albatros Expeditions on Ocean Albatros.

Because we chose an expedition trip, we didn’t have a set schedule or itinerary – and this meant we didn’t know when the polar plunge was likely to happen.

As it turned out, we were offered one chance to plunge on the second-to-last day of excursions, just off the coast of Port Lockroy.

What to expect on the day

We found out the day before (during our evening briefing) that our polar plunge was scheduled for the next day.

In the end, it took place surprisingly late in the day.

We completed both of our daily excursions and then repositioned the ship, which saw us start jumping around 6 pm.

Unlike many of the other optional activities, this didn’t require a sign up in advance, so it was just a matter of deciding that we wanted to jump and then being brave enough to actually follow through!

We were advised to gear up, pop a robe on, and then called down to the mudroom group-by-group.

Once there, we signed a waiver and waited in line for our turn.

With the music pumping and the crew dancing up a storm, the atmosphere was electric!

We edged closer to the front of the line, our nerves rising as the number of people in front diminished…

But everyone coming out of the water seemed to love it.

“It’s not even cold,” they proclaimed!

But we’d soon find out, they were lying through their teeth 😉

We’d been warned that standing, waiting in the cold, was worse than being in the water itself.

Likewise, the cold, wet safety belt wasn’t meant to be much fun – though, we were told, that’s a great reason to be the first pair to jump, while it’s still dry!

Once we were near the front of the line, we dropped our robes and shoes, and stood, shivering in the cool air.

Perhaps we had a fairly mild afternoon (or perhaps we’ve forgotten just how cold we were while standing there, given how cold we were about to become), but standing in line wasn’t as bad as we’d been told to expect.

Having the safety ropes attached wasn’t a good time, but it wasn’t dreadful either.

Maybe this wasn’t about to be as bad as we’d imagined?

The team helped us down onto the zodiac before instructing us to hop up on the side.

Then, quick as a flash (probably so we couldn’t chicken out), they counted us down, instructing Nathan to jump just before me in the hopes of getting a photo of us both in the air.

Documenting your plunge: Our boat’s professional photographer was out on another zodiac snapping photos (which were provided free of charge), and one of the expedition team kindly took a video on my phone (so be sure to take yours down to the mudroom).

How cold is it, really?

It was freezing. Absolutely freezing!

The water was between 1°C and 2°C and, boy, did we feel it…

I’m sure my body went into shock the second it hit the water.

My muscles tensed up and the split-second swim to the surface felt like an eternity!

If you watch the videos, you’ll notice me pointing straight to the ladder the second my head bobs up…

Knowing Nathan jumped first, it only felt fair that he climb out first, but I wasn’t keen to be in there a second longer than I needed to.

With all that said, it also wasn’t as bad as I was expecting – and once I was out of the water, I never really got cold.

A shot of vodka probably helped with that too!

After our jump

After our jump, the team recommended warming up in the jacuzzi on the top deck, in the sauna, or in our shower.

We made a beeline for one of two jacuzzis, where we had a great time debriefing with other plungers while watching the rest of our friends jump from above.

FAQ about polar plunging with Albatros Expeditions

How much does it cost to polar plunge?

The polar plunge is included in all Albatros Expeditions sailings. There’s no extra cost for it.

Do you have to jump?

No, it’s totally optional. Approximately half of the people on our boat jumped, while many others enjoyed watching and cheering us on.

How far from the boat do you need to jump?

Because there’s nothing you need to clear, you can jump as far (or as short) as you like.

What jump-styles can you choose from?

It’s totally up to you! You’ll climb onto the side of the zodiac and then will be counted down quickly. Bomb, manu, dive, slide down the side of the boat or use the ladder – it’s your decision.

What do you wear when polar plunging?

We were asked to wear only swim wear – no onesies or costumes.

Is it safe?

We were made to sign a waiver as there are inherent risks with sudden temperature changes like this. With that said, we talked to the staff on board (many of which have been guiding for a number of years) and none of them had an issue with any of their past guests. Many of them also opted to polar plunge whenever they could.

If you’re worried about the sudden change in temperature, you’re able to slowly slide into the water, or enter using the ladder… but if you’re anything like me, getting in quickly would be the only way to ensure you actually get in!

How many people jump at a time?

We had the option to jump solo or with someone else.

Why do you need a rope?

Though we swam back to the ladder ourselves, the rope is a backup precaution, allowing the team to help you back to the ship if you freeze up or get in trouble.