Zodiac cruising

Zodiac cruising is simply a scenic outing in the same rigid inflatable boats used for landings, but without stepping ashore. Instead, the driver noses slowly along ice cliffs, through brash ice, or into bays too shallow or rocky for a landing, giving everyone on board a low, close vantage point on glaciers, wildlife and floating ice that photographs and simply looks different from sea level.

Because it runs on the same rotation as the day's regular landing or excursion, you are usually choosing between the two rather than doing both, and places on the dedicated cruising groups are limited per departure. Conditions decide the details: calm water and good ice make for long, leisurely routes past seals and penguins on floes, while wind or swell can shorten a cruise or see it swapped for a landing at short notice. It suits guests who want wildlife and scenery without the walking, or who simply prefer being on the water.

Sign-up typically happens through the expedition team once on board, sometimes as part of a small optional-activities package alongside kayaking or other add-ons, sometimes offered daily depending on the ship's program. Staff will confirm nearer the time whether a given site allows cruising at all, since some anchorages and afternoons are landing-only.