Zodiac Tours

Zodiac cruising is one of the defining features and experiences of expedition cruises, offering a unique way to explore coastlines, icebergs and wildlife-rich areas. A Zodiac is a rigid, heavy-duty inflatable boat with an outboard motor and a capacity for around eight to 12 guests. Their small size and manoeuvrability enable guests to venture into remote areas, navigating shallow water, ice, reefs and narrow waterways otherwise inaccessible by the expedition ship itself. They are frequently used to spot and approach local wildlife closely without disturbing their natural behaviour.

Every Zodiac experience is completely bespoke with a generous level of flexibility for exploration, where the route and itinerary can be tailored to each excursion. As well as scenic cruising around an abundance of dramatic landscapes, Zodiacs can also facilitate landings on remote shores and ice floes, providing opportunities for guided walks, wildlife observation, and photography.

These are lead and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide or naturalist who offers insights into the local ecology, geology and wildlife, enhancing the educational value of the excursion. Landings will always be assisted by the crew and can be either ‘wet’ or ‘dry’, wet involving stepping into shallow water with waterproof boots and dry stepping onto rocks or a dock if available.

These excursions offer spectacular adventure opportunities to delve deeper into each destination, whilst always being a short journey away from the comfort and luxury of your expedition ship.

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE

United Kingdom

Zodiac excursions truly offer the best way to see these incredible regions around the UK, whether you’re spotting dolphins or puffins, or embarking on landings where you can continue your adventure on a guided hike.

The Kimberley

The Kimberley is a uninhabited region which is otherwise inaccessible without a boat. Zodiac tours allow you to explore the coastline and even land on this incredible area, where you can explore and spot resident wildlife.

Galápagos

The Galapagos Islands are an incredible destination to enjoy a Zodiac cruise on an expedition voyage. Sail around the stunning rugged coastlines and spot wildlife in the water or experience landings where you can venture deeper into this breathtaking region.

Antarctica

Experience the true beauty of Antarctic wildlife from your Zodiac, from close encounters with penguins ashore to watching whales breach in the water nearby. These excursions are the perfect way to enhance your experience and enjoy land excursions on the ice.

Greenland

Greenland arguably offers the most breathtaking scenery of all the Arctic regions, which you can explore in depth through your Zodiac excursions and spot local wildlife.

Iceland

Embark on daily Zodiac excursions around Iceland’s incredible coastline and spot its variety of spectacular wildlife from your boat.

Norway

Your daily Zodiac excursions will take you cruising along the Norwegian coastline and even landing on the shores where you can venture further into this beautiful area of the Arctic.

Svalbard

Renowned for its rich wildlife spotting opportunities, Zodiacs are especially exhilarating in this region. You will enjoy at least one and sometimes two daily excursions where you can cruise or even land on the shore via Zodiac.

Northwest Passage & Canada

Marvel at the stunning scenery of Canada from your Zodiac excursion and cruise around the beautiful Arctic coastlines.

Asia & Indian Ocean

Explore remote islands and hidden gems around Indonesian archipelagos through spectacular Zodiac tours and excursions, perfect for admiring scenery and spotting wildlife.

Africa

Enjoy Zodiac tours along stunning coastlines and landings on pristine beaches and treasure troves where you can spot wildlife and explore remote destinations unreachable by larger ships.

French Polynesia & South Pacific

Cruise along stunning islands or land ashore on a Zodiac excursion and spot an array of unique wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Great Lakes, North America

Cruise along spectacular remote beaches and look out for wildlife such as beavers and otters living in and around the water. Enjoy landings on shore where you can delve deeper into forest areas to discover more wildlife hidden amongst the trees.

South America

Explore stunning glaciers and towering mountains on Zodiac cruises and landings on your South America expedition voyage.

Arctic

Frequently asked questions

The capacity of a Zodiac boat varies between each cruise line, but typically they can hold between eight and 12 guests as well as an expedition guide.

Yes, Zodiac cruises are safe. You will be provided will all the necessary clothing and a life jacket to ensure you are comfortable. The ultimate priority for cruise lines is both crew and guest safety, so the excursions will only go ahead if the weather is calm enough. They also enforce strict guidelines about guest capability, so you will only be able to participate if the crew deems you fit and mobile enough.

Zodiac excursions typically last between one to two hours depending on the conditions.

Due to the nature of Zodiac cruising, you must be able to move independently on and off the Zodiac. As the excursions involve unstable surfaces, balancing during motion and stepping on and off a moving boat, there are strict rules about eligibility and mobility. It depends on the severity of the physical condition of mobility issue, and this will be at the cruise line’s discretion as to whether you are able enough to participate for your own health and safety.

Yes, it is likely you will get wet on a Zodiac cruise, so make sure you wear waterproof clothing.

Yes – there are strict distancing regulations which cruise lines will adhere to protect the wellbeing and safety of wildlife.

The polar regions in the Arctic and Antarctica are always popular, but the Kimberly, Galapagos Islands and UK are also incredible destinations to embark on a Zodiac cruise due to the wildlife spotting opportunities. You can also enjoy a Zodiac excursion on South Pacific and Africa itineraries.

Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Scenic Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, HX Expeditions, Atlas Ocean Cruises and AE Expeditions all offer Zodiac excursions on their expedition itineraries.

The expedition cruise lines will always offer any additional clothing such as jackets and waterproof boots where necessary, but it is recommended to wear weather appropriate clothing that is also waterproof due to the nature of the excursion.

Cruise Lines that offer Zodiac Tours

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions with Scenic, designed to tour coastal areas or land on the destinations themselves. Scenic’s expert guides will drive and guide you on these trips to offer you a unique and interactive way of enjoying the best of each destination.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Enjoy Zodiac tours and landings across an array of incredible destinations with Viking’s expedition itineraries.

Celebrity Cruises

Soak up the breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters on a Zodiac excursion with Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos Islands.

Seabourn

Seabourn has an expert team of expedition guides who will take you on 90 to 120-minute Zodiac scenic cruises around the area, as well as facilitating landings on coastal sites for you to venture and explore further.

Silversea

Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions with Silversea, designed to tour coastal areas or land on the destinations themselves. Silversea’s expert guides will drive and guide you on these trips to offer you a unique and interactive way of enjoying the best of each destination.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Discover stunning scenery and spectacular wildlife on a Zodiac excursion with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Their expert guides with lead you through remote terrain as you explore the resident wildlife and beautiful views from the water and land.

HX Expeditions

Zodiac Tours with SixStarCruises takes you into remote Arctic waters for close wildlife encounters. Zodiac Cruises reveal rugged coastlines and beauty at sea.

Ponant

Aboard nimble Zodiacs, you’ll explore remote coastlines and glacier-lined shores in intimate groups, guided by Ponant’s expert team – from glaciologists, ornithologists, marine biologists.