If you’re considering an Arctic or Antarctic expedition cruise, you’ll almost certainly encounter the term Zodiac excursion when researching your voyage. These small inflatable boats are an important part of expedition cruising, allowing passengers to explore remote destinations that larger ships cannot reach.

However, if you’ve never travelled in a Zodiac before, you might be wondering how easy they are to board, whether they’re comfortable and what actually happens during an excursion.

Having experienced numerous Zodiac excursions aboard National Geographic Resolution in the Arctic, here’s what you need to know before your first adventure.

What Is a Zodiac Boat?

A Zodiac is a small, motorised inflatable boat with a rigid or reinforced hull, designed to transport passengers across the water.

Although Zodiac is technically a brand name, the term is widely used throughout expedition cruising to describe the rigid inflatable boats, often called RIBs, used for excursions and transfers.

These boats are particularly useful in remote destinations because they can navigate shallow waters, approach suitable landing sites and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels.

Most expedition Zodiacs carry a relatively small group of passengers alongside an experienced driver or expedition guide. Depending on the operator and the activity, you may sit along the inflatable tubes surrounding the boat or on specially designed seating. Their versatility makes them an important part of expedition cruising in destinations such as Svalbard, Greenland and Antarctica.

What Happens During a Zodiac Excursion?

Not every Zodiac excursion involves going ashore. During an expedition cruise, you may encounter two main types of Zodiac experiences.

Zodiac Transfers to Shore

Some Zodiac journeys are a means of travelling between your expedition ship and a remote landing site. Once ashore, you might explore a small settlement, walk through spectacular landscapes or participate in a guided excursion accompanied by members of the expedition team.

In polar regions, landing sites can vary considerably. Some may involve stepping onto a beach, while others require navigating rocks, snow or uneven terrain. Your expedition team will explain the landing arrangements and any precautions before you leave the ship.

Zodiac Safaris

A Zodiac safari is an excursion where you remain aboard the boat while exploring the surrounding coastline, waterways or wildlife habitats. These excursions can be particularly exciting because they allow you to experience the landscape from water level, providing a completely different perspective from the expedition ship.Depending on your destination, you might cruise past glaciers, admire dramatic cliffs or search for wildlife along the shoreline.

During an expedition aboard National Geographic Resolution in Svalbard, one particularly memorable Zodiac safari involved exploring beneath towering cliffs populated by seabirds. Watching the birds and admiring the dramatic Arctic landscape from the water was an extraordinary experience.

How Do You Board a Zodiac on an Expedition Cruise?

Boarding a Zodiac might initially appear intimidating, particularly if you’ve never travelled in a small inflatable boat. However, expedition ships generally have dedicated boarding arrangements designed to make the process as straightforward as possible. Aboard National Geographic Resolution, passengers boarded from a platform at the side of the ship.

Two crew members assisted passengers as they stepped from the ship onto the Zodiac, while another two crew members were positioned aboard the boat to provide additional support. Once aboard, passengers were directed to their seats to ensure the weight was distributed appropriately and the Zodiac remained balanced. The entire process was carefully supervised, with crew members providing clear instructions throughout. Despite initial uncertainty about boarding a small inflatable boat, getting in and out proved remarkably easy.

Is Sitting on the Edge of a Zodiac Comfortable?

One of the biggest questions you might have before your first Zodiac excursion is whether sitting on the inflatable tubes surrounding the boat will feel comfortable and secure.

Unlike a conventional passenger boat, many expedition Zodiacs have passengers seated along the sides, facing towards the centre. Before experiencing a Zodiac excursion, there was some uncertainty about whether sitting on the edge of the boat would feel comfortable. However, the seating felt remarkably secure, even when travelling across the water.

The inflatable tubes provide a surprisingly substantial seating surface, and passengers are given instructions about where to sit and how to hold on. Although comfort can vary depending on the boat, sea conditions and length of the excursion, the experience can be considerably more comfortable than you might initially expect.

Are Zodiac Excursions Safe?

Safety is a major priority during expedition cruising, and Zodiac operations are carefully managed by experienced expedition teams. Before your first excursion, you’ll generally receive a safety briefing explaining the boarding procedure, seating arrangements and what to do while travelling aboard the boat.

Lifejackets are required, and passengers must follow the instructions provided by the Zodiac driver and expedition staff. Weather conditions are continually assessed, and excursions may be changed, delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

During Arctic expeditions aboard National Geographic Resolution, the assistance provided by the crew and the clear boarding procedures helped create a reassuring experience. Every Zodiac journey felt secure, allowing the focus to remain on enjoying the extraordinary surroundings.

What Should You Wear on a Zodiac Excursion?

Even during the Arctic or Antarctic summer, conditions can be cold, wet and unpredictable.

You’ll be travelling close to the water, often without shelter from the wind, so choosing appropriate clothing is important.

Waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket are particularly useful, as you may encounter rain, snow or spray while travelling across the waves. Wearing several insulating layers beneath your waterproof clothing allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Warm gloves, a hat and suitable waterproof footwear are also important, particularly during longer excursions.

Some expedition operators provide specialist clothing, while others offer equipment for hire or purchase. Depending on the cruise line, this may include insulated parkas, waterproof expedition boots and suitable lifejackets.

Before travelling, check exactly what your cruise fare includes and whether you’ll need to bring or arrange additional equipment.

Can You Take Your Phone or Camera on a Zodiac?

Absolutely! Zodiac excursions can provide wonderful opportunities for photography, particularly when exploring dramatic coastlines or observing wildlife. However, you’ll need to consider how to protect your equipment from water, spray and accidental drops.

During Arctic Zodiac excursions, I carried an iPhone Pro around my neck on a cord, allowing it to remain secure and easily accessible. When the phone wasn’t being used, it could be tucked inside my waterproof jacket for additional protection.This arrangement worked particularly well because it avoided needing to repeatedly retrieve the phone from a pocket while travelling.

Although some modern smartphones have water resistance ratings, they aren’t completely waterproof, and exposure to saltwater can cause damage. A suitable waterproof pouch or protective case is worth considering, particularly if you’re expecting wet conditions.

If you’re carrying a larger camera, make sure it can be stored securely and protected from spray. It’s also important to follow the expedition team’s instructions about photography, particularly when approaching wildlife.

Can You Go on a Zodiac Excursion if You Have Limited Mobility?

If you have reduced mobility or are concerned about boarding a small boat, it’s worth discussing your requirements with the expedition operator before booking. Zodiac excursions generally involve stepping between the ship and the boat, sometimes while the vessel is moving slightly with the water.

Passengers may also need to maintain their balance while seated and follow instructions during transfers. However, expedition teams are experienced in helping passengers board and disembark, and assistance is normally available.

During Arctic excursions aboard National Geographic Resolution, crew members were patient and allowed passengers to take their time. Anyone who needed additional help could ask for it, and the expedition team provided support throughout the boarding process.

If you’re nervous about boarding, it’s well worth mentioning this to the crew rather than struggling in silence. However, accessibility arrangements vary between expedition operators, and not every Zodiac excursion will be suitable for every passenger. It’s important to confirm your individual requirements with the cruise line before travelling.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad?

Weather plays an important role in expedition cruising, particularly in remote polar environments. Strong winds, rough seas, poor visibility or changing ice conditions can affect whether a Zodiac excursion can operate safely.

Expedition teams continually assess the conditions and may adjust the planned activities accordingly. Sometimes an excursion may be delayed until the weather improves, while on other occasions the team may select an alternative location.

Although itinerary changes can be part of expedition cruising, flexibility allows the crew to prioritise passenger safety while making the most of suitable opportunities to explore.

Are Zodiac Excursions Worth It?

For many passengers, Zodiac excursions become one of the highlights of an expedition cruise. They provide opportunities to experience remote landscapes from a completely different perspective, whether you’re travelling ashore or exploring the coastline on a wildlife safari.

The small size of the boats allows you to appreciate the scale of towering cliffs, glaciers and surrounding landscapes in a way that isn’t always possible from the expedition ship. Having experienced Zodiac excursions throughout an Arctic voyage aboard National Geographic Resolution, they were consistently among the most enjoyable parts of the journey.

Whether you’re considering your first Arctic expedition or dreaming of visiting Antarctica, don’t let uncertainty about Zodiac excursions discourage you from exploring this extraordinary style of cruising.

With suitable clothing, a little preparation and guidance from experienced expedition teams, travelling by Zodiac can become one of the most memorable parts of your polar adventure.