HX Expeditions will dramatically grow its HX Antarctic kayaking and camping program this Cruise season, increasing kayak slots by 188 percent and doubling overnight camping capacity. Starting in October, as many as 60 travelers can bivvy on the ice each night, while two distinct kayak styles-guided hard-shell and new solo inflatables-offer fresh ways to glide past towering bergs. The expanded menu replaces lottery allocation with a first-come system and underscores HX's pledge to align every shore activity with strict IAATO environmental rules.
Key Points
- 188 percent rise in kayak capacity across the fleet
- Camping space enlarged to 60 sleepers per night
- New self-guided inflatable kayaks debut this season
- First-come sign-ups replace previous lotteries; pre-booking tool coming
- Why it matters: More travelers can add high-adventure excursions without raising environmental footprints
Snapshot
HX's latest activity overhaul delivers two kayaking choices-classic guided sea kayaks and solo "Discovery" inflatables custom-built with NRS and Escape Watersports-and two camping modes: two-person tents or lightweight bivvy bags rigorously tested in Scandinavian winter conditions. Both excursions operate in micro-groups to minimize wildlife disturbance and comply with 100-guest-ashore limits. Solo eligibility means travelers may book without a partner, widening access for single cruisers. Each outing is led or supervised by polar-certified guides who log landing data for IAATO.
Background
Long known for eco-forward expedition cruises, HX has offered Antarctic paddling since 2002 and camping since 2008, yet demand has consistently outstripped deckhouse storage. Hybrid-powered ships such as the Fridtjof Nansen already feature reinforced kayak racks and dedicated gear rooms, paving the way for expansion. Feedback from previous seasons showed that wait-list frustration and the paired-signup rule excluded many solo passengers. HX's operations team spent two years redesigning storage plans, ordering inflatable models that fold into compact duffels, and sourcing ultralight bivvies with snow-anchored rigging to cut setup time and surface impact.
Latest Developments
HX labels the 2025-26 austral summer its "most inclusive polar season yet," rolling out several upgrades:
New Inflatable Kayaks
The 10-foot inflatable craft weigh under 20 pounds, pack into shoulder bags, and are rated for -22 °F. Self-guided paddlers follow a marked loop while a safety Zodiac shadows the group, keeping launch groups below 15 participants.
Overnight Camping Upgrades
Travelers may choose a two-person alpine tent or a single-sleeper bivvy with integrated vapor barrier and closed-cell pad. Camps are pitched on fresh snow each evening, then fully removed before breakfast, leaving no trace.
First-Come Booking Replaces Lottery
Most voyages will allocate kayak and camping spots at embarkation via an electronic signup, eliminating random draws. A pre-trip reservation tool is scheduled to launch for the 2026-27 season, allowing travelers to lock in excursions when booking their Cruise.
Beyond paddling and bivouacking, HX will continue to offer snowshoe treks, extended ridge hikes, and the ever-popular polar plunge, all capped within IAATO's activity-per-site thresholds. Vice President of Expedition Development Karin Strand says the changes are meant "to let every guest craft a personal polar storyline without scaling up group size or ship count."
Analysis
For travelers, the enlargement solves two chronic headaches: scarcity and pairing. Until now, just a fraction of guests secured lottery slots, and single cruisers often had to skip paddling or camping unless another lone traveler surfaced. The bigger gear inventory and solo-friendly policies level the playing field, letting first-timers and veterans alike secure flagship experiences. Environmentally, inflatables and bivvies reduce payload weight and free storage hold, allowing ships to carry less fuel and gear per person. IAATO's 2024 guidelines encourage operators to favor lighter, modular equipment; HX's adoption positions the line ahead of forthcoming rule tweaks that could further narrow landing windows. Travel advisors should note that excursions are still weather-dependent and non-refundable if cancelled for safety, so clients seeking "guaranteed" outings may prefer shoulder-season sailings when demand is lighter. Advisors can also spotlight the program's strict leave-no-trace ethos, a selling point for eco-conscious clients evaluating Antarctic operators.
Final Thoughts
By scaling up gear rather than ship capacity, HX adds coveted paddles and campouts while keeping group footprints small. Solo-use inflatables, quick-strike bivvy kits, and a fair signup model democratize the White Continent's most brag-worthy moments. Travelers eyeing the 2025-26 austral summer should book early, pack flexible spirits, and prepare for weather calls that can change hourly. With meticulous guide oversight and IAATO compliance, HX's reinvention of HX Antarctic kayaking and camping offers an accessible, low-impact path to sleeping-and paddling-at the end of the Earth.