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What it’s Like to Take the Polar Plunge in Antarctica

Home » Antarctica

Updated: October 7, 2020 by The Planet D

What it’s Like to Take the Polar Plunge in Antarctica

I didn’t want to do the polar plunge in Antarctica. I looked for every excuse leading up and during to our voyage to Antarctica trying to justify why it would be ok if I didn’t take the Polar Plunge.

It was in the back of my head the entire trip and it took nearly the entire trip before the moment finally arrived where they made the announcement over the intercom that it was time for the Polar Plunge.

Fear of the Polar Plunge Antarctica

Quark-expeditions-polar-plunge
The scenery was breathtaking before the Polar Plunge

When we got back from a beautiful morning of kayaking, we were told that after lunch we would be jumping into -.5 degree celsius water in Antarctica.

Instant panic set on my face and I told Dave that I was going to video the moment instead of doing it. “No problem,” he said. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.

It was then that my mood changed. 

Antarctica had been the most incredible experience of our lives. We have never seen any landscape quite like it or had such memorable moments in all our travels.

We were both on a high each day and at this moment I was resenting the fact that the polar plunge was even offered. I didn’t feel adequate and I felt that I was letting myself down, but I still didn’t want to do it.

Dave put on his robe and swimsuit and we walked to the embarkation deck to stand in line. We were told that 40 people from the 107 passenger list had signed up.

As I stood in line, I listened to everyone talk and started to really feel low. I asked them their reasons for doing it and if they were nervous. As I felt the excitement and energy around us and saw the high on people’s faces as they one by one came out of the water, I decided at the last moment to go for it.

I raced back to our cabin, changed into my bathing suit and asked myself “What the Hell are you doing?”

Facing Your Fear

Polar-plunge-deb
I was so terrified I had to go in backwards and I jumped before my cue

When the time came, I was terrified. 

I felt numb as Solan and Val (our kayaking guides from Quark Expeditions) put the tether around my waist. This water is cold and it can be dangerous.

A couple of minutes in freezing water without being saved will kill you, and Quark Expeditions wasn’t taking any chances. We were tethered to the boat and if anything happened, they could pull us back up.

I had thoughts race through my heads. Has anyone had a heart attack from this? Will I be able to swim? What if I jump in and instantly freeze and sink? I had no idea how I would react to the cold water. All I know is that my entire being was telling me. Don’t Jump.

I stepped onto the zodiac and was about to jump when Jamie (the photographer and expedition team member) yelled at me to wait a minute.

He had to fix something with his camera. I freaked out. I mustered up all my courage and needed to jump right now. 

I did a little scream and dance and as if Duncan (another amazing expedition team member) could read my mind, he lightheartedly said “I’ve never had anyone die from doing the polar plunge.” I heard those words and went for it.

I didn’t wait for Jamie’s signal and I jumped in before he could take a proper picture, but I had to go now or never.

What it Feels Like Jumping into Freezing Water

the polar plunge in antarctica

As I hit the freezing water, I instantly lost my breath. I felt panic and it felt like my lungs were being squeezed.

Most people popped out of the water and continued to swim towards the photographer Jamie sitting on a Zodiac 10 meters away. I, however, popped out and dog paddled my way back to the deck of the boat in a complete panic.

“Get me out of here” Was All I could think.

My ears plugged up, my muscles seized and my lungs felt like they were being squeezed.

I climbed out of that water so fast, that I barely remember the feeling of being in it.

Dave caught it all on film and my instant reaction after taking the plunge was “I didn’t like it! I didn’t like it!” When Dave asked me how it was, I replied “Terrible!”

Elation of Doing the Polar Plunge

Polar-Plunge-dave
Woo Hoo! A leap of faith! No Fear

At the same time, I felt invigorated and happy. I would have regret not taking the plunge for the rest of my life and I am so happy that I did it.

Dave was up next and he didn’t have any reservations or inhibitions.

He walked out to the “plank” Gave a yell to the camera and leapt in with style. He got a lot of air and plunged right into the ice waters with ease.

As soon as he popped out, he swam with grace to Jamie allowing for more photo opportunities, and swam back with some kick in his stroke.

I heard the guides behind me even comment on how strong and confident he was.

Reward for Jumping into Icy Waters

Polar-plunge-hot-tub-antarctica
The place to be after the Polar Plunge…The Hot Tub!

After our jump, we were both feeling elated. We walked up to the Lido Deck for a dip in the hot tub and to share our excitement with fellow Polar Plungers.

Everyone was on a high after doing the Polar Plung and the ship was abuzz with energy. It is something that I highly recommend doing.

Young and old were taking the plunge and everybody who did it loved it!

Thanks Dave for being patient and supportive. And we have the certificate to prove it.

Antarctica_Polar_Plunge-2

We jumped into the Antarctic Peninsula and did the Polar Plunge!

Check out Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic Expedition.

Read Next

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  • 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
  • Arctic or Antarctica? How to Choose your Polar Expedition
  • Uncruise Alaska – The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Through Glacier Country
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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Categories: Antarctica

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Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    January 16, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    This is incredible! We are visiting Antarctica in January 2021 and cannot believe there is a polar bear plunge! We can’t wait to experience the post plunge excitement. You guys are awesome!

    Reply
  2. homemade says

    November 9, 2019 at 6:59 am

    If you’re worried about the polar plunge, make sure you’re one of the first to jump. A fearful brain will typically increase the perception of pain. Though on the flipside, watching passengers emerge from the gangway shivering, but adamant about how incredible it was, might be the encouragement you need to make the jump.

    Reply
  3. David says

    November 22, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Wow, this is such a great post. I love the fact that vacation should not be limited to you being comfortable and feeling safe, but really stretching yourself and even growing as a person. Keep it up!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      November 22, 2013 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks David. As afraid as I was, it’s a great feeling afterwards.

      Reply
  4. Carlos Olmo Bosco says

    March 29, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Congratulations! I had my antarctic bath certificate also with Quark expeditions on 2003, with the now unfamous ship Orlova, drifting away somewhere in the atlantic http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2013/03/21/nl-lyubov-orlova-app-321.html.

    Reply
  5. Germo Bailey says

    December 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Antarctic Polar Plunge? No way Jose, no way! I truly admire your adventurous spirit and your “we will try anything crazy attitude”, but you would have had to put a few guns to my head to get me in -5 degree Celsius water. call me a coward, but no way. You two are amazing and I keep wondering what is next on your adventurous list. And I promise, whatever it is, to share your experience from my static computer desk.
    Thank you, and keep moving! I feel cold just by looking at the water.

    roatan

    Reply
    • debndave says

      January 7, 2013 at 10:12 am

      You are definitely not a coward. It’s crazy to jump into that water. I think you are the sane one for not wanting to. It was fun and I’m glad we did it, but man, it was nuts! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Naomi says

    March 2, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Hi Dave, Deb, and everyone else!

    These two are fearless! I was fortunate to meet them on our voyage to Antarctica and would like everyone to know just what a pleasure it is to travel with these two. Their passion and dedication for what they do is immense, their energy is catching, and they bring a whole new element to your Adventure! I cannot wait to see what they get up too next!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      March 2, 2012 at 10:46 am

      Aw Naomi, you are too kind. When it comes to fearless, I definitely wasn’t when it came to the Polar Plunge! But I am so glad that I did it. It was awesome traveling with you too and so very cool that we realized that we met way back in 2007 when you booked our flight to Cairo for the Tour d’Afrique in High Park’s Flight Centre. It is a very very small world.

      Reply
  7. JoAnna says

    February 24, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    You guys are INSANE (though I would have done it too because I wouldn’t have wanted to regret not doing it).

    Reply
  8. Ali says

    February 24, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Deb, I think it’s so awesome that you did this! I don’t think I could handle it, I hate being cold more than almost anything. But like you said, no regrets.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 24, 2012 at 11:53 am

      I agree. I have always hated jumping into cold water, let alone water that is a half a degree below zero. Anymore and it would be solid ice. Yikes. It was too cold for my comfort. But then again, for anyone’s comfort. They say you can last 3 minutes in that water.

      Reply
  9. Stephanie - The Travel Chica says

    February 23, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Impressive! I would feel so much pressure about this too. I would be worried for months, and I probably wouldn’t go through with it 🙂

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:14 am

      I was worried thinking about it too. I just about didn’t go through with it, but I am glad that I did. I don’t know if I’d do it again though, I really didn’t like the feeling. But then again, you never know.

      Reply
  10. Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    You 2 are my heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:25 am

      Thanks Andi, You are the best:)

      Reply
  11. Laura says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:19 am

    This gave me chills… both kinds! I love the sweet things you say about Dave, Deb! But seriously that’s so awesome you guys both did the plunge! What a beautiful scene for it and what a memorable experience. That must have been the BEST hot tubbing ever afterwards!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:45 am

      Thanks Laura. Dave is my rock. He supports me and never makes me feel guilty for being a wimp. He also inspired me to do more than I thought myself capable of, if it weren’t for him, I probably wouldn’t do half of the things I do. Hot tubbing was awesome, but the water wasn’t hot enough. However, what we loved about the Sea Spirit is that we had an open bar, so we could enjoy a beer afterwards to celebrate without worrying about our onboard account.

      Reply
  12. Sherry Ott says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    Deb – don’t underestimate yourself – you are BOTH fearless…you just think about it more! But in the end – you both end up in the same place! Congrats!!

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:50 am

      Thanks Sherry. I like the way you put that. I just think about it more. I’ll take it!

      Reply
  13. Dean says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    Congrats on going through with it! I imagine that it must have been like standing on the edge of a platform before a bungy jump. It would be hard to take that leap! It always feels great when you get past your fears 🙂

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 23, 2012 at 11:53 am

      It was hard to take that leap. I can attest. I have chickened out of a bungy jump. (this is Deb of course, not Dave) in Zambia. I just couldnt go through with it. This was a great step for me. I have a problem jumping off of things especially into cold water.

      Reply
  14. Kristen says

    February 21, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    HAHAHA Dave’s face is priceless in that second last picture. Deb you are so cute. How amazing that must have been…friggen cold…but AMAZING! Totally jealous. Can’t wait to get there myself. xx

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 21, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      Haha, so true eh. That water takes its toll on a person. I can’t believe Dave swam out to the zodiac. He made it look so easy. Even if his face says differently:)

      Reply
  15. John says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    wow…what a way to feel ALIVE! Nothing like getting those fight or flight systems kicked into overdrive.

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      That is the perfect explanation. Fight or flight. I’m not sure how I mustered the courage to jump in, I just sort of fell in the water where as Dave did a giant jump. The adrenaline rush afterwards was awesome. We were on a high the rest of the day.

      Reply
  16. 50+ and on the Run says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:35 am

    I’m glad you did it–I chickened out, but my kids went, and now I’m thinking I should have, too. But we were ashore on a windy day, and the idea of re-dressing and facing the Zodiac ride back to the ship was too daunting. Next time!!
    See pictures of the crazy, freezing boys: http://www.50plusandontherun.com/2012/02/on-sunday-my-sister-susan-and-i.html

    Reply
    • debndave says

      February 21, 2012 at 11:48 am

      It was with a lot of encouragement that made me jump in. I really didn’t want to, but I am so glad that i did. We jumped directly off the ship which is a very nice touch. I don’t think they would get nearly as many people running into the water from the shore and to be able to jump right in the middle of the bay with the possibility of whales and seals being in the water made it that much more adventurous. You’ll have to try the Polar Bear Plunge in Canada. It’s a pretty big deal here.

      Reply

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Hi we’re Dave and Deb, a Canadian adventure couple who left our careers in the film industry 10 years ago to travel the world. We’ve been to 115 countries on all seven continents and were named one of the top travel influencers on earth by Forbes.

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