Alexis Navarro: “I Cannot Fly, but in the Arctic I Feel Like a Bird”
He was once an actor and a guide — and today, Alexis Navarro is one of the most experienced kayakers in Swan Hellenic’s Arctic expeditions. Originally from Argentina, he has one goal: to share with guests the profound sense of freedom that comes with kayaking in the polar wilderness, when a person truly feels like part of nature.
How Kayaking Changed My Life
– Alexis, how did you end up in the world of expeditions?
– It’s a funny story. It all started with my brother. He became fascinated by birds, and the best way to observe them was from a kayak—birds aren’t scared of kayaks. Over time, we launched a kayaking company in Buenos Aires. At the same time, I was a scientist, an actor, and a guide — as is often the case in Argentina, you need to know how to do everything and work multiple jobs just to survive.
One day, a friend said to me, “You could be a kayaking expert on expedition ships.” I was surprised: “But my English is terrible!” He said confidently, “Doesn’t matter. You’ll manage.” And that’s how my new life began. I set myself a goal, learned the language, applied to several cruise companies — and one of them gave me a chance.
– It’s a funny story. It all started with my brother. He became fascinated by birds, and the best way to observe them was from a kayak—birds aren’t scared of kayaks. Over time, we launched a kayaking company in Buenos Aires. At the same time, I was a scientist, an actor, and a guide — as is often the case in Argentina, you need to know how to do everything and work multiple jobs just to survive.
One day, a friend said to me, “You could be a kayaking expert on expedition ships.” I was surprised: “But my English is terrible!” He said confidently, “Doesn’t matter. You’ll manage.” And that’s how my new life began. I set myself a goal, learned the language, applied to several cruise companies — and one of them gave me a chance.
"When you see the world from water level, you become part of it — you begin to feel its rhythm."
Unique Experience in the North
— Did you start in the Arctic right away?
— Yes, my very first encounter with the polar regions was right here, at the edge of the world. For Argentinians, the Arctic or Antarctica is an almost unreachable dream. Imagine: the cost of one cruise to Antarctica is roughly half the price of a house in Argentina. An average person has to work and save for nearly 20 years to afford a home. So for me, being in the Arctic wasn’t just a job — it was a gift of fate. And even more personally — my wife can work by my side. What more could one wish for?
I fell in love with the Arctic instantly and unconditionally. Working with kayaks here is a completely different world, unlike anything I’ve known back in Argentina. Here, you’re surrounded by ice, wind, the endless ocean, majestic icebergs, and birds you won’t see anywhere else. And despite the harshness of this environment, I always feel completely safe. The ship follows clear and well-practised safety protocols, and we’re constantly being monitored from the bridge, ready to support us at any moment.
But ultimately, the main factor in safety is your own focus. After all, you’re responsible not only for people’s lives but also for their emotions — their sense of calm and the awe they feel in these extraordinary moments.
— Yes, my very first encounter with the polar regions was right here, at the edge of the world. For Argentinians, the Arctic or Antarctica is an almost unreachable dream. Imagine: the cost of one cruise to Antarctica is roughly half the price of a house in Argentina. An average person has to work and save for nearly 20 years to afford a home. So for me, being in the Arctic wasn’t just a job — it was a gift of fate. And even more personally — my wife can work by my side. What more could one wish for?
I fell in love with the Arctic instantly and unconditionally. Working with kayaks here is a completely different world, unlike anything I’ve known back in Argentina. Here, you’re surrounded by ice, wind, the endless ocean, majestic icebergs, and birds you won’t see anywhere else. And despite the harshness of this environment, I always feel completely safe. The ship follows clear and well-practised safety protocols, and we’re constantly being monitored from the bridge, ready to support us at any moment.
But ultimately, the main factor in safety is your own focus. After all, you’re responsible not only for people’s lives but also for their emotions — their sense of calm and the awe they feel in these extraordinary moments.
About Fear and Trust
– And how do you work with guests who are afraid? I, for example, was nervous about getting from the Zodiac into the kayak…
— That fear is completely natural, and I understand it very well. My job is to always be nearby. When I see someone starting to get anxious, I immediately paddle closer, gently steady their kayak, and calmly say: “Don’t worry, I’m right here. You’re safe. Take a deep breath. And if you’d prefer to return to the ship, we can do that right now.” It’s so important not to rush, not to create additional stress. Patience and reassurance are my most important tools.
I truly believe that confidence is something you pass on to others. Kayaking is not just about paddling across the water — it’s about trust between people. And when I see someone suddenly relax, start paddling with confidence, and realise with surprise that their fear is gone — that’s the most rewarding and inspiring moment for me.
— That fear is completely natural, and I understand it very well. My job is to always be nearby. When I see someone starting to get anxious, I immediately paddle closer, gently steady their kayak, and calmly say: “Don’t worry, I’m right here. You’re safe. Take a deep breath. And if you’d prefer to return to the ship, we can do that right now.” It’s so important not to rush, not to create additional stress. Patience and reassurance are my most important tools.
I truly believe that confidence is something you pass on to others. Kayaking is not just about paddling across the water — it’s about trust between people. And when I see someone suddenly relax, start paddling with confidence, and realise with surprise that their fear is gone — that’s the most rewarding and inspiring moment for me.
A Kayaking Journey
A Kayaking Journey
The adventure begins with a safety briefing onboard the ship. Then comes the lottery – many people want to join, but Alexis and his partner (and wife), Leslie, can only take ten guests at a time. Sasha and I were lucky – our names were drawn on his birthday, so this thrilling kayaking trip became an extra special gift.
Everyone receives special waterproof suits that you step into from the top, like a spacesuit. Then come the protective boots, followed by a life vest. By the end of it, I looked like a floating marshmallow – especially given my height. Next, we all climbed into a rubber boat, and after a few last words of instruction, carefully transferred from the boat into the kayak. That part scared me most – but it turned out fine.
Alexis told us to sit quietly for the first 15 minutes to get used to everything. And it really helped. Within five to ten minutes we were feeling comfortable, and by the 15-minute mark, Sasha and I were confidently paddling towards the cliffs, above which thousands of birds were soaring. Seeing all this from water level is truly unforgettable.
The adventure begins with a safety briefing onboard the ship. Then comes the lottery – many people want to join, but Alexis and his partner (and wife), Leslie, can only take ten guests at a time. Sasha and I were lucky – our names were drawn on his birthday, so this thrilling kayaking trip became an extra special gift.
Everyone receives special waterproof suits that you step into from the top, like a spacesuit. Then come the protective boots, followed by a life vest. By the end of it, I looked like a floating marshmallow – especially given my height. Next, we all climbed into a rubber boat, and after a few last words of instruction, carefully transferred from the boat into the kayak. That part scared me most – but it turned out fine.
Alexis told us to sit quietly for the first 15 minutes to get used to everything. And it really helped. Within five to ten minutes we were feeling comfortable, and by the 15-minute mark, Sasha and I were confidently paddling towards the cliffs, above which thousands of birds were soaring. Seeing all this from water level is truly unforgettable.
Advice from Alexis
– What would you say to someone going kayaking in the Arctic for the first time?
Don’t be afraid of the cold. We wear specially designed dry suits, and we don’t get cold near the water. You start paddling and moving – and warmth comes quickly. You don’t even need gloves.
Trust yourself. The first step might seem scary, but fear disappears once you're on the water. It’s actually very hard to capsize if you follow the rules – don’t twist around too much, don’t rock the kayak. And if something does happen, you’re wearing a life vest, I’m nearby, the Zodiac is right there and ready, and the bridge is watching us at all times. A kayak excursion is safe.
Enjoy the moment. This is not a sport. It’s a chance to feel nature up close. Relax. Feel free. Understand that in this moment, you’ve become part of the polar world.
Don’t be afraid of the cold. We wear specially designed dry suits, and we don’t get cold near the water. You start paddling and moving – and warmth comes quickly. You don’t even need gloves.
Trust yourself. The first step might seem scary, but fear disappears once you're on the water. It’s actually very hard to capsize if you follow the rules – don’t twist around too much, don’t rock the kayak. And if something does happen, you’re wearing a life vest, I’m nearby, the Zodiac is right there and ready, and the bridge is watching us at all times. A kayak excursion is safe.
Enjoy the moment. This is not a sport. It’s a chance to feel nature up close. Relax. Feel free. Understand that in this moment, you’ve become part of the polar world.
When You Become a Bird
— What has been the most unforgettable day for you?
— The day we paddled in Alkefjellet will stay with me forever. Just imagine: you're kayaking among 120,000 birds — a whirlwind of gulls, guillemots, and auks all around you. Their wings seem to brush against you, and in that moment, the boundaries between you and nature disappear. I didn’t feel like a person on the water anymore — I felt like one of them, soaring through the vast northern sky. I’ve never known how to fly, but that day, surrounded by thousands of feathered creatures, I felt like I was part of the flock.
I’ve loved animals and birds my whole life. That passion came from my brother, who’s a professional ornithologist. Over time, I realised I was also constantly observing birds, learning from them, and admiring the freedom in how they live.
— The day we paddled in Alkefjellet will stay with me forever. Just imagine: you're kayaking among 120,000 birds — a whirlwind of gulls, guillemots, and auks all around you. Their wings seem to brush against you, and in that moment, the boundaries between you and nature disappear. I didn’t feel like a person on the water anymore — I felt like one of them, soaring through the vast northern sky. I’ve never known how to fly, but that day, surrounded by thousands of feathered creatures, I felt like I was part of the flock.
I’ve loved animals and birds my whole life. That passion came from my brother, who’s a professional ornithologist. Over time, I realised I was also constantly observing birds, learning from them, and admiring the freedom in how they live.
A Whale Took Interest in Me – An Unforgettable Encounter!
– Have you ever had unforgettable encounters with whales while kayaking?
– Yes, in Antarctica I was lucky enough to come very close to whales. It’s an absolutely indescribable feeling. You’re sitting in a tiny kayak, and this giant, powerful creature slowly approaches. It gets closer, and it feels as if it’s studying you—trying to understand why you’ve entered its world. It doesn’t mean any harm—it’s simply curious. You’re not in control; you’re a guest, humbly invited into a realm full of mysteries. Moments like these are impossible to forget. They stay with you forever.
– Yes, in Antarctica I was lucky enough to come very close to whales. It’s an absolutely indescribable feeling. You’re sitting in a tiny kayak, and this giant, powerful creature slowly approaches. It gets closer, and it feels as if it’s studying you—trying to understand why you’ve entered its world. It doesn’t mean any harm—it’s simply curious. You’re not in control; you’re a guest, humbly invited into a realm full of mysteries. Moments like these are impossible to forget. They stay with you forever.
Love, a Kayak, and a Touch of Patagonia
– You mentioned that you now work alongside your wife.
– Yes, and for me, that’s another incredible gift of fate. There was a time when I used to work alone, and of course, I missed home a lot. Now, Leslie – my wife – and I are on the same ship. We explore the world together, plan expeditions side by side, discuss every detail, and choose equipment together. Right now, we’re preparing for a very special adventure – we want to kayak the entire length of the famous Santa Cruz River in Patagonia, from the Andes to the Atlantic. It will be a breathtaking journey, lasting two or three weeks, just the two of us in the wild. We’ve been dreaming of this route for a long time, and we’re certain it will be one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.
– Yes, and for me, that’s another incredible gift of fate. There was a time when I used to work alone, and of course, I missed home a lot. Now, Leslie – my wife – and I are on the same ship. We explore the world together, plan expeditions side by side, discuss every detail, and choose equipment together. Right now, we’re preparing for a very special adventure – we want to kayak the entire length of the famous Santa Cruz River in Patagonia, from the Andes to the Atlantic. It will be a breathtaking journey, lasting two or three weeks, just the two of us in the wild. We’ve been dreaming of this route for a long time, and we’re certain it will be one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.