Camping

Travelling to Antarctica and setting foot on land are very special and exhilarating experiences in itself. However, if you want to add another unique feature to your expedition, how about camping on the white continent, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the nature? Perhaps you might hear calving glaciers booming, or penguin squeaks in the distance or a blow of a whale passing by. While you drift to sleep you know that you are breathing pristine air and experiencing something, that only very few people have done before you.

Camping on Antarctica

Camping on Antarctica is an optional activity, which is offered on several expedition ships and itineraries. Camping is available based on weather, site conditions, and environmental regulations, but you can trust that the expedition team will do their utmost to offer this marvelous experience! You might be able to camp on the Antarctic continent or one of the nearby islands.

You are not required to have previous camping experience in order to participate, as camping in an activity that is suitable for almost anyone. You should be prepared that camping on Antarctica differs quite a bit from a regular camping experience. It is important to note that there can be rocks, snow, mud, and frozen surfaces and therefore your bed may not be the most comfortable. You are also expected to prepare  and clean the campsite together with the the expedition guides.

Let’s go camping!

The camping activity begins after dinner, when your expedition guides take you on land with zodiacs. Your camp will be set up in a location where no wildlife will be disturbed. You are provided with all relevant camping equipment which includes for example a thermal sleeping bag and a camping mattress. Tents are not part of the Antarctic camping equipment, as they are often greatly affected by wind. However, this makes the experience even more special, as the amazing surroundings are not blocked.

Your expedition team will advise you on what to wear ashore, but as in general in the Polar regions, dressing up in layers is the key to staying warm. The thermal sleeping bags are especially designed for Polar camping, and help you to stay nice and warm.

As the camping activity takes place during the Austral summer, it means you will be experiencing up to 24-hours of daylight in Antarctica. Even when the sun dips below the horizon it will not be completely dark and you can still enjoy good visibility during the night – if you are not sleeping of course. On clear days, you might be treated with a vast palette of sunset and sunrise colors.

After your night on the snow, you will clear and clean up the camp together with the expedition guides. Afterwards, you will return back to the ships for a hearty breakfast that will taste even better after being outside!

Be prepared

It is good to note, that food and eating on shore is not allowed due to regulations set by the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO, in order to prevent any spread of outside plants or contaminants. There are no restrooms on land, but the expedition team will bring a portable toilet that can be used in case of urgency during the stay in camp. It is also not possible to brush teeth ashore, and it should be done prior to leaving the ship, or when coming back the next morning. You will be staying ashore for maximum of ten hours.

Are you ready for camping in Antarctic? Please contact us for more information about camping options on your desired expedition!