Camping Out in the Antarctic!

By Stewart_Campbell / 07 February 2019

Camping Out in the Antarctic!

If you’re looking for an experience that truly breaks the mould of traditional cruise line activities then we’d like to introduce you to one of our most unique offerings – camping out under the Antarctic skies.

How does camping in Antarctica work?

After dinner you’ll leave your cruise ship and zip ashore via a Zodiac. An experienced guide will choose the campsite spot and instruct everybody in how to set up their tents and sleeping bags. The next morning everybody will help to break down the camp, making sure that no gear or garbage gets left behind, and clean the camping gear. The location for camps and the amount of camp nights offered depends on the weather and location of the ship. One night of camping to accommodate all of our passengers is our goal; additional nights are offered whenever we can manage in, subject to conditions.

Do you have to be an experienced camper?

Not at all. Your guide will be there to lend a helping hand every step of the way. This activity is also one that can be shared by all of our passengers; you don’t need to be a rugged survivalist or particularly athletic to join the camp.

Is it safe?

In terms of wildlife you’ll be perfectly fine – since the camping activity only takes place in Antarctica and not the Arctic you won’t have to worry about polar bears.  You do however have to be prepared for a night out in the South Pole. Regulations forbid taking any fuel or artificial heating equipment on shore. That means bringing along:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunblock
  • Fleece vest or jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Thick socks (with spares)
  • Down jacket
  • Warm gloves or mittens
  • A breathable (e.g. Gore-Tex) jacket and trousers
  • Thermal under-gloves (fleece finger gloves)
  • A turtle-neck or neck gaiter
  • Warm hat

In addition to the appropriate clothing you’ll want to bring a proper urination bottle (e.g. a wide-opening Nalgene bottle – such bottles for ladies are sold in outdoor shops) and a torch/flashlight or a headlight which will come in handy since morning departures in February through March are made while it’s still dark out. Also in terms of safety there is a maximum of 30 passengers per camp. This lets us keep a safe ratio of passengers to experienced field guides (1 guide per 20 passengers). The field guides maintain constant radio contact with the cruise ship.

bivy-bags.jpg

Do I have to bring a sleeping bag?

We’ve got you covered. You will be provided you with a polar synthetic sleeping bag that has a cotton inner liner. We’ll also provide:

  • Breathable bivouac bag
  • Tents that fit up to 3 people (weather-permitting you may choose to sleep without the tent)
  • Mattresses
  • A portable field toilet (one per group)
  • A waterproof transport bag
  • A battery-powered lantern for your tent
  • Insulated waterproof rubber boots

Is this bad for the environment?

Your field guide will situate the camp so that it does not disturb any wildlife in the area (though the penguins may disturb you with their chatter). Aside from that international organisational bodies have set up strict regulations when it comes to human interaction with Antarctica. We follow those regulations to the letter which means that in the morning nothing gets left behind – all gear and human waste is brought back to the ship, leaving the environment in the pristine and beautiful state that brought us there for our adventure together.

setting-camp.jpg

Please note

Cotton clothing like normal t-shirts and jeans are not advisable as cotton tends to get wet and stay wet while moving in a cold environment. Use thermal underwear. Exploring remote and wild regions like Antarctica requires a sensible and flexible approach. Although there can be bright skies with sunshine the weather is unpredictable. Catabatic winds, caused by the icecaps and glaciers, can pick up suddenly and are a fierce opponent for polar travellers. This might lead to the cancellation of planned camp nights as field camping can and will only take place in safe weather conditions

Following is a selection of Antarctic trips with camping option:

Celebrating Antarctica: Seaventure

Explore Antarctica in peak season on board Super-Ice-Class MS Seaventure, discover the great white continent’s striking shores and endless vistas

WAS12645.00
NOW 11381.00
Find Out More

Early Booking Offer*

South Shetlands and Antarctica

A classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent with incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and icebergs in 10 action-packed days

FROM 7875.00
Find Out More

Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp M/V Hondius

An extended 12 night Antarctic expedition with free camping, kayaking, hiking and other activities on brand-new Polar-6 ice-class ship M/V Hondius

FROM 8850.00
Find Out More

Pay in Full* save 10%

Antarctic Explorer: Ultramarine

An 11 day expedition with the pioneering new vessel, Ultramarine discovering the 7th Continent, offering an unmatched Antarctic experience

WAS15395.00
NOW 12316.00
Find Out More

Earlybird rates

Best of Antarctica: Ocean Endeavour

An shorter expedition with the impressively comfortable Ocean Endeavour discovering the 7th Continent, Antarctica

WAS7899.00
NOW 6714.00
Find Out More

Pay In Full Save 10%

Crossing the Circle: Ultramarine

An in-depth 14 day expedition with the pioneering new vessel Ultramarine, with onboard helicopters and offering an unmatched Antarctic experience

WAS21095.00
NOW 16876.00
Find Out More

Special Pricing!

South Shetland Islands and Antarctica

A classic 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent with incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and icebergs in 10 action-packed days

FROM 7495.00
Find Out More

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

A 9 or 10 night Classic Antarctic route on the brand-new expedition ship M/V Hondius, the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world

FROM 6350.00
Find Out More

Crossing the Antarctic Circle: Seaventure

A 15 day in-depth Antarctica cruise with crossing of the Polar Circle. Sail on board the super ice-class, Seaventure

WAS15175.00
NOW 13658.00
Find Out More

Special Pricing*

Antarctica All-Access: Seaventure

Take in the best of Antarctica on board Super-Ice-Class Seaventure, with access to activities like camping and kayaking at no additional charge

WAS11275.00
NOW 9585.00
Find Out More

Pay in Full save 10%

Epic Antarctic Circle, South Georgia & Falklands

A 23 day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica cruise on board the luxury Ultramarine - including a crossing of the Antarctic Circle

WAS38495.00
NOW 30796.00
Find Out More

Antarctica South Georgia and Falklands Explorer

Join the well-appointed Ocean Endeavour on this epic 21-day voyage that introduces you to the wonders of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands

FROM 14699.00
Find Out More

Early Booking Offer*

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands: Ocean Vic

On this extraordinary 19-day voyage, follow in the wake of Shackleton to Antarctica before heading via Antarctic Sound to South Georgia and Falklands

WAS15355.00
NOW 15299.00
Find Out More

Pay in Full* save 10%

Antarctic Explorer: World Explorer

An 11 day Antarctica cruise on board the luxury World Explorer exploring the amazing Antarctic Peninsula

WAS12895.00
NOW 10316.00
Find Out More

Early Booking Prices

Antarctica Adrenaline Ice Swimming Adventure

Our new Ice Swimming Adventure to the icy waters of Antarctica! Adrenaline seekers will relish extra activities like kayaking, camping and hiking

WAS9695.00
NOW 7756.00
Find Out More

On Sale!

Antarctica In Depth - M/S Expedition

This 13-day itinerary with the M/S Expedition spends two extra days exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

FROM 8799.00
Find Out More

On Sale

Antarctic Explorer: Ocean Explorer

An 11 day expedition on board the brand-new and elegant Ocean Explorer discovering the amazing Antarctic Peninsula

WAS13995.00
NOW 9797.00
Find Out More

Antarctica Classic - M/S Expedition

This 11-day itinerary with the M/S Expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

FROM 7599.00
Find Out More

Special Pricing!

Adventures in Antarctica: Seaventure

A classic expedition to the amazing Antarctic Peninsula on board the luxurious MS Seaventure

WAS8445.00
NOW 7601.00
Find Out More

Earlybird Rates

Best of Antarctica In-Depth: Ocean Endeavour

A longer Antarctica expedition with time to fully explore the wilds of the Peninsula from base of the impressively comfortable Ocean Endeavour

WAS10649.00
NOW 9052.00
Find Out More

Expeditions Online Newsletter

Sign up to be an Expeditions Online insider and receive info on exclusive deals, discounts and more!

Subscribe

* indicates required