Camping in Antarctica: a True Expedition Experience

We often think of camping as a summer activity, filled with warm nights, campfire dinners, and serene mountain lakes. However, there's a whole other world of camping to explore.

In fact, it’s just the tip of the iceberg – quite literally.

Imagine an adventurous experience that lets you fully immerse yourself in the Antarctic wilderness. After spending a night in this breathtaking environment, your perspective on camping will be forever changed.

What you can expect from Antarctic camping

In Antarctica, camping takes on a whole new meaning. You have the unique opportunity to camp in open-air snow dugouts.

How’s that for a true Antarctic expedition?

If you decide to embark on an Antarctic camping trip, all the necessary gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable will be provided. This includes sleeping pads, bivouac bags, and windproof and waterproof sleeping bags. For more details on the camping gear and setup, you can refer to the video by one of our expedition camping guides.

And unlike the historic explorers, you won’t go hungry: Fine dinners and breakfasts are served right on board the vessel.

We do this for your comfort and to prevent the spread of foreign plants and contaminants. But don’t worry, you will not be left without outside supplies. Emergency rations, water, survival gear, and medical equipment are always handy.

After dinner, guides will take you to shore with your camping group for an epic overnight adventure.

Depending on the Antarctic location in which you camp (often based on weather), you just might fall asleep to the sound of nearby penguins. The following morning, you’ll awake to scenery you’ll think you’ve pulled out of a dream.

No polar camping experience required (in Antarctica or otherwise)

Since an experienced guide will be with you, there’s no need to be a pro camper.

Everyone can participate, as there are no physical requirements. You will, however, be expected to help prepare camp. This is, after all, part of the experience.

If the weather gets rough, which happens in Antarctica, just remember that the vessel is never far away. We’ll actually only camp if the vessel can stay close to shore. And depending on conditions, you’ll never camp for more than 10 consecutive hours.

Lastly, our guides will stay in contact with the vessel the whole time you’re camping.

These supervising guides will assist you in all things, also helping clean up camp the next day so as not to disturb the amazing Antarctic wildlife you traveled so far to see.

So are you ready to indulge your inner explorer yet?

If you are, Antarctic camping cruises are offered on both Ortelius and Plancius. Book today and join us for a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

PLEASE NOTE: The expedition leader will do their best to ensure the camping activity takes place, but this depends entirely on safe weather and ice conditions. If local circumstances prevent us from camping on shore, we may attempt to camp on the open decks of the ship.