5 reasons to go camping in Antarctica
- Picture yourself nestled in a snowhole, gazing up at a sky full of stars, with the gentle sound of water lapping against nearby icebergs. It's a full-body sensory experience!
- The fun factor of camping on the Antarctic continent far outweighs any discomfort from a restless night, making it a small price to pay for such a unique experience
- Enjoy the intimacy of an overnight stay in a small group, offering a rare and exclusive glimpse into how early explorers experienced Antarctica
- Priced between $165 and $400 per person, polar camping is one of the most affordable optional adventure activities available
- Anyone can camp in Antarctica, regardless of age or fitness level – all you need is an adventurous attitude and a couple of extra layers of clothing
Maddison says
I lay awake for a while in my snowhole just staring at the sky, which was still light at 1 am. Surrounded by somewhere so untouched, I felt like I was the only person on the planet. Yet again, Antarctica made me feel small and insignificant in the best way possible.
Maddison Clare Antarctica Sales Specialist
How does camping in Antarctica work?
Spend a night under canvas in Antarctica © Max Jones
On trips that offer camping in Antarctica, the expedition leader on your voyage will look for a night with safe and comfortable conditions so you can sleep ashore.
After dinner on the ship, and once you gather your provided equipment, your camping guides will take you to land by zodiac to spend the night. The vessel will remain close by but may slip out of sight to add to the feeling of adventure.
Once on shore, you’ll set up your own bed with advice and support from your guides. Camping in Antarctica takes one of two forms. Most ships offer “open air” camping. Here, you’ll dig a human-sized hole in the snow before sleeping in a cosy bivouac (bivvy) bag under the open sky.
A small number of vessels offer more traditional camping in two-person tents, which you’ll need to pitch.
Once your bed is ready, it’s time to attempt some sleep. Camping in Antarctica is not the most restful experience because of all the weird and wonderful noises that set senses tingling!
It’s an early start in the morning as you need to break camp, pack away all the kit, fill any holes and return the site back to an untouched state. A zodiac will then usher you to the ship for breakfast and a hot shower before you continue on with the day’s activities as normal.
A tiny number of Antarctic Peninsula locations permit camping, but certainly nothing that could be considered a 'campsite’, and just to be clear, there are no facilities of any kind. To help protect Antarctica's wildlife and keep to essential biosecurity distances, you won't be able to camp near any penguin colonies.
Customer Tips
“ Ask yourself this: Would you enjoy digging a shallow grave into the snow, wrapping yourself in a body bag, and falling asleep to the honking of penguins? If you're like me, the answer is HELL YES! Because honestly, when would you ever get to have that crazy experience again?? 10 out of 10 stars, would do it again in a heartbeat! ”
Lauren Pecarich Customer
Who does camping in Antarctica suit?
Anyone can camp in Antarctica – there's no age limit and you don't need any experience. You do need to be able to carry the camping gear you’ll be given from the landing spot to the camp location, which is usually a relatively short walk from the shore.
Is it safe to camp in Antarctica?
Camping is one of the safest optional activities available. A night off the ship will only happen in favourable conditions and your camping guides will also be in direct radio contact with the ship. Plus, your kit is perfect for keeping you warm and dry.
Prepping for a night in the ice
Why our customers love camping in Antarctica
Being on the continent on a still summer solstice night was something so special. The majesty of the landscape and some curious penguins and seals as neighbours - completely magical.
Travelled: December 2016
Declan - UK
Review:
What will you see while Antarctic camping?
Camping in Antarctica is not about what wildlife you’ll see, but more about the unique sights, sounds and smells. Breathe in the crisp polar air, look around at the ice-laden mountains and listen to the distant thunderous rumbling of glaciers calving. It’s an experience like no other.
Camping with an Antarctic view
Antarctic voyages with camping
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.5 out of 5
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
- 13 Days
- $10,550
Ideal for active travellers with an adventurous spirit. The voyage cost includes the chance to kayak past sculptural icebergs and spend a night open-air camping in Antarctica. Dip below the surface with a unique snorkelling activity and snowshoe past waddling…
- 15 Days
- $16,995
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
- 12-13 Days
- $11,985
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
- 11 Days
- $16,495
4.8 out of 5
Onto the Antarctic Ice
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
- 10-13 Days
- $10,050
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
- 20 Days
- $32,495
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…
- 12-15 Days
- $13,395
Planning your Antarctic camping trip
When to go camping in Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica was such a cool experience
Camping is generally available from November to January when the snow is most plentiful at lower levels. A small number of ships offer camping later on into February and March.
For the most part while camping, you get to experience Antarctica’s extended daylight hours, with no significant darkness. By March it will be getting fully dark in the evenings. Yet despite the lack of light pollution, it’s rare to get glimpses of the spectacular stars as it's often cloudy.
Temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are generally warmer than you might expect, typically averaging close to freezing or even slightly warmer, so camping isn’t quite the frozen ordeal that many expect. In fact, for those who live in the chillier parts of the northern hemisphere, it can be colder at home during that time! That said, it can still be cold – but you will have a sleeping bag.
Antarctic camping cost and what to pack
Swooper Maddi camps in Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica is typically charged as an optional extra. The price varies from one ship to another, but expect to budget between $165 and $400 per person.
Select activity-focused itineraries such as Antarctic Basecamp Adventure include camping in the price, along with other activities such as kayaking and mountaineering.
The camping equipment you need will be provided, so all you need to bring are a couple of extra layers of clothing. You may want to pack an extra power bank for your phone or camera, as there will be nowhere to charge up while you’re away from the ship.
Cooking stoves and food aren’t allowed on shore because of Antarctic biosecurity regulations – you can only bring sealed emergency rations, survival gear and drinking water.
Swoop says
For the utterly unique experience and brag factor, the return on your fairly modest investment to go camping in Antarctica is well worth it. It might be the worst night’s sleep you’ve ever had, but it’s an unforgettable experience!
How and when to book Antarctic camping
Not all ships offer the option to camp, so if this activity is a must for you, we can help you find the most suitable trips.
As the activity group size is typically limited (up to approx. 30 people) and available on a first come, first served approach, we strongly recommend securing your camping spots booked up at the same time as confirming your cabin.
Speak to our polar specialists about this – they can give you all the best advice.
The coolest place to camp
Camping in Antarctica: FAQs
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How cold is camping in Antarctica?
In the summer months (December-February), temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are generally warmer than you might expect, typically averaging close to freezing or even slightly balmier. It's not as cold as most people think. In fact, for those who live in the northern hemisphere, it can actually be colder at home at that time!
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Do I need to bring any extra kit for Antarctic camping?
You will be provided with all of the camping equipment, so all you need to bring are a couple of extra layers of clothing.
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Are there any toilet facilities available?
If you need the bathroom while out on the ice, there are emergency facilities in the form of a portable ‘camping toilet’ discreetly positioned away from the camp and screened behind a makeshift snow wall. For more information please read our dedicated blog about this delicate topic!
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What happens if there’s an emergency?
Your camping guides will be in direct radio contact with the ship and a zodiac can quickly be dispatched to you.
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Will I see any wildlife when camping in Antarctica?
To prevent any wildlife disturbance, there are strict rules on the location of campsites, which means you won’t be close to any animals for this activity. The odd curious penguin or seal may pop up on the shoreline, but you’ll need to maintain the usual safe distance from them. In the stillness of the Antarctic night, you might hear the blows of whales surfacing in nearby bays or the distant chatter of penguins.
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Can I camp on Antarctica for more than one night?
No, the camping activity cost includes one night off the ship only.
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Can I go back to the ship early?
Returning to the ship will only be possible in an emergency. You won't be able to hop back to the ship if you suddenly decide you’d rather sleep in a warm, soft bed!
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What happens if the Antarctic camping activity is cancelled?
In unsafe weather conditions, your Antarctic camping trip may be cancelled. If it’s not possible to offer it on an alternative night, you'll be refunded for the cost of the activity if you have paid an extra fee.
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Can I bring my own snacks with me?
It’s not possible to bring any food with you and the only liquid you can take is water. This is to prevent any contamination of the pristine Antarctic ecosystem. The camping guides will have sealed emergency food rations safely secured. You'll have dinner on board the ship and will be back in time for breakfast.
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Will I get any sleep while camping in Antarctica?!
Probably not much! A combination of factors makes for a poor night’s sleep. First is the sheer excitement of spending a magical night away from the relative civilisation of the ship; for many it’s the closest they will get to recreating the exploits of heroic polar explorers.
For most, the light skies can be difficult to ignore without the blackout curtains in your cabin. The eerie noises of Antarctica can be hard to interpret and keep your mind alert even when you are tired after a busy day exploring.
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Antarctic Adventure Activities
Simply getting to Antarctica is a big enough adventure for many, but for those who really want to maximise their Antarctic experience there are some outstanding adventure activities to consider. Many of the Antarctic voyages we offer provide these as optional adventure add-ons.
