Antarctica camping: what's it like?

So you’ve travelled all the way to the seventh continent, the white wonder, Antarctica. How can you be more adventurous than that? Well, there is a way — spend a night on the continent. For those who have a bucket list as long as their arm, G Adventures offers the chance to set up camp right on the icy shores of Antarctica. And here's our primer for those who may be considering adding on a night on ice under the stars. What is camping in Antarctica like? It's not too intense but it is in tents. (Sorry, we had to!) After finishing a warm meal in the Expedition dining room you’ll collect your belongings and head ashore. You'll be provided a two-person tent, to be shared with another member of the same gender. Previous camping experience isn't necessary but it's a good idea to think about what you'll pack along. As the saying goes: there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. If you’ve signed up for camping, you’re best to bring some warm clothes to sleep in — thermal underwear is recommended. G Adventures provides excellent sleeping bags, liners, tents, and air mattresses; but the clothing is up to you. As you'll be in the open air for a good part of the evening, an extra hoodie is handy. A hat, gloves or mittens, and extra-thick socks are a necessity for a chilly evening, and a good windproof, waterproof parka and pants will keep you extra warm and comfortable. Add camping on: Antarctica Classic in Depth What will I see while camping? This depends on the season. From October to mid-February, you’ll sleep under the glow of a midnight sun. If you’re visiting in the later ends of the season, into the end of February and March, your reward is the best stars you’ve ever seen. The lack of light pollution lets you see the night sky clearly and one of your Expedition team can point out the constellations for you. Also, be on the lookout for curious penguins wandering among the tents. Add camping on: Antarctica Classic Can I take some food and drinks? Unfortunately no, you can’t bring along that yummy dessert you pocketed from dinner. Food and drink aren't alllowed on land in Antarctica to avoid spoiling the pristine wilderness. You can bring water ashore though, in a water bottle from on board the ship. Add camping on: Spirit of Shackleton What about the bathroom? You're encouraged to use the bathroom before heading ashore but when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. So a portable toilet is brought ashore for any late-night needs.  Add camping on: Quest for the Antarctic Circle Can I book camping after I'm on the ship? No — for insurance reasons, camping needs to be booked in advance, and spaces are limited to 60 campers per departure. Please note, not all departures can offer camping. Add camping on: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Plan your Antarctica Expedition Camping adventure Want to know more? Read up about G Expedition Antarctic camping experiences on our handy Camping Preparation Page and check out all of our Antarctic Expedition tours. Originally published January 7, 2019

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So you’ve travelled all the way to the seventh continent, the white wonder, Antarctica. How can you be more adventurous than that? Well, there is a way — spend a night on the continent. For those who have a bucket list as long as their arm, G Adventures offers the chance to set up camp right on the icy shores of Antarctica. And here's our primer for those who may be considering adding on a night on ice under the stars.

What is camping in Antarctica like?

It's not too intense but it is in tents. (Sorry, we had to!) After finishing a warm meal in the Expedition dining room you’ll collect your belongings and head ashore. You'll be provided a two-person tent, to be shared with another member of the same gender. Previous camping experience isn't necessary but it's a good idea to think about what you'll pack along.

As the saying goes: there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. If you’ve signed up for camping, you’re best to bring some warm clothes to sleep in — thermal underwear is recommended. G Adventures provides excellent sleeping bags, liners, tents, and air mattresses; but the clothing is up to you. As you'll be in the open air for a good part of the evening, an extra hoodie is handy. A hat, gloves or mittens, and extra-thick socks are a necessity for a chilly evening, and a good windproof, waterproof parka and pants will keep you extra warm and comfortable.

A male and female traveller sit cozy on the ice in Antarctica dressed in their iconic red parkas with campground behind

Add camping on: Antarctica Classic in Depth

What will I see while camping?

This depends on the season. From October to mid-February, you’ll sleep under the glow of a midnight sun. If you’re visiting in the later ends of the season, into the end of February and March, your reward is the best stars you’ve ever seen. The lack of light pollution lets you see the night sky clearly and one of your Expedition team can point out the constellations for you. Also, be on the lookout for curious penguins wandering among the tents.

A penguin with a chick squawks at another penguin getting too close to her baby in Antarctica

Add camping on: Antarctica Classic

Can I take some food and drinks?

Unfortunately no, you can’t bring along that yummy dessert you pocketed from dinner. Food and drink aren't alllowed on land in Antarctica to avoid spoiling the pristine wilderness. You can bring water ashore though, in a water bottle from on board the ship.

Looking inside the interior of a tent as a woman traveller gets her bedding set up for the night in Antarctica

Add camping on: Spirit of Shackleton

What about the bathroom?

You're encouraged to use the bathroom before heading ashore but when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. So a portable toilet is brought ashore for any late-night needs. 

Two travellers work together to set up their tent for the night camping in Antarctica

Add camping on: Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Can I book camping after I'm on the ship?

No — for insurance reasons, camping needs to be booked in advance, and spaces are limited to 60 campers per departure. Please note, not all departures can offer camping.

Two travellers in red Expedition parkas and cameras check out the blue ice of an iceberg in Antarctica

Add camping on: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Plan your Antarctica Expedition Camping adventure

Want to know more? Read up about G Expedition Antarctic camping experiences on our handy Camping Preparation Page and check out all of our Antarctic Expedition tours.

Originally published January 7, 2019