Kayaking in Antarctica
Imagine the swish of water as it passes your hull or the clack of brash ice against your paddle blade. Skim past penguin rookeries and seals sleeping on passing ice floes.
Few people have visited the world's 7th Continent and even less can say that they've camped on it. Forego the comforts of your cabin for a once-in-a-lifetime experience ice camping in Antarctica - spend a night on the ice, surrounded by Antarctica’s pristine wilderness and the odd inquisitive penguin!
Anyone can camp in Antarctica - regardless of age or fitness levels - and no prior experience is required. All you need an adventurous attitude and a couple of extra layers of clothing.
Overnight camping on Antarctica is commonly available on the majority of Antarctic Peninsula departures and for the experience is a well-priced optional add-on. As the group size is typically limited (up to approx. 30 people), it’s important to secure your camping places at the point of booking your cabin.
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
Camping on the ice with Saskia was 10/10. The absolute "polar silence" was incredible and unmatched, only broken by humpback whale blows and glacier cracks - incredible. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Tyler White - USA
Camping outside was great! I had my daughter dig our hole to sleep in. Since it was a small group sleeping outside, it was really nice. The sun was out all night long. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Natalie Dewberry-Moore - USA
Everyone should do it to get close to Shackleton and everyone else who attempts south pole destination. We still knew where our next meal is going to come from and those guys on the ice crossing the continent did not. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Manish Daulat - USA
Great experience to sleep out there. I would highly recommend this to anyone! The guides are prepared with everything you need, and they take care that we don't leave much mark of our presence there. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Christian Cancino Martinez - USA
Camping was great! It was nice to be able to spend a bit more time off the boat, but don't think you'll be hanging out around a non-existent campfire or anything. You're back on the boat before breakfast. The equipment provided was certainly warm enough, though hand warmers didn't hurt either! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Waverly Garnand - USA
Most memorable moment: Waking up after camping on the ice to see the sunrise on the mountains surrounding. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Matt Martin - USA
My favorite cruise was for when we went camping one night, just a pristine evening cruise with calm waters for a remarkable adventure. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Christopher Norton - USA
Our camping expedition was a one of a kind, with the penguins coming to check out the people who landed on their property and placed sleeping bags on the snow. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Karen Getzel - USA
Efficient and a wonderful experience to be camping besides the sleeping gentoos. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Kwan Kew Lai Fitzgibbon - United States Of America
Ice climbing; camping, especially the feeling when our zodiac pulled away and I found myself somehow connected with Shackleton and the seabirds flying overhead; seeing a dozen or more Elephant Seals woven together in the pebbles surrounded by penguins; and the sheer exhilaration of participating in the polar plunge with like-minded thrill seekers! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Rex - Len Hunt - United States Of America
Slightly surprised that we camped on an island versus the mainland, but came to realize that finding a spot on the mainland is probably fairly difficult based upon the coastline. The weather was warm, (actually with light rain for 4 hours) but still greatly enjoyed the experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Steve Hatten - United States Of America
We found the extra activities such as kayaking and camping to be the most memorable. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2019
Fifi Rawlins - United States Of America
Camping was amazing! Cold, but so worth it. Definitely a highlight, and recommend it to anyone. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2017
Kira Day - United States Of America
We had 4 penguins waddle right past our sleeping bags; an absolutely amazing experience!
Travelled: February 2016
Debbie - UK
Review:
Spend a night under canvas in Antarctica © Max Jones
It’s pretty straightforward. On trips which offer camping in Antarctica, one night of the voyage will be selected by the Expeditionary Leader to sleep ashore. That afternoon, the ‘camp’ will be prepared and tents pitched, which are typically 2-3 man tents. In favourable weather, campers may be offered the chance to sleep out in a bivouac (bivvy) bag under the open sky, which is an experience not to be missed.
After dinner on the ship the camping party, accompanied by at least one member of the expedition team, will be taken ashore by zodiac to spend the night. The ship will remain close by, but out of sight. Cooking stoves and food are not allowed onshore in accordance with Antarctic regulations - only emergency rations, survival gear and drinking water are allowed.
The following morning you’ll be picked up early in time to return to the ship for breakfast, so you'll spend a maximum of 10 hours out on the ice.
The Antarctic Peninsula has a small number of places favourable to camping, but certainly nothing that could be construed as a ‘campsite’, and just to be clear - there are no facilities.
Looking for a more personal take on camping in Antarctica?
Swoop Antarctica Expert Molly
Typically camping in Antarctica is charged as an optional extra. The cost varies from one ship to another, but you should budget for between $150 and $300 per person. However, it's worth being aware that it’s included in the voyage price on a small number of ships and select departures.
The good news is that the vast majority of voyages offer camping on Antarctica as an optional add-on. However, as the number of spaces is typically limited, the best thing to do is to ask us to check availability and secure your places at the point of booking your trip.
For the sheer experience and brag factor, the return on your fairly modest investment to go camping in Antarctica is hundredfold and well worth it. Plus, the good news is that it's rarely as cold as anyone thinks.
4.2 out of 5
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’. Great value for money backed…
5 out of 5
Travelling aboard this modern 134-passenger ship with its 200-degree observation lounge and spacious cabins, spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica’s extraordinary icebergs and wildlife. Optional camping and kayaking, while Ushuaia hotel accommodation and a parka jacket are included in the…
4.6 out of 5
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…
4.2 out of 5
The great strength of this trip is choice - a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available across two comfortable ice-strengthened ships (either 128 or 189 guests). Spend a minimum of four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy…
4.6 out of 5
With four medium-sized expedition ships and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas your company will include penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional kayaking…
Setting up camp for the evening
Camping on the ice
Spend a night under canvas in Antarctica © Max Jones
In the summer months (December-February), temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are generally warmer than expected, typically averaging close to freezing or even slightly warmer, which means camping isn’t the ordeal that many expect. In fact, for those who live in the northern hemisphere it can actually be colder at home at that time!
You will be provided with all of the camping equipment you’ll need, so all you need to bring are a couple of extra layers of clothing.
For those ‘caught short’ while out on the ice, emergency facilities are provided in the form of a portable ‘camping toilet’ which is discreetly positioned away from the tents and is screened behind a makeshift snow wall.
The accompanying expedition team member will be in direct radio contact with the ship and a zodiac can quickly be dispatched from the ship.
Imagine the swish of water as it passes your hull or the clack of brash ice against your paddle blade. Skim past penguin rookeries and seals sleeping on passing ice floes.
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Snowshoeing is an easy way of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. For the more adventurous, try mountaineering and get a taste of the region's fantastic climbing opportunities.
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.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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