We aim at least one night out on each trip but the expedition team will offer more camping occasions when possible.
Additional nights ashore are weather and site permitting and can only be offered at times that there is a possibility for the vessel to stay close enough to the shore during the night. When the vessel is relocating during the night camping is not possible.
According to international regulations we are not allowed to take stoves, fuel nor food ashore – with the exception of emergency rations and survival gear, drinking water and medical supplies. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner, and returns to the ship just before breakfast. This means we will have the night hours ashore. On shore a camp will be made on a place where wildlife cannot be disturbed. All campers will be equipped with a personal waterproof bag containing a sleeping mattress, a polar synthetic sleeping bag with inner liner and a breathable bivouac bag. Besides these personal items other equipment such as tents will be taken ashore. In favourable weather conditions, campers have the possibility to sleep in the bivouac bag under the open sky. For those that find a bivy-bag a bit too spartan, and when the weather is not pleasant enough for the bivy-bag, tents are provided. Our sturdy dome tents will sleep 3 persons. While the field party is ashore, our staff will be in full radio contact with the ship. Staff will also stay ashore to assist and supervise the campers. On departure everything that is carried ashore must be returned to the ship. Field staff will ensure that the field camps are cleaned properly after each night’s camp.

General information for passengers

• Everyone can participate, no previous experience required
• Maximum number is limited to 15 persons per night
• Once in a lifetime, intensive Antarctic experience!
• The camping is assisted by expert field guides
• Equipment provided (bivouac & sleeping bag, mats, tents)
• Field camping is subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations
• 1 night has to be booked prior to trip, any extra night can be arranged onboard
• Supplement: Please see our dates & rates for the camping supplement

Field Camping

Is it possible to take food?
Eating food / snacks on shore is not allowed (Antarctic Treaty/ IAATO regulations) in to prevent the spreading of diseases and seeds of alien plant species.

Is there a possibility to go to the toilet?
Toilet visits should be avoided on land (Antarctic Treaty/ IAATO regulations). Campers are encouraged to use the toilet facilities on board, prior to the camping. A portable toilet facility will be available ashore though. All solid waste has to be returned to the ship. Advised is that campers bring an individual “pee bottle” (e.g. wide opening plastic Nalgene bottle) for use during the night in order to avoid the use of the portable toilet.

How long do we stay ashore and where?
We offer near shore camping on the continent and/or Islands (depending on itinerary, weather and site regulations).
Groups will stay up to a maximum 10 hours ashore.

Any prior experience required?
No, everyone can participate in this activity. There are no physical requirements except giving helping hands to field staff putting up tents and cleaning the campsite. Please note that we are not camping on a camping ground, we are in Antarctica! There can be rocks, snow, mud or a frozen hard surface. We expect from our campers to participate in erecting and preparing the camp site and also breaking up camp next morning. All camping equipment, most particularly tent bases and mats, must be cleaned thoroughly after each use ashore. The weather can also make the operation difficult.

What are the weather conditions?
Around the coasts of Antarctica, temperatures are generally close to freezing in the summer (December-February) months, or even slightly positive in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The temperatures in Antarctica vary between about -5 and 8 °C. Together with a strong wind these low temperatures feel like real sub-zero temperatures.
This is caused by the wind-chill factor. Warm and efficient clothing (and a flexible attitude) are the best means to overcome these sometimes harsh circumstances.

Clothing

As conditions can change rapidly, make sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the worst weather.
Important personal clothing and gear to bring (required):
• thermal underwear
• fleece vest or jacket
• down jacket
• warm hat
• turtle neck (neck gaitor)
• thermal under gloves (fleece finger gloves)
• warm gloves (mittens)
• thick socks (plus spare socks)
• good sunglasses
• sun cream / sun block
• breathable (eg. Gore-Tex®) jacket and trousers
• “pee” bottle (there are special ones for ladies in
outdoor shops available)

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.

Minimum / maximum participant number:

1 person minimum / 15 persons maximum + 1 field guide