Tel 0844 412 0848
Int'l +44 1428 620012
(13 days from £4,090)
options include sea kayaking, snow shoe walking, camping, trekking & diving
( 14 days from £5,199)
(12 days from £4740 / €5390)
(12 days from £4740)
with Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey
( 32 days from £16,190)
(10 days from £2,890)
(12 days from £4,480 / €5,190)
March & April 2013 & 2014
(32 Days from £4,790 / €5,690)
Dec 2013
(9 days from £4,390)
including one-way or return flights between Ushuaia & Punta Arenas, depending on voyage
(18 days from £4,590)
(19 days from £6,290)
Diving & Wildlife Voyages
(13 days from £4,090)
options include sea kayaking, snow shoe walking, camping, trekking & diving
(10 days from £3450 / €3990)
(12 days from £4480 / €5190)
(12 days from $7995)
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Antarctic camping is an exhilarating 'open air' adventure option, providing an intensive once in a lifetime experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Spending the night wrapped in sleeping bags will enable you to watch the amazing transition from day into night as the light transcends onto the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It is a somewhat magical experience to be camping in the midst of this fantastic Polar Region, where the only sounds to be heard are those of nature - of nearby birds calling, the continual sound of glacial melt water running into the bay, the occasional crack of glaciers calving and even the enchanting sound of nearby whales.
No previous polar camping experience is necessary, so just about anybody can give it a go. Intrepid campers will be provided with industry leading special gear and field equipment, including top quality wind and waterproof breathable bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tent system). Tents for those that prefer a little bit more comfort will also be brought ashore. Polar sleeping bags will keep campers dry, warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. The night ashore will be supervised by one experienced field guide, who will provide guidance, knowledge and enthusiasm, ensuring that ideal camping location is chosen and that campers get the very best out of the experience.
Please note that camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations and it will be restricted to a maximum number of 30 persons per night.
Field Camping in Antarctica
We aim to offer the camping option at least once during each trip, however, the expedition team will endeavour to provide more camping occasions whenever possible. Additional nights ashore are weather and site permitting and can only be offered at times where 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 will not be 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, returning to the ship just before breakfast the following morning, meaning that campers will spend the night time hours ashore. On shore a camp will be erected in a place where wildlife will not 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. In addition to these personal items other equipment such as tents will be taken ashore. The sturdy dome tents will sleep 3 persons. While the field party is ashore, expedition staff will be in full radio contact with the ship. Staff will also stay ashore to assist and supervise the campers. Upon departure everything that was carried ashore must be returned to the ship. Field staff will also ensure that the field camps are cleaned properly after each night's camp.
Clothing
As conditions can change rapidly, it is imperative that you make sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the worst weather.
Important personal clothing and gear to bring (required):
- "Pee" bottle for Antarctica, e.g. wide opening Nalgene bottle (there are special ones for ladies in outdoor shops available)
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece vest or jacket
- Down jacket
- Breathable (eg. Gore-Tex®) jacket and trousers
- Warm hat
- Turtle neck (snood)
- Thermal under gloves (fleece finger gloves)
- Warm gloves (mittens)
- Thick socks (plus spare socks)
- Good sunglasses
- Sun cream / sun block
- Torch / flashlight (ideally lightweight head torch / flashlight) for departures February - March
You will be provided with the following items:
- Warm, insulated waterproof rubber boots
- Bivouac bag (one per person)
- Mattresses
- Polar sleeping bag with cotton inner liner
- Portable field toilet (one per group
- Tents (1 tent per 3 persons)
- Waterproof bag
- Tent lantern (battery powered)
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. Katabatic 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 / 30 persons maximum + 1 field guide per 20 campers (2 field guides 20 +)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to take food?
Eating food / snacks on shore is not allowed (Antarctic Treaty/ IAATO regulations) in order 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. It is advisable 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 nearby islands (depending on itinerary, weather and site regulations). Camping groups will stay up to a maximum of 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! It is likely there we will be camping on rocks, snow, mud or a frozen hard surface. Campers are encouraged to participate in erecting and preparing the camp site and also packing it all away again the next morning. All camping equipment, in particularly tent bases and mats, must be cleaned thoroughly after each use ashore. The weather can sometimes make this operation difficult.
What weather conditions are we likely to encounter?
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.
Camping is an optional activity we offer on a number of our Antarctic Voyages. You will be able to see in our Dates & Prices on which of these camping is an option. Camping requirements, conditions and equipment supplied may vary according to individual departures, as will the level of adventure offered onboard your chosen voyage. For further details please Contact Us . |
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