Do a little research or sign up for a cruise, and you'll easily stumble upon countless packing lists for an expedition cruise to Antarctica. Most of them are generally the same with a few basic, non-negotiable items:
Layers: multiple layers starting with a thermal base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer
*I personally recommend merino wool or Patagonia's Capilene line
Hats, scarves, and waterproof gloves
Waterproof pants
Thick, warm, wool socks
Sunglasses and sunscreen (it will be sunny, and the sun is strong!)
Having experienced Antarctica firsthand, I have come back with a few additional recommendations of my own that will go a long way toward keeping you safe, warm, dry, and comfortable. Antarctica is technically a desert, so it is very dry, and you will feel it right away!
Good chapstick and lotion (see above re: desert)
Eye drops - again, with the desert. In addition, many sea-sickness preventative medications are drying as well. Add a dry climate and wind, and your eyes will be begging for some drops!
Nose spray
Hydration tabs
Febreze or essential oils: News flash - penguins are stinky! Their guano has a particularly pungent scent from all the krill they consume, and if you happen to sit down or simply get some on your boots/pants...even the tiniest amount will be forever embedded into all of your belongings in your cabin. Febreze or essential oils will help mitigate!
Notebook: You will want to remember this trip forever and ever and take notes at the incredibly interesting lectures you'll attend. A notebook and pen are crucial.
Small bills (US or EURO): At some of the research bases, you can buy postcards and other small souvenirs, including a shot of vodka at Vernadsky research base!
Ski goggles: Forget sunglasses. On windy days, or if you are kayaking, ski goggles that fully protect your eyes will help immensely.
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
1 day ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
2 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
2 days ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
3 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.