Antarctica camping during an polar expedition cruise
Getting a little shut-eye in Antarctica
More and more, an overnight camping trip on Antarctica is becoming a popular addition to a polar adventure. The majority of expedition ships offer this optional excursion to a select number of passengers each voyage, which is definitely not for everyone... but is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that hearty travelers have a hard time passing up (yours-truly included). Beyond your camping basics, here are a few other items to bring with you onshore for your overnight adventure.
An empty bladder: There are many regulations in line to protect this precious environment, including a strict, leave-nothing-but-your-footprints-behind policy (and even footprints are regulated by amount of daily foot-traffic allowed and designated landing sites). This means any #1 and #2 must come off shore with you. Your guide will supply a port-o-potty for emergency cases only. But – empty or full – they will need to carry the port-o-potty back to the ship. No one wants to be that guy. And let’s face it; you don’t want to expose those delicate areas to Antarctica’s elements anyway.
Sleep mask: If you need complete darkness to catch your Z’s, a sleep mask is a good option for you. Remember, during Antarctica’s summers months, the sun isn’t going anywhere – you’ll get dusky-dark at best. Or just pull your hat down over your eyes. That works too.
Less can be more: Your ship will supply you with a proper sleeping bag, one that is designed to withstand the winter weather. Once snuggled inside your tent and bag, don’t over bundle yourself in too many layers. You’ll actually prevent your body heat from warming you and your bag. Dress warm, but make sure there is space for heat to circulate in your sleeping bag. Don’t sleep with your head inside your bag – your breathe with cause moisture which ultimately means cold. Tighten your bag around your head/neck to prevent heat from sneaking out. And most importantly, don’t forget a hat or balaclava (a fancy face, head and neck cover).
Not-so-fancy camera: Careful with your camera on this overnight trip. Fog is a real issue with your lens and the cold is likely to suck the life out of the battery before you can blink. Like a lot of amateur and professional photographers, I travel with my fancy and my not-so-fancy camera. In other words, the one I won’t be completely heartbroken, or financially tapped, if it is damaged or destroyed and I need to be replaced. This is a trip for your not-so-fancy camera. I slept with mine -- perhaps not the coziest of sleeping companions. But this kept life in the battery and prevented fog problems.
Ear plugs: If you are imaging a restful slumber in the ultimate quiet that only a remote location like Antarctica can bring … keep dreaming. Although camping locations vary depending on your itinerary and weather conditions, you will almost certainly be sharing the shore with a penguin rookie or two. After a few curious pecks to our tent, they sung us a squeaky lullaby all night long that I think you have to be a penguin to fully appreciate.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
