Spend a Night Camping on the Antarctic Ice
One of our most popular activities, camping offers you the unique opportunity to roll out your sleeping mat and wriggle into your thermal sleeping bag for a night out on the ice – no camping experience necessary! Once you’ve settled in, prepare to witness the stunning beauty of the Antarctic night sky, as well as the sounds of ice cracking in the distance and wildlife carrying on their busy schedule around you. This is the activity for the ultimate bragging rights!
What’s Involved
The Aurora Team will organise the best conditions to spend a night out on the Ice! Open air camping is the best way to experience an Austral summer night. Camping mats and sleeping bags provided for your group of up to 40 adventurous people to take in some spectacular Antarctic views.
Please note: Travel Insurance is mandatory on all Aurora Expeditions voyages. An additional policy or premium may be required to ensure you have adequate coverage for this activity.
What You'll See
Our camping trips take place in the middle of the Austral summer, and on the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll be experiencing almost 24 hours of daylight. This means that instead of a starry night, you’ll instead be treated to an extended sunset and sunrise as the sun briefly dips below the horizon, filling the sky with an endless palette of colours.
Required Experience & Fitness
No previous camping experience is required to participate in this activity.
Weather Conditions
We don’t use tents for our camping experience. We believe that the experience is best enjoyed without blocking the amazing surrounds we’ve come to admire.
This unique activity is weather-dependent and will only take place on calm, clear nights as determined by our experienced expedition team.
What to Bring
Aurora Expeditions provides all the essential equipment for your night on the ice, including a thermal sleeping bag and insulated camping mat.
For a comfortable night under the stars, we recommend wearing dry clothing, especially dry socks. Add a warm hat to retain heat, and avoid wearing your shell jacket inside the sleeping bag. Thermals and fleece layers are usually sufficient to keep you cosy.
How to Book
Camping is offered on select expeditions only, with availability strictly limited to 40 participants. Be sure to check for voyages that include this experience and book early to avoid missing out.
If you’d like to add camping to your expedition, contact us or speak with your preferred travel advisor.
Top reasons to go Camping in Antarctica
Open-Air Camping
Experience the raw beauty of Antarctica with open-air camping. No tents, just you, your sleeping bag, and the vast polar wilderness. This minimalist approach lets you fully absorb the pristine surroundings and sleep under a canopy of stars in one of the most remote places on Earth.
Austral Summer Views
Camp under the endless light of the austral summer, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. Enjoy uninterrupted views of icy landscapes, dramatic glaciers, and distant mountain peaks bathed in golden polar light. A truly unforgettable visual experience.
Potential Wildlife Spotting
While camping in Antarctica, you may be lucky enough to hear or even glimpse local wildlife, such as curious penguins waddling nearby or seals vocalising in the distance. Camping puts you closer to nature, offering unique wildlife encounters you won’t find from your ship cabin.
Featured Itineraries
Camping in Antarctica FAQ’s
How do I book?
Camping is subject to weather, time and operational conditions. Places are limited to 40 campers on a first-come first-served basis, so early booking is encouraged. This activity will only be offered on board if there is still availability at the time of embarkation. If you are interested in our camping activity, please contact our expert team.
How will I stay warm?
Your expedition team will advise you on the appropriate clothing to wear ashore and will provide you with a mat and thermal sleeping bag for your night out on the ice.
Is it safe?
Yes, we’ve taken hundreds of adventurous souls out overnight and our expert expedition team know where to find the best spots for your camping experience.
Is there an age limit?
Campers must be 8 or over.
What should I bring?
Aurora Expeditions provides all the necessary equipment including a camping mat and thermal sleeping bag, so you only need to bring yourself. Please note: we don’t use tents for our camping experience. We believe that the experience is best enjoyed without blocking the amazing surrounds we’ve come to admire.
Will I get the chance to sleep under the stars?
Our camping trips take place in the middle of the Austral summer, and on the Antarctic Peninsula we’ll be experiencing almost 24 hours of daylight. This means that instead of a starry night, you’ll instead be treated to an extended sunset and sunrise as the sun briefly dips below the horizon, filling the sky with an endless palette of colours.
Will I sleep much?
Possibly not! Many passengers don’t camp out to sleep – they’re there to soak in the amazing surrounds, witness incredible vistas and enjoy the sounds of nearby penguin colonies and possibly even a calving glacier. We’ll do our best to make sure you get the chance for a cat nap the next day.