Camping on the Ice: Sleeping Under the Antarctic Midnight Sun

Imagine spending the night in a place where the sun never sets, the air is crisp and pure, and the landscape is a pristine canvas of white. Welcome to Antarctica, where as part of your polar cruise you can wake up to this untouched landscape. This experience is available from many ships heading to the seventh continent, and is cited by many travelers as one of the highlights of their trip. Spending a night out on the ice is an adventure that offers a profound connection with one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. Here’s all you need to know when deciding whether to make camping on the ice part of your adventure.

Camping on the ice is a complete immersion into the raw beauty and power of the polar environment. While tents can sometimes be requested, most camping expeditions use only bivouac bags. These bags are breathable, wind and waterproof, and lightweight. They also mean that less separates you from the environment. This lets all of your senses experience the landscape, and also gives you a full view of the Antarctic sky.

One of the most striking aspects of camping on the ice is the profound silence. Away from the hum of civilization, the only sounds are the whisper of the wind and the occasional crack of ice. Listen closely, and you might be able to hear penguin calls or whale exhalations in the distance. This serene quietude is both humbling and awe-inspiring, offering a rare opportunity for deep reflection and connection with the natural world.

In the polar summer, the sun hovers on the horizon, casting a golden glow that lasts throughout the night. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun, creates an ethereal atmosphere, bathing the ice in a soft, perpetual light. As you settle into your sleeping bag, the surreal beauty of the landscape makes it feel like you're in a dream.

If you're camping during the Antarctic winter, you'll experience the enchantment of the polar night, where the sky transforms into a dazzling display of stars. With luck, you might witness the aurora australis (southern lights) dancing above you as you drift off.

Camps are designated in areas that are not near any penguin colonies and do not disturb wildlife. However, expedition leaders will set things up in spots that are flat, safe, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Your ship will always be on the nearby shore. 

Following Antarctic and IAATO Treaty regulations, no stoves, fuel, or food can be taken to the camp, although emergency rations, medical supplies, and drinking water are allowed. Food or snacks could lead to the spread of outside contaminants, so camping takes place after dinner on board, with a return to the ship before the next day’s breakfast. 

Bathroom facilities are generally not available while camping, though some ships might have a portable toilet near the shore. Before returning to the ship, everything must be picked up. Leaving no trace ensures that the delicate ecosystems remain as you found them, preserving the beauty and purity of these remote regions for future generations.

The nice thing about camping on your Antarctic cruise is that it is an activity suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to brave the cold. If you’re certain that this is amust-have experienceon your trip, let the ship know as often the number of people allowed to camp at one time is limited. 

Your ship will provide everything but the extra layers of clothes you will want for the night. This will include essential items such as a sleeping bag with liner, a bivouac bag, and sleeping mattress. 

Some packing tips for camping on the ice: 

• Bring an eye mask if you think the light will make it difficult for you to sleep, as well as sunblock and sunglasses

• Wear thermal underwear, and avoid cotton clothes which don’t dry well in the cold

• Layer up as the weather can change quickly, and bring extra socks as well as mittens or gloves

• Don’t forget your camera!

Camping on the ice is not without its challenges. The cold can be intense, with temperatures usually between 23 to 46°F (-5 to 8°C) but often feeling much colder due to the wind. However, these challenges are part of what makes the experience so rewarding. Every moment on the ice is a testament to human resilience and the spirit of adventure. The chance to sleep under the endless Antarctic sky, surrounded by the pure wilderness, is an opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of our planet in its most unaltered state. Be open to the adventure and have a flexible attitude. By embracing the extremes, you’ll have an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Get in touch with us about including camping on your polar cruise, or any other activity on your Antarctica bucket list!