Sleep over with the penguins in AntarcticaAntarctica

The thought of extreme camping in Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures might send shivers down the spine of some, but for the more adventurous it’s the trip of a lifetime. Add a shot of adrenaline to your expedition with an overnight stay on the ice, sans tent and surrounded by penguins.

With its glistening inlets, rocky cliffs, pebbled beaches and floating ice sculptures, the Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost stretch of land on the seventh continent and a location to which few gain access. So what can you expect when you camp out on the ice?

The extremes will undoubtedly be your main concern, but, according to Quark, they’ll cause you little grief. It is, after all, all part of the mindset anyway. All equipment, including a parka that folds into its hood to create a pillow, is provided and guides will accompany you. It’s all safe as houses, with campers participating in a mandatory safety briefing prior to disembarking.

The most surprising revelation during the briefing is that there is no tent involved – everyone sleeps out under the sky in a super-warm sleeping bag that goes inside a waterproof bivvy (bivouac) bag.

Once on land, each camper stomps out a spot on the ice then puts down a foam mattress for protection against the chill of the snow. Then it’s simply a matter of getting into the sleeping and bivvy bags to settle in beneath the midnight sun. If you can – the penguins like the sound of their own squawks.

get there

This activity can be added to your Quark Expeditions departure to Antarctica. Fly to Ushuaia and board a ship to sail across the Drake Passage, or Fly the Drake on one of the company’s other itineraries. Be sure to reserve the camping experience when you book your cruise because it’s super popular.

price guide

Prices start at USD$295.

difficulty

It’s camping, but on another level! No prior experience is necessary.

contact

Quark Expeditions
quarkexpeditions.com

need to know

Get out on the ice ice, baby. This tip was provided to us by Quark Expeditions, but we know how much you love an adventure, so wanted to share it.