Polar camping
Spend a night under the stars with an overnight polar camping experience. After dinner onboard, head ashore to set up camp on the ice and settle in for a night surrounded by the sights and sounds of the glacial wilderness. Our experienced camping team will help you get comfortable with warm sleeping gear before leaving you to enjoy this rare opportunity to connect with the environment in a totally unique way.
Polar camping is available on select voyages on the Ocean Nova, Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory. This activity is weather-dependent and limited to 50 travellers per departure.
Our polar ships
The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
Take to the polar seas in style on board the next-gen Ice Class 1A, Ocean Albatros. Built to coast through icy oceans with ease, thanks to its signature X-Bow design and Polar 6 capabilities, this ship makes the perfect setting for relaxing on deck and watching birdlife or marine life. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views from multiple observation decks and the two Jacuzzis. Spend your sailing time in style at the sauna, spa and gym or take in the icy landscapes from one of the many cabins that boast a private balcony.
Purpose-built for polar exploration, the Ocean Victory takes you across icy oceans like never before. This next-generation ship features a signature X-Bow design, adding stability and safety during the voyage, while onboard comforts provide a high-end experience. Its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 capabilities allow for deeper exploration across the remote polar regions. Throughout the expedition, enjoy the amenities of a wellness centre, complete with a spa and gym, two Jacuzzis with panoramic views, plus a selection of cabins, most offering private balconies.
The Ocean Nova offers a classic Antarctic expedition experience. Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 80 guests. Your expedition focuses on discovery, enriched by a close-knit community of fellow travellers. The Ocean Nova’s compact size allows access to remote coves, bringing you closer to Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while the Panoramic Lounge offers 200-degree vistas and insightful presentations from our expert Expedition Team. With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching Antarctic adventure.
Take to the polar seas in style on board the next-gen Ice Class 1A, Ocean Albatros. Built to coast through icy oceans with ease, thanks to its signature X-Bow design and Polar 6 capabilities, this ship makes the perfect setting for relaxing on deck and watching birdlife or marine life. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views from multiple observation decks and the two Jacuzzis. Spend your sailing time in style at the sauna, spa and gym or take in the icy landscapes from one of the many cabins that boast a private balcony.
Purpose-built for polar exploration, the Ocean Victory takes you across icy oceans like never before. This next-generation ship features a signature X-Bow design, adding stability and safety during the voyage, while onboard comforts provide a high-end experience. Its superior Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 capabilities allow for deeper exploration across the remote polar regions. Throughout the expedition, enjoy the amenities of a wellness centre, complete with a spa and gym, two Jacuzzis with panoramic views, plus a selection of cabins, most offering private balconies.
Frequently asked questions
Camping in Antarctica and the Arctic regions is a unique wilderness experience that's quite different from traditional camping. After dinner on board, you'll hop in a Zodiac and head ashore with your camping gear and experienced polar camping team. They'll help you find a suitable spot, show you how to set up your bivy sack and sleeping bag and explain how to use the portable toilet provided for the group.
Once camp is set up, you can relax and enjoy the polar surroundings. You'll be able to explore a few flagged routes or simply take in the sights and sounds of the area. Your polar camping team will wake you at dawn so you can pack up and return to the ship for a hot shower and breakfast.
Polar camping is a night in the wilderness, not a traditional camping set up. You'll sleep in a bivy sack, a wind and waterproof outer shell that slips over a sleeping bag, with an insulated sleeping pad to keep you warm.
There are no campfires, cooking stoves or coolers on polar camping excursions. To protect fragile polar environments and wildlife, you'll have only the essentials with you, including drinking water, emergency rations and medical supplies.
Once you're settled ashore, your ship will sail a short distance away to give you a more serene, immersive experience. Unless conditions deteriorate rapidly or there's a serious medical emergency, you won't be able to return to the ship until morning.
All polar campers must be aged 12 or older. No previous camping experience is required, but you should be comfortable spending a night outdoors in cold conditions.
Camping is a weather-dependent activity, so the final decision to go ahead will always depend on conditions.
For polar camping, you'll go ashore in your usual excursion clothing, including warm layers, waterproof pants, a parka and boots. You'll also need to bring a dry set of thermal layers (top and bottom) and a warm pair of socks in your provided dry bag. You'll change into these before getting into your sleeping bag to help stay warm and comfortable overnight.
We provide all of the essential equipment you'll need for your overnight camping experience, including:
- Mountaineering bivy sack
- Insulated sleeping pad
- Insulated sleeping bag (rated to -29°C/-20°F)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Dry bag to carry your extra clothes
- Portable toilet for the group
What is a bivy sack?
A bivy sack is a lightweight, weather-resistant cover designed to fit over your sleeping bag. It's slightly larger than your sleeping bag and provides protection from wind and moisture without the need for a traditional tent.
You'll sleep in a bivy sack during your polar camping experience to allow you to feel more connected to the surrounding landscape while staying warm and protected.
Our sleeping bags are designed for temperatures as low as -29°C/-20°F, although overnight temperatures are unlikely to drop below -12°C/-10°F. Between the warmth of the sleeping bag and extra layers of clothing, many travellers actually find themselves getting too warm during the night!
The key to keeping warm is to avoid sweating as moisture can make you feel colder, especially when sleeping. We recommend changing into clean, dry thermal layers and warm socks before getting into your sleeping bag.
If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a bit of cold air on your face while sleeping, this may not be the right experience for you.
Polar camping is available on select voyages aboard the Ocean Nova, Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory. Spots are limited to 50 travellers per departure, so we recommend asking about polar camping when you book your trip. A waitlist may be available on board.