Summary
Camping in Antarctica
Every year, approximately 30,000 adventurers journey to Antarctica; however, only two-thirds that number actually set foot on the continent. Among the lucky few, only a handful dare to camp at the bottom of the world. We were among those daring souls.
Did we sleep in traditional tents? Absolutely not! Those luxurious accommodations held our emergency gear. Instead, we opted to brave the elements with nothing but a bivy sack!
When Quark Expeditions presented us with the option to camp on the continent, we jumped at the chance.
Saying you slept on Antarctica under a starlit sky, with only your sleeping bag and a small bivy for shelter, is an ultimate camping accomplishment.
Moreover, it definitely earns you some serious bragging rights!
That day had already been extraordinary.
We had survived the Polar Plunge, paddled through the brash ice and awe-inspiring scenery of Neko Harbour, explored the shores of Neko Harbour with its charming penguin colony, and concluded our adventure with paddling in Paradise Bay.
This was the icing on the cake — an ultimate adventure awaited us that night.
Thirty-one other like-minded adventurers shared our enthusiasm, and together, we prepared to face sub-zero temperatures while camping on the sandy shores of Paradise Bay.
Rules of Camping on Antarctica
Before embarking on an adventure to camp in Antarctica, there are essential rules to consider:
- No food or drinks are allowed. This stringent rule prohibits any refreshments, including a nip of Vodka or a snack to satisfy midnight cravings. Only a bottle of water is permitted.
- Be prepared to be picked up at 5:30 am sharp.
- Using the bathroom is not allowed. No ventures outside your bivy sack for personal relief are permitted. Quark Expeditions provides one emergency disposable toilet, which is reserved for absolute emergencies only.
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night; the winds calmed, and the weather grew almost balmy.
Bundled in layers of clothing, Quark Expeditions’ signature yellow parkas, and cozy polar sleeping bags, we felt adequately prepared for a comfortable night.
The first order of business was to establish our campsite.
We trekked through deep snow to locate the ideal spot, diligently stomping out a bed for the evening.
Flattening a space just large enough for our sleeping bags, we covered ourselves with nylon bivy sacks to ward off the biting wind.
Preparing for Camping
After preparing our spots, we laid down foam mattresses to insulate ourselves from the snow’s chill. Nestled in our sleeping bags and bivy sacks, we settled in for the night.
Just before surrendering to sleep, a guide named Solan urged us out of our comfy dens to witness the moonrise.
We were fortunate enough to sleep under a full moon as it gracefully rose above the mountains.
What It’s Like in a Bivy Sac in Freezing Temperature
Equipped with drawstring pulls that sealed tightly over our faces, our sleeping bags and sacs kept us warm while also adding a touch of claustrophobia to the experience.
Every few hours, I awoke, battling sensations of suffocation, and scrambled to extract myself from my sac for a breath of fresh air. This was an unsettling feeling, one that required agility to navigate the stubborn drawstring in a hurried attempt to escape.
As I contemplated my options — to leave my face exposed to the cold or retreat back into my nylon “coffin” — I struggled with feelings of discomfort.
Upon morning light, I felt relieved to share my experience with Dave, who empathized with my sentiments.
Overall, we both remained warm through the night, but forgetting our down booties on board the ship proved to be a major blunder.
Having purchased exceptional North Face down booties in Nepal, they would have been invaluable for keeping our toes warm.
Consequently, our toes were numbed, and I mentally kicked myself all night for neglecting such important gear.
At 5:10 am sharp, Solan, Karin, and Miko roused us with promised sights for the day. “Exciting things await everyone! Time to get up! We depart in 20 minutes!”
No time was wasted as I rushed to pack up, eager to hit the bathroom and hop onto the first zodiac to return to the ship.
Luckily, as other campers woke groggy from their slumber, Dave and I hastily gathered our gear. Apparently, he had a pressing need for the toilet as well.
In a swift 20 minutes, we were aboard the zodiac and back on the ship just in time for breakfast.
Are We Glad That We Camped on Antarctica?
Absolutely! Camping in Antarctica is undeniably the ultimate experience and a magnificent story to narrate for the rest of our lives.
We survived a night on the continent, allowing us insight into the trials faced by the early explorers who paved the way for modern expeditions.
I can hardly fathom the challenges they endured and the resilience required to navigate such harsh conditions daily without the conveniences of contemporary technology.
As for Camping on the Continent of Antarctica
The camping experience is concise and structured.
Arriving on shore at 8:30 pm, we spent about an hour setting up camp.
Amid friendly conversations with fellow campers, we snapped photos and absorbed the breathtaking views, soon retreating to bed as temperatures dropped swiftly.
It’s crucial to remain tucked into your bags before the chill permeates.
After a night of sleeplessness, you find yourself back on the ship before you’ve had a chance to fully grasp your remarkable adventure.
Exhausted, when fellow travelers inquire about the experience, you simply respond, “It was undoubtedly an adventure!”
In retrospect, the realization of what we accomplished sinks in more deeply once home. I just completed something that very few people in the world experience, and I’m incredibly grateful to be among 31 campers who dared to sleep on the continent with Quark Expeditions.
Explore Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic expedition.
