The Antarctica packing list
Packing is often the least popular aspect of any holiday – but packing for Antarctica is particularly daunting. Not only is it the most extreme environment you are ever likely to find yourself in, but there are no convenience stores, outdoor clothing specialists or chemists should you forget anything. On top of that, you’ll probably be trying to pack light to free up valuable space, especially if you’re sharing a smaller cabin rather than a roomy suite. You’ll also need to check the weight allowance for your chosen departure.
We’ve chatted with our Antarctica experts to find out what you should pack for an Antarctic cruise – as well as what you shouldn’t pack.
We’ve chatted with our Antarctica experts to find out what you should pack for an Antarctic cruise – as well as what you shouldn’t pack.
Antarctica clothing
Wondering what to wear in Antarctica? Note that during the summer cruise season, Antarctica is not as cold as you might imagine, with temperatures often well above freezing, especially in the warmest months of December and January.
Think windproof and waterproof instead – and layer up so that you can adjust to the right level of warmth. The last thing you want to do in Antarctica is sweat lots; being damp and cold is not only unpleasant, but it can be dangerous. With that in mind, Antarctica gear made from synthetic fibres can be preferable as it’ll dry faster.
Think windproof and waterproof instead – and layer up so that you can adjust to the right level of warmth. The last thing you want to do in Antarctica is sweat lots; being damp and cold is not only unpleasant, but it can be dangerous. With that in mind, Antarctica gear made from synthetic fibres can be preferable as it’ll dry faster.
Accessories
Toiletries & medicines
Our Antarctica Holidays
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica cruise
The Ultimate Antarctica Experience!
From
€11150
21 days
ex flights
Classic Antarctica cruise & South Shetland Islands
Experience all that this remarkable area has to offer!
From
US $5730 to US $7990
12 days
ex flights
Antarctica small ship cruises
Ultimate Antarctica and South Georgia small ship wildlife cruise
From
£7390 to £22750
22 days
ex flights
Antarctic cruise with the World Wildlife Fund
An Antarctic cruise with the World Wildlife Fund Australia
From
£7200 to £12100
11 days
ex flights
Antarctic cruise and hiking in Chile
World class walking in Patagonia, active Antarctica cruise
From
£13350
27 days
ex flights
Antarctic Circle cruises
Remote polar wilderness & incredible landscapes
From
£7499 to £12299
14 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Antarctica or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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What not to pack for Antarctica
More about Antarctica
The best time to visit Antarctica is November to March – the months when the sun rises above the horizon and the sea ice melts.
Antarctica is considered by many to be Earth’s last true slice of wilderness. But as our Antarctica travel guide reveals, the continent is far from lifeless.
Cruises take in islands, the peninsula and can depart from Argentina or New Zealand, so it’s best to consider where to go in Antarctica before booking.
We’ve looked at itineraries, ships, cabins, activities and flights to work out the cheapest way to travel to Antarctica.
The best activities in Antarctica include snowshoeing polar landscapes, kayaking frozen seas, hiking mighty mountains and even scuba diving.
Our guide on how to choose a cruise ship for Antarctica covers all the essential information you’ll need to plan this trip.
Discover our top 10 Antarctica cruises. The frozen continent might be just one destination, but there are a variety of approaches.
Before taking the leap and booking your holiday, discover what life is really like on board an Antarctic cruise.
Many visitors are surprised by the quantity of wildlife in Antarctica. You can spot whales, see elephant and leopard seals, and penguins are ubiquitous.
Whale watching in Antarctica is an incredible opportunity to observe these enormous marine mammals.
Our Antarctica photography tips will take your shots to the next level, with advice on lenses, composition and filters.
Our expedition specialists have shared their Antarctica travel advice – from choosing a boat and activities to exploring the Ross Sea – to help you prepare.
Read about the islands of Antarctica, and you’ll realise that expeditions aren’t all about the frozen continent. There are many outposts along the way.
How to get to Antarctica is one of the first questions that polar explorers ask themselves. Our guide clears up common cruise, flight and route conundrums.
We shed light on life in Antarctica, from Scott and Shackleton to the whalers of South Georgia and modern research stations.
Find out about how responsible tourism in Antarctica – and what you can do to ensure it remains a wilderness.
A semi circumnavigation of Antarctica on a small expedition vessel gives you far more than your fair share of excitement.
Whilst careful preparation is a necessity for these specialist diving expeditions, nothing will truly prepare you for the experience of ice up close.
Kayaking in Antarctica is usually done in small groups far away from the cruise ship and the noise of the motor boats.
It sounds like the start of a children’s book, and about as feasible as camping on Mars, but yes, you really can go camping on Antarctica.
