Getting Ready for Antarctica

So, you’ve booked your Antarctica expedition and now worried about freezing? Same thing happened to me! Being from Southern coastal California – where it does not get cold – I was concerned about staying warm. I booked my Antarctica expedition around Black Friday – lots of travel deals were running then – which left me with only a month to prepare.

I ended up overpacking. It isn’t a huge deal, it just made my luggage a bit heavier. Having completed my trip, I am happy to share my everything I learned! My essential packing tips are everything you need to get ready for Antarctica and have a wonderful time!

Clothing:

Getting ready for Antarctica starts with having the right clothing! I traveled with G Adventures and Expeditions, they provided me with a red parka (that I brought back home to the U.S.) and waterproof boots (to use for the duration of the expedition).  G Adventures provided a packing list, which was very detailed.  I had three basic layers of clothes:

• Base layer: I used a thermal long sleeve set over my undergarments.  It comes in a variety of colors, and feels cozy.  I brought two sets and used these walking around the indoor areas on the ship, dining, lounge, etc.  I bought my thermal sets on Amazon. Anywhere indoors on the ship, I was very comfortable in just these.  If you go out on the decks, you probably  want more warmth. 
• Base layer: I used a thermal long sleeve set over my undergarments.  It comes in a variety of colors, and feels cozy.  I brought two sets and used these walking around the indoor areas on the ship, dining, lounge, etc.  I bought my thermal sets on Amazon. Anywhere indoors on the ship, I was very comfortable in just these.  If you go out on the decks, you probably  want more warmth. 
• Third /outer layer: G Adventures required waterproof pants to ride the zodiacs, and you definitely need waterproof pants!  I used ArticX waterproof pants, they’re reasonably priced, come in fun colors and add an extra layer of warmth. The red parka that was provided was great!  

Ultimately, it was warmer than I expected.  On top of my undergarments, I used either a base layer or a fleece layer. This arrangement worked for me around the ship.   For off ship activities, I added the waterproof layer.

There were a few days that it was warm enough that I completely skipped the second layer and just used the base layer and outer layer.  Bring a couple of options so you can be flexible and see what works for you.  Everyone has a different comfort level with the cold. 

Additional clothing to help get ready for Antarctica:

• Hats:  I used a thick beanie, similar to this one.
• Shoes:  For anything involving the zodiac, you’ll have to wear waterproof boots.  G Adventures provided these.  Check with your operator so you know what they’re providing and what you’re responsible for.  I had basic sneakers and hiking shoes with better treading to use on the outside areas of the ship, the decks.
• Gloves:   I used gloves like this.  These were great because it had a snug fit, and I could use my cell phone camera with it.  I had to take them off to use my Olympus digital camera. 
• Swimsuit: For the polar plunge of course!!!!  On my trip, only five or fewer passengers skipped this activity.  Pretty much everyone participated, it’s fun!  You definitely feel social pressure from watching people jump in.  The water is cold, but you’re not in that long.  My ship also had a sauna, so I used my swimsuit for that as well. 

Technology to help you get ready for Antarctica

• Power: Bring an adapter!  Find out what type of plugs will be on your ship.  G has European outlets on the ship.  I spent one night in a hotel in Ushuaia before boarding, which had standard South American outlets.  
• Internet: You will be traveling in very remote areas.  G Adventures had the option to buy a data package.  Even with the data package, the connection is pretty weak, and sometimes nonexistent depending on the exact location. Social media, movie streaming likely won’t work, so download your audio books/movies/music while on land. I used WhatsApp to send occasional messages to my sister, dad, and friend that was watching my dogs and my house.
• Cameras:  While I did not have the fanciest camera on the ship, that was ok. I really wanted to be in the moment and not fussing around with lenses or settings.  So, I used my Olympus TG6 point and shoot digital camera as well as my Samsung Galaxy S22+ phone camera. Between the two of those, I was able to get some great photos and videos but nothing beats just seeing with your own eyes. 

I brought extra battery packs and SD cards for my Olympus digital camera!  If using your camera phone, I kept mine in airplane mode most of the time, and you can still use your camera that way.  You do not want to see something amazing and not be able to take a photo because your battery is dead or you ran out of space on your memory card, pack back ups! There are whales, glaciers, and pristine tundra scenery in every direction!

Other items to help get you ready for Antarctica:

• Hot Hands warmers:  I used these on my hands (inside my gloves) and on my feet (in between the liners and socks).  With both the warmers and socks, I felt cozy and comfortable.  It was great for our zodiac operations – riding around on zodiacs, getting in and out of them, sometimes in water. You don’t want to be cold or wet, but you never want to be cold *and* wet!  
• Drybag: This was super useful for zodiac operations! It was lightweight and easy to carry.  I could fit a sweater, water bottle, and my Olympus camera.
• Medicine: While there will be a doctor on board your ship, you’ll want to have medicine for motion sickness, sleep aids, tummy issues.  I haven’t had motion sickness issues before, but the Drake Passage is no joke.  I wanted to be prepared, better safe than sorry!  I brought Dramamine pills, sea bands, ginger chews for motion sickness.  Some people also had patches.  In the U.S. you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor for those.  I felt fine with the pills, sea bands and ginger chews. I also brought pepto, in case my tummy had issues while crossing the Drake Passage. 
• Sunglasses: It might seems counterintuitive for Antarctica but remember, it is summer in (November-February), when looking at the water or glaciers, it was nice having something to reduce glare.  I just brought the Oakleys I’ve had for a while because it’s comfortable and reduces glare from the water and snow.