Our Antarctica packing list

What we'd pack for an Antarctic Peninsula trip, based on our November 2023 voyage on the Ocean Endeavour.

Start with your operator's list

Before buying anything, find out what your operator provides. Ours, Intrepid Travel, lent us waterproof boots and an outer expedition jacket, which saved a lot of money and suitcase space. Many operators do the same, so check before you buy. Everything else here is built around what our days looked like: zodiac landings, zodiac cruises, one kayak trip and hikes up snowy hills.

Clothing

Layers work best. A merino or synthetic base layer keeps sweat off your skin, and a fleece or insulated jacket goes on top.

Waterproof trousers are essential. You sit on the side of an open zodiac to get ashore, spray comes over the side and you step out into shallow water on landings like Neko Harbour and Whalers Bay. A waterproof, windproof jacket goes over everything. Under the expedition jacket we wore insulated Kathmandu jackets, which we were given for the trip.

For your hands and head, pack a warm hat, a neck warmer and gloves, ideally a thin pair to wear under warmer ones so you can use a camera. On landings you'll need knee-high waterproof boots. If your operator lends them, you don't need to bring your own, but pack warm socks to wear inside them.

Accessories and gear

Good sunglasses are a must, because the glare off the snow and ice is strong. Binoculars made a difference for us at Charlotte Bay and Portal Point, where the whales and seals were often some way off.

A small waterproof backpack or dry bag keeps your camera dry in the zodiacs. Take spare batteries and memory cards, because the cold drains batteries quickly. A swimsuit is worth packing too, because the ship's pool had just opened when we were on board.

General tips

Check your operator's kit list again a few weeks before you travel, because conditions and rules vary between ships and seasons. If you're spending a few days in Ushuaia first, as we did, you can pick up forgotten bits there before boarding. Our Antarctica Things to Know page covers the rest of our advice.

Health and safety items

Bring any regular medication, plus a basic first-aid kit, because help is a long way off. Pack seasickness remedies for the Drake Passage. Lip balm and sun cream with a high SPF are essential, because the sun reflects off the snow even on cold days.