Your operator will send you a detailed packing list. Read it. Follow it. It is tailored to your specific ship, your itinerary, and the season you’re traveling in. What follows is a category-by-category overview to give you a framework before that list arrives, and to flag a few things that consistently catch first-timers off guard.
Clothing: what your operator may provide
Before you buy or pack anything, confirm what your operator includes. Many provide:
- Expedition parka, sometimes yours to keep
- Rubber boots for landings
- Trekking poles, available to borrow
These are the bulkiest items on any packing list. If your operator provides them, your luggage situation simplifies considerably.
Clothing: what you bring
Base layers
Two to three sets of moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms. Merino wool or synthetic. No cotton.
Mid layers
A fleece or lightweight down jacket. At least one warm sweater or pullover for onboard wear.
Outer layers
Waterproof and windproof pants. If your operator does not provide a parka, a waterproof shell jacket. Water-resistant is not enough.
Onboard clothing
Casual and comfortable. Jeans, joggers, leggings, fleece. Whatever you would wear on a relaxed weekend at home. A slightly nicer top or shirt for the captain's farewell if you care about that kind of thing.
Gloves
At least two pairs. One lighter pair for photography and warmer days. One warmer waterproof pair or mittens for cold Zodiac rides. Wet gloves on a cold day are miserable.
Hat and neck gaiter
A warm hat that covers your ears. A buff or neck gaiter for Zodiac rides and wind.
Socks
Wool or synthetic, a few pairs. Cold feet ruin days.
Footwear onboard
Comfortable shoes or slippers for the ship. Boots are for landings only.
Swimsuit
For the polar plunge, the hot tub, or the sauna.
Sun protection
The Antarctic sun reflects off ice and water and hits you from multiple directions simultaneously. The UV exposure at this latitude is intense regardless of cloud cover.
- Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher, waterproof
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection
- Hand cream
Gear
Dry bag or waterproof backpack
For Zodiac rides. Cameras, phones, and valuables need to stay dry. This is not optional.
Binoculars
Some ships have loaners. Many do not. Even modest binoculars transform wildlife viewing from a distance.
Camera
Whatever you shoot with, even if it's just a smartphone. Extra batteries and memory cards. Cold kills battery life. Keep a spare battery in an inside pocket.
Travel laundry detergent
A small packet. Useful for sink washing between laundry service days.
Seasickness medication
Discussed in detail elsewhere in this guide. Bring more than you think you need for both crossings.
Prescription medications
Enough for the full voyage plus extra. In a carry-on.
Power adapters
Most ships use European-style sockets. Check your specific ship. A small multi-socket adapter is useful.
Reusable water bottle
Ships have filling stations. The bottles some operators provide as gifts are useful but not always available in advance.
Documents and essentials
- Passport
- Travel insurance documentation, printed and digital
- Any health forms already submitted, for reference
- Emergency contact information
- A small amount of local currency for tips and pre-voyage purchases
What to leave behind
Formal clothing unless your operator specifies otherwise. Heavy cotton. More than one pair of jeans. Anything you would be devastated to lose to a Zodiac splash. Drones, which are not permitted in Antarctica without advance IAATO approval.
