Packing can be tricky for any destination, but add in the icy waters and sub-zero temps you'll encounter while visiting Antarctica, and it takes tour preparation to a whole different level. When thinking about what you'll throw in your baggage, it's good to consider things you will wear, as well as helpful items you might use.
Tall rubber boots are necessary for wet landings in Antarctica, but there's no need to buy and bring a pair—the ship will provide them! Plus, if you happen to forget anything, you can pop into a gear rental store in Ushuaia, Argentina, before your ship disembarks to rent warm coats, pants, and more.
Packing layers made with the best fabrics for the weather is important on Antarctica guided tours. Wool, silk, and polypropylene are ideal—they keep your skin drier than cotton, so you’ll stay warmer.
There may be plenty of things to remember to bring when you're planning a trip to Antarctica, but you don't need to bother packing any formal clothes. Travelers opt for casual, warm clothing on the ship.
One of the best packing tips for tours to Antarctica? Bring lots of layers! That way, you're ready to embrace the day no matter what kind of weather it brings. Some handy items to layer include:
- a thermal shirt and thermal pants
- a fleece pullover and fleece pants
- a fleece coat
- a rain coat and rain pants.
- Plenty of warm socks
- a warm hat that covers your ears
- a neck warmer or warm scarf
- waterproof items like ski pants, a jacket, and gloves (gloves that can attach to your coat sleeves come in handy when you want to take them off to snap photos of the scenery!)
While the most important items to bring on Antarctica trips are warm clothing and a sense of adventure, here are a few helpful items to have in your bag so you can feel your best and enjoy every moment of your trip:
- Even if you're not prone to seasickness, it's best to be prepared with Dramamine, wrist bands, or prescription patches for when the water gets rocky.
- Bring SPF and lip balm with SPF, as well as polarized, wrap-around sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes against the sun's intense glare off the polar ice.
- Don't forget your camera! You'll see so many breathtaking sites, and you won't want to miss the photo ops.
- For an even closer look at wildlife, pack binoculars.
- Bring a waterproof backpack to help you keep your camera and binoculars dry.
- Plastic bags can come in handy as an extra layer of waterproof protection for valuables, especially when traveling on inflatable Zodiac boats.