What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
To help plan your expedition, we’ve put together the ultimate South Georgia and Antarctica cruise packing list.
Make sure you know exactly what to wear on an Antarctica cruise – and what not to wear! – before you head down to South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
It’s always best to be prepared. So, as veterans of polar exploration, we have put together this South Georgia and Antarctica cruise packing list, answering all our guests’ pre-expedition packing questions.
As well as what to wear on an Antarctica cruise, this guide includes our top 10 things to take to Antarctica and South Georgia, including advice on cameras, bags, and more.
What to wear on an Antarctica cruise or South Georgia cruise
“There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
— A. Wainwright, writer and walker
Well said, Mr Wainwright.
What to wear on an Antarctica cruise is one of the first questions our guests ask after booking their Expedition Micro Cruise with us – along with what the weather will be like.
The weather dictates what to pack for Antarctica cruises and South Georgia explorations.
Expedition cruises only run to Antarctica and South Georgia in the Southern Hemisphere summer, which spans from December to February.
Temperatures in Antarctica during this time typically range from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F). The weather can vary widely but generally remains cold and is unpredictable.
Antarctica experiences an extreme polar climate characterised by freezing temperatures, strong winds, and unique weather phenomena. Conditions can be harsh, and wind chill can make it feel much colder. It's not uncommon to encounter snowfall, blizzards, and fog during this time.
During the summer months in South Georgia, the weather is generally cool but is similarly unpredictable. The island experiences a subpolar oceanic climate due to its southern location and proximity to Antarctica.
Temperatures on South Georgia Island during the summer typically range from around 0°C (32°F) to 10°C (50°F). However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for a wide range of weather patterns, including rain, wind, fog, and occasional snowfall.
South Georgia Spring Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Capture South Georgia’s spring awakening without crowds or rigid schedules. Witness king penguins courting, elephant seals battling, and abundant wildlife with just 44 guests.
- guests
- 15 days
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise - Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail across the Drake Passage and explore Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Micro Cruise.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Skip the Drake Passage to awakening Antarctica in spring on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Witness penguins courting, whales returning, glittering pack ice, and thawing fjords—uncrowded and flexible.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Christmas Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Experience a Christmas like no other in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise. Penguin chicks, whales, and glittering icebergs await in an uncrowded, flexible adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic New Year Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. Witness penguin chicks taking their first steps, whales returning, and towering icebergs in an uncrowded, flexible polar adventure.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Circle Micro Fly Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail beyond the legendary Antarctic Circle with just 44 guests. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 10 days
Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Fly one way and sail the other across the legendary Drake Passage on a 44-guest Antarctic expedition. See summer’s penguin chicks, whales and sculpted ice—uncrowded and free from rigid schedules.
- guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Autumn Fly Micro Cruise — Sail One Way
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage once on a 44-guest Fly & Cruise expedition to Antarctica in autumn. Golden light bathes bustling penguin colonies, playful seals, and whales at their seasonal peak.
- guests
- 9 days
South Georgia Autumn Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Explore South Georgia’s snow-dusted peaks, golden autumn light, roaring elephant seals, and vibrant penguin colonies on our longest-ever 15-day expedition with just 44 guests.
- guests
- 15 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
Antarctica and South Georgia cruise clothing
The base layer
Layering is key when it comes to combating the ever-changing Antarctic weather. Dress in loose, roomy layers to trap heated air between them, creating insulation. Start with thermal underwear (silk or polypropylene), multiple pairs of tall, warm socks, and thinner polypropylene or merino wool socks.
The mid-layer
For mid-layers, go for turtlenecks, fleece tops and bottoms, wool sweaters, or medium-weight polar fleece jackets. Don’t forget waterproof trousers or ski trousers – Gore-Tex is your friend.
The outer layer
Top it all off with a fleece neck buff, waterproof mittens with thin polypropylene gloves underneath, a hat, a shell anorak with an attached hood, and sturdy shoes with rubber waffle soles.
South Georgia and Antarctica cruise accessories
Our top 10 things to take to Antarctica:
Sunglasses with UV protection and strap (so they don’t fall off)
Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and moisturiser
Binoculars
Camera (30mm lens minimum, with extra memory cards/film, cleaning kit… and an extra camera in case of accidents)
Small waterproof backpack (for camera and water bottle on shore walks and Zodiac cruises)
Seasickness medication (particularly when crossing the Drake Passage)
Walking sticks
Chargers and extra batteries for all your tech
Earplugs and eyemask (to ensure some shut eye even when the sun doesn’t set)
Bathing suit (in case you decide to take on the polar plunge!)
If you take any regular medication, make sure to bring more than enough with you to allow for any delays.
Design your own private expedition micro cruise with Secret Atlas
Share the journey with those who matter most.
What’s included in an Antarctica and South Georgia cruise?
With Secret Atlas expeditions, some gear is supplied for you. This depends on your particular expedition but can include rubber boots for shore landings and floatation suits.
In addition, there’s no need to bring towels or bedding.
For a full rundown on what’s included, get in touch.
Considerations when packing for Antarctica and South Georgia
Even when planning what to pack for Antarctica and South Georgia, it is possible to purchase from brands moving towards sustainability.
One such example is the clothing brand Patagonia. As well as making some of the highest-performing Antarctic-ready clothing, they are known for their ethical practices and environmental activism. Like Secret Atlas, they are members of the 1% for the Planet initiative, donating a portion of their profits to environmental causes.
We recommend all our guests consider the environmental impact of the items they buy and bring to Antarctica and South Georgia. When exploring these pristine environments, you will feel the urge to protect them, to protect our planet. Be one step ahead and pack for Antarctica and South Georgia with this in mind.
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