Cruise
How to Pack for a Quark Expeditions Fly/Cruise to Antarctica
(with a checked bag limit of 15 kg)
by Judi Cohen
An Antarctic Fly/Cruise expedition is worth considering, because enables travelers to skip the two-day crossing. You can instead fly between Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, South Shetland Islands in just two hours!
But…there’s only one catch; the charter flights with DAP Airlines have a reduced check-in luggage allowance of 15 kg, and 5kg for carry on articles. Due to the small size of the aircraft, and the short gravel runway on King George Island, the weight limits are not negotiable. Furthermore you cannot pay for additional luggage Everything additional would need to remain in Punta Arenas.
Before a recent Fly/Cruise with Quark Expeditions (who offer 8 and 10-day condensed Fly/Cruise Antarctic expeditions), just the thought of packing for an expedition cruise was daunting, never mind the additional challenge of strict weight restrictions. (I also planned to stay in Santiago, Chile for a few days post-cruise, with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, which made light packing even more difficult.) This time was different, but this was a challenge I accepted.
In this article, I will share my packing tips for you if you’re considering an Antarctic Fly/Cruise.
The packing list provided by Quark Expeditions was a great place to start, however, to get below 15 kg of checked luggage I had to be more selective, and I only ended up taking some of the items suggested.
Some essential Items are provided for you!
Before you worry about how you’re going to fit everything, make sure you understand what will be given to you! For example, Quark Expeditions provides each passenger with a waterproof hooded parka with a zip-out puffy jacket. These are yours to keep after the expedition, so there is no need to bring your own warm jacket or puffy!
Likewise, a hair dryer, water flask, hiking poles and tall, insulated rubber boots were also provided by Quark for the duration of the expedition. You will likely not need your own hiking boots, and that alone will save one kg at least.
So, make sure you understand what you will get from the expedition operator, or you may end up over packing.
Don’t skimp on the layers
While you may be tempted to leave some layers behind, I would recommend you bring high quality merino wool long underwear and long sleeve merino wool tops to act as a base layer. (On my last expedition, I only took one of each since merino wool does not smell and I wore them for 5 days of the expedition.)
A mid layer of fleece or merino wool top and bottom over the base layer is also essential.
Waterproof pants must also make it on to your packing list. I recommend North Face or Arcteryx with zippers to pull the pants over the rubber boots for Zodiac excursions. Quite often you will have wet landings where you leave the Zodiac in water just below your knee.
Take a variety of gloves, socks, and hats
A pair of merino wool glove liners, with sensor pads on the fingers to take pictures, along with a pair of waterproof gloves are a must. Take an extra pair of each since they do get quite wet on the Zodiac excursions. Depending on when you travel, the weather can be quite warm, around 2-6 degrees Celsius – so you may be able to wear glove liners only.
Bring a couple of pairs of wool socks to wear inside your rubber boots to keep your feet warm during Zodiac excursions and hikes.
Having 2-3 hats can be advantageous. I would recommend taking a basic wool winter hat, a ball cap for sunny warm days, and a very warm fur lined hat with ear flaps for the coldest days. A couple of neck warmers (buffs) to pull over your face to protect you from the wind and water is a good idea.
Account for laundry service
If laundry service is available on your ship, there is no need to overdo the number of undergarments you bring. A couple of T-shirts and casual pants to wear on the ship for dinner and lectures is sufficient.
Assume dress will be casual
Most travelers wear their warm layers of clothing on the ship and are casual, so they can easily access the deck if whales or other wildlife are present. There is no need to bring fancy or dressy clothing for dinners or evening time.
Items you probably will need on board
You’ll probably want to bring a pair of Blundstones-style boots to wear on the plane and ship, and a pair of non-slip running shoes.
A bathing suit is essential, if your ship has hot tubs, or you’re adventurous enough to do a ‘polar plunge’. (The Quark expedition has hot tubs on the outside deck and offers a polar plunge for the heartiest of souls.)
Be sure to pack a pair of good, polarized sunglasses, and an eyeglass strap to keep your glasses secure.
A waterproof knapsack will come in handy. (I used this as my carry-on for the plane and to use on the Zodiacs to keep my camera equipment, iPhone and extra hats and gloves dry). A smaller dry sac is also a practical alternative.
Pack plugs, converters, chargers, a battery backup for your phone or camera. Many guests and staff had elaborate camera equipment with long lenses and tri-pods. A Quark photographer is onboard and shares photos and videos with passengers following the expedition, so if you can’t take all of your equipment, you will still be able to enjoy the memories afterwards.
Optional items if you have the space in your bags
If you still have a bit of space in your bag, you can also consider some cozy wool Glerup slippers with rubber soles for relaxing onboard, and binoculars to make wildlife spotting even better.
Don’t pack your entire medicine chest, as there is a doctor and medical center on board. While there are no stores or hospitals in the Antarctic, if your ship has medical resources (like Quarks ship do) you will not need to bring medicines for seasickness. On the Quark ship, there is also a great little shop onboard Ocean Adventurer with an assortment of pharmaceutical products, and expedition gear in case you forget something.
Clothing for warm weather post-expedition touring
I brought a separate collapsible bag for my summer gear and left it in a secure storage area with Quark Expeditions at the Dreams Hotel in Punta Arenas. Doing so, lightened my load and allowed me to bring only what I needed for the Antarctic.
Yes, you can!
While I wasn’t sure initially if I could stay under the 15 kg limit for my checked bag and 5 kg limit for my knapsack, I am happy to let you know that I had everything I needed for my Antarctic Fly/Cruise with the specified weight limits. I cannot think of anything I wished I brought with me, but didn’t, nor did I bring extra clothing that I did not use.
