Visiting Antarctica, often dubbed the final frontier for intrepid travellers, is a mind-blowing opportunity. Learning that the southern desert offers secret, luxury accommodations offers a further surreal element in contrast with the continent’s stark beauty. Whether you’re seeking the high-life or a genuine expedition experience, here are seven remarkable cabins and bases you can actually visit as a tourist:​

1. Whichaway Camp (British / South African) 🇬🇧🇿🇦

Nestled beside a serene freshwater lake in the Schirmacher Oasis, Whichaway Camp comprises six state-of-the-art ‘polar pods’ that harmoniously blend modern design with vintage Antarctic exploration aesthetics. Guests can indulge in gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, unwind in the library, or relax in the lounge. Activities include exploring surreal ice tunnels, scaling blue-ice glaciers, and visiting a nearby emperor penguin colony. ​Icetrek Polar Expeditions+2White Desert+2swoop-antarctica.com+2

2. Echo Camp (British) 🇬🇧

Echo Camp offers an ultra-modern Antarctic experience with its six futuristic pods, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide uninterrupted views of the icy expanse. Guests can savor personalized gourmet dining, relax in the art deco-inspired lounge, and embark on adventures such as ice climbing and guided glacier hikes. ​swoop-antarctica.com

3. Union Glacier Camp (American) 🇺🇸

Situated in the expansive Ellsworth Mountains, Union Glacier Camp features spacious, heated clamshell tents tall enough to stand in. Guests dine communally in a large dining tent and can relax in a comfortable lounge and library. The camp serves as a base for excursions to the South Pole, emperor penguin colonies, and Mount Vinson. Activities include guided hikes, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking on the glacier. ​swoop-antarctica.com+1Icetrek Polar Expeditions+1Icetrek Polar Expeditions

4. Ultima Oasis Camp (Russian) 🇷🇺

Located in the Schirmacher Oasis near the Russian Novolazarevskaya base, Ultima Oasis Camp offers luxury accommodations with heated chalet-style cabins. Each cabin includes shared bathrooms, a sitting room with coffee and tea-making facilities, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy communal dining with gourmet meals, guided hikes, and invigorating sauna sessions with glacier views. ​swoop-antarctica.com+2Icetrek Polar Expeditions+2White Desert+2

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5. Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Camp (American) 🇺🇸

This seasonal camp is uniquely established on sea ice at Gould Bay, providing unparalleled access to an emperor penguin colony. Guests stay in single-occupancy, four-season mountaineering tents designed to withstand Antarctic conditions. Activities focus on observing and photographing the emperor penguins in their natural habitat. ​swoop-antarctica.com+1White Desert+1

6. Three Glaciers Retreat (American) 🇺🇸

Tucked into the Heritage Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, Three Glaciers Retreat offers eight sleeping suites accommodating up to 16 guests. It is the only luxury camp in Antarctica to offer en-suite showers. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining prepared by a private chef and relax in the lounge and library. Activities include guided glacier hikes, ice climbing, and scenic flights over the Antarctic landscape. ​swoop-antarctica.comWhite Desert+1swoop-antarctica.com+1

7. Wolf’s Fang Camp (British / South African) 🇬🇧🇿🇦

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Queen Maud Land’s jagged peaks, Wolf’s Fang Camp caters to adventure enthusiasts seeking both luxury and thrill. Guests can engage in activities such as ice climbing, rock climbing, and guided glacier hikes, all while returning to the comfort of well-appointed accommodations. ​White Desert

Each of these Antarctic accommodations offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable experience on the White Continent.

8. Port Lockroy Huts (British) 🇬🇧

Port Lockroy, known as the “penguin post office,” is a historic British base on Goudier Island. The site includes well-preserved wooden huts from the 1940s, which now serve as a museum and post office. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, send postcards from Antarctica, and observe a large gentoo penguin colony. The site is managed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, and visits are typically included in cruise itineraries. (ukaht.org)

9. Brown Station (Argentinian) 🇦🇷

Located in the breathtaking Paradise Bay, Brown Station (Almirante Brown) is an Argentine research station that welcomes visitors during the Antarctic summer. The station is known for its striking red buildings set against dramatic icy cliffs. Tourists can hike up a nearby hill for stunning panoramic views of the bay or enjoy kayaking among icebergs and local wildlife, including penguins and seals. Some visitors also take part in the thrilling tradition of sliding down the snowy slopes. (argentina.gob.ar)

The nine most scenic cabins you can actually visit in Antarctica

1. Whichaway Camp 🇬🇧 🇿🇦
2. Echo Camp 🇬🇧
3. Union Glacier Camp 🇺🇸
4. Ultima Oasis Camp 🇷🇺
5. Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Camp 🇺🇸
6. Three Glaciers Retreat 🇺🇸
7. Wolf’s Fang Camp 🇬🇧 🇿🇦
8. Port Lockroy Huts 🇬🇧
9. Brown Station 🇦🇷