A group of emperor penguins stands near bright orange tents on snow in Antarctica, with a wall of snow blocks spelling Emperor Camp in the foreground and a large ice formation in the background, part of an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions adventure.

GOULD BAY CAMP

A penguin stands on snowy ice in the foreground, while a red airplane and several tents—part of an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions camp—rest near towering ice cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.

HISTORY

Gould Bay was discovered by the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition (RARE) (1947-1948) which researched the area surrounding the head of the Weddell Sea. It was named for Laurence M. Gould, geologist, geographer, and second in command of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition (1928-1930).

ACCOMMODATIONS

Gould Bay guests stay in single occupancy 4-season mountaineering tents, designed to withstand Antarctic conditions. The sleeping tents are low to the ground and you will not be able to stand up in them, however, they are relatively roomy. The tents are not heated, but you will stay nice and warm with your polar-rated sleeping bag and the insulated sleeping mat and pillow provided by ALE.

A large tent interior with folding tables and chairs lined up, typical of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions at the South Pole. Two people stand at the back as shelves hold clothing and gear, while condiment bottles sit on a table in the foreground.

Two people in orange safety vests stand on snow at the South Pole near a wind sock, with cloudy skies above and the endless Antarctic landscape stretching into the distance—an impressive scene of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

WEATHER

Be prepared for all kinds of weather, from cold clear days, to warmer sunny conditions, overcast skies, or even snowstorms. Temperatures typically range from 5°F to 23°F (-15°C to -5°C), but may dip as low as -25°F (-31°C).

MEALS

Meals are prepared by one of our highly skilled chefs and can include breakfasts of pancakes, bacon, and oatmeal, lunches of warm soups and cold meats and cheeses, afternoon snacks, and fantastic evening meals. Beverages include hot drinks, juice, beer, and wine. Meal times are flexible so you can photograph and explore when the lighting and mood are just right.

A group of people sit at tables inside a tent in Antarctica, attentively listening to a presenter from Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, who points to a laptop screen displaying an image. Posters and equipment are visible around the tent.

A dark blue tent-like structure in snowy surroundings at the South Pole, with two white doors side by side. Signs in front indicate entrances for men and women. Orange tents and chairs are visible in the background.

SHOWERS & TOILETS

Our field toilets are surprisingly comfortable and private. We clean them regularly and provide hand sanitizer in each. All waste is returned to Union Glacier Camp for proper disposal. When penguin viewing at the colony, you will need to use a pee bottle or toilet bag to collect your waste, as nothing can be left behind.

There are no showers at our Gould Bay Camp. We recommend bringing Wet Wipes or one of our staff can show you how to take a “Snow Shower,” if you are feeling brave.

ACTIVITIES

Guests usually prefer to spend the majority of their time observing, photographing, and filming the penguins at the colony. Adélie penguins, Weddell seals, leopard seals, South Polar skua, snow petrels, and Antarctic petrels may also be spotted. Experienced field guides will accompany you to the colony each day and share their knowledge of this majestic wildlife.

Two emperor penguins stand on snow in front of colorful tents at an Antarctica campsite, set up by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, with a clear blue sky in the background.

A twin-propeller airplane is approaching to land on a snow-covered, icy landscape with scattered ice mounds under a cloudy sky, capturing the essence of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions in Antarctica.

COMMUNICATIONS

Gould Bay Camp maintains daily communication with Union Glacier Camp using satellite phone and email communications. Guests can make outgoing satellite phone calls using our Iridium handsets. Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased at Union Glacier. Satellite internet access is for ALE operations only.

POWER

Limited charging facilities are available in the main tent. Two types of outlets are available: USB and 120V A/C (North American Type A or B plugs). Ensure your batteries are fully charged prior to leaving Union Glacier, you have back-up batteries on hand, and you leave any unnecessary electronics behind. Please be courteous of your fellow photographers and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

A person stands near an orange tent, surrounded by snow at an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions camp, with a small red airplane and larger tents in the background under a partly cloudy sky, suggesting a remote South Pole expedition.

A red and white airplane with skis is parked on snowy ground near green barrels in Antarctica. Several orange tents, part of an Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions camp, are set up in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

TIME

Even though we will have 24-hour daylight throughout our stay at Gould Bay, our camp time is the same as Punta Arenas, Chile and Union Glacier, where our flights originate. Our other camps at Mount Vinson and South Pole also operate on this same time.

Gould Bay Camp Time

= GMT (UK time) -3 hours

= Eastern Standard Time (NYC time) +2 hours

= Pacific Standard Time (LA time) +5 hours.

We may adapt our schedule to the best weather and lighting for photography. Often the light for photography is best in the middle of the ‘night’ and it is not uncommon to visit the colony at 2 or 3 am to take pictures in the soft, golden sunlight. Please discuss your preferred routine with the guides in advance so they can tailor the camp schedule to include meals and sleep for everyone.

WILDLIFE VIEWING GUIDELINES

Be respectful of wildlife. Follow your guide’s instructions, as well as guidelines set out in the Emperor Penguin Colony Visitor Guidelines and the Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic.

A single emperor penguin stands on snow near an orange tent in Antarctica, with large ice cliffs in the background under a cloudy sky—a striking scene of polar exploration supported by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions.

A vast, snow-covered landscape in Antarctica with a small cluster of orange tents near the bottom center, surrounded by icy ridges under a clear blue sky.

SEA ICE SAFETY

Our camp is situated on multi-year sea ice. For your safety, always follow your guide’s instructions. Do not stray from camp or wander away from flagged routes.