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).

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.

Each season, we build our emperor penguin camp in a carefully selected location to ensure safety on the sea ice while minimizing disturbance to surrounding wildlife. Once our tours are done, the camp is taken down and supplies are stored a distance away on Berkner Island.

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 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.

Our field toilets are comfortable and private. We clean them regularly and provide hand sanitizer in each. All waste is returned to Union Glacier Camp for proper disposal back in Punta Arenas, Chile. 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.

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.

Guests will have access to the internet in communal areas at all ALE camps (except the South Pole because of interference with scientific work) via Starlink. However, we do encourage you to enjoy as much of a digital detox as possible. We also ask that you do not disturb other guests around you, who may not wish to overhear your connection.

Please note that the remoteness of our camps and the often extreme weather can lead to either slow or intermittent service. Please be mindful that the internet is a shared resource across all guests, so please avoid uploading/downloading large amounts of data in Antarctica. For your safety, operational needs will take priority over guest usage.

Solar powered 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. The number of charging outlets is limited and overall power available is subject to sunlight. Please be courteous of your fellow photographers and do not leave electronics plugged in overnight.

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.

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

Our camp is situated on extensively surveyed sea ice. Each season, our expert team combines optical and satellite imagery with on-site surveys using ground-penetrating radar to select a camp location that is both safe for guests and considerate of the colony. For your safety, always follow your guide’s instructions. Do not stray from camp or wander away from flagged routes.