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Vessels & Stations.
S.A. Agulhas II
S.A. Agulhas II is a South African ice breaking polar supply and research ship owned by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
SANAE IV
The first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) departed in 1959.
Marion Island
The Marion base is used mainly for environmental/biological research, and weather data collection.
Gough Island
South Africa has been operating a weather station on Gough Island since 1956.
SANAE IV
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Expeditions &
Operations.
Voyages to Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island take place annually to replenish supplies and exchange personnel.
Team Structure.
Supplies.
The Voyage.
Living at the Station.
Learn more
Discover.
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) consists of three stations, countless research projects, and a history of dedicated team members.
Team Photos.
Research.
Newsletters.
Legacy.
What’s happening
Latest News.
Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025
An Ocean of Opportunities for Women - Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025 As we mark Women in Maritime National Day 2025, we celebrate the increasing presence,...
Celebrating International Penguin Day
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet's ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols...
Celebrating Earth Day 2025
On Earth Day 2025, we recognize the vital role of science in securing the future of our planet. South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship is powerfully reflected in...
ICSHMO 2025 – SANAP community participation
ICSHMO 2025 - International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO) 2025 – Participation from the SANAP research community. Below a few...
Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025
An Ocean of Opportunities for Women - Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025 As we mark Women in Maritime National Day 2025, we celebrate the increasing presence, leadership, and impact of women in South Africa’s polar and ocean research landscape—especially...
Celebrating International Penguin Day
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet's ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols of the icy South—they are indicators of ocean health and climate change. From the...
Celebrating Earth Day 2025
On Earth Day 2025, we recognize the vital role of science in securing the future of our planet. South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship is powerfully reflected in its research presence at Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island, under the South...
ICSHMO 2025 – SANAP community participation
ICSHMO 2025 - International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO) 2025 – Participation from the SANAP research community. Below a few presentations by researchers as well as session chairs etc. Visit the ICSHMO website for the full...
Experience more
Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
