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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
SANAE IVExplore more
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.
World Meteorological Day 2026: Observing the Skies from Earth’s Southern Frontiers
Each year on 23 March, World Meteorological Day marks the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950 and celebrates the vital role of meteorology in...
World Water Day 2026: Southern Ocean Science for a Water-Secure Future
Each year on World Water Day (22 March), the global community reflects on the importance of freshwater and the urgent need to protect it. In 2026, the theme “Water and Gender:...
SEAmester applications close 19 March 2026
Postgraduate students in environmental and marine-related sciences are encouraged to apply for SEAmester IX – South Africa’s Class Afloat, taking place from 1–10 June 2026 aboard...
World Wildlife Day – 3 March: Celebrating and Protecting Life at the Edge of the Earth
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment...
World Meteorological Day 2026: Observing the Skies from Earth’s Southern Frontiers
Each year on 23 March, World Meteorological Day marks the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950 and celebrates the vital role of meteorology in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. For South Africa, this global effort is strengthened by the...
World Water Day 2026: Southern Ocean Science for a Water-Secure Future
Each year on World Water Day (22 March), the global community reflects on the importance of freshwater and the urgent need to protect it. In 2026, the theme “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows” reminds us that access to clean water is not only an...
SEAmester applications close 19 March 2026
Postgraduate students in environmental and marine-related sciences are encouraged to apply for SEAmester IX – South Africa’s Class Afloat, taking place from 1–10 June 2026 aboard the country’s polar research vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II. ...
World Wildlife Day – 3 March: Celebrating and Protecting Life at the Edge of the Earth
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment extends far beyond the mainland — to the remote sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions where...
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Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
