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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.
Celebrating World Albatross Day – Protecting Giants of the Southern Ocean
19 June 2025 marks World Albatross Day, a global celebration of these magnificent seabirds whose wide wingspans and far-ranging flight paths have long captured the imagination of sailors, scientists, and nature lovers alike. We celebrate the tireless work of scientists, conservationists, and partners who are helping to give these majestic ocean wanderers a fighting chance. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support efforts to keep the skies above the Southern Ocean filled with soaring wings.
World Oceans Day 8 June 2025
One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together On 8 June 2025, the SANAP community celebrates World Oceans Day under the powerful theme: One Ocean, One Climate, One Future –...
World Environment Day 5 June 2025
Today, on World Environment Day, SANAP join the global community in recognizing the vital importance of our planet’s ecosystems — and reaffirm its commitment to understanding and...
Celebrating Environment Month: Honouring Our Southernmost Ecosystems
June is Environment Month under the theme "Think, Eat, Save and reduce your foodprint" June marks National Environment Month in South Africa — a time for reflection, awareness,...
Celebrating World Albatross Day – Protecting Giants of the Southern Ocean
19 June 2025 marks World Albatross Day, a global celebration of these magnificent seabirds whose wide wingspans and far-ranging flight paths have long captured the imagination of sailors, scientists, and nature lovers alike. We celebrate the tireless work of scientists, conservationists, and partners who are helping to give these majestic ocean wanderers a fighting chance. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support efforts to keep the skies above the Southern Ocean filled with soaring wings.
World Oceans Day 8 June 2025
One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together On 8 June 2025, the SANAP community celebrates World Oceans Day under the powerful theme: One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together. At the heart of this theme lies a call to protect our blue planet through collective...
World Environment Day 5 June 2025
Today, on World Environment Day, SANAP join the global community in recognizing the vital importance of our planet’s ecosystems — and reaffirm its commitment to understanding and protecting one of the most extreme, yet crucial, environments on Earth: The Southern...
Celebrating Environment Month: Honouring Our Southernmost Ecosystems
June is Environment Month under the theme "Think, Eat, Save and reduce your foodprint" June marks National Environment Month in South Africa — a time for reflection, awareness, and action toward safeguarding our natural world. Spearheaded by the Department of...
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Galleries.
SANAE IV.
Gough Island.
Marion Island.
S.A. Agulhas II.
South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship.
