Bitcoin developers have previously convened globally in cities such as Austin, Berlin, and Florianópolis. Now, a cohort is planning a journey to the bottom of the globe in early 2028. The bitcoin++ Antarctica: Cold Storage Edition is scheduled to take place from January 24 to February 5, 2028, with capacity strictly limited to 22 attendees.
The program combines a technical conference aboard an expedition vessel that sets sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, navigates the Drake Passage, investigates the Antarctic Peninsula, and sails back to Ushuaia.
The gathering takes its name from bitcoin cold storage—the method of maintaining private keys offline. Organizers characterize the voyage as an opportunity to transport discussions to a colder climate, featuring ample space for the kind of conversations that typically happen in a hallway.
bitcoin++ organizes technical events, hackathons, and workshops tailored for bitcoin developers. Originating in Austin in 2022, the conference series has subsequently hosted gatherings in cities like Berlin, Florianópolis, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Riga, Istanbul, Taipei, Las Vegas, Vienna, Nairobi, Toronto, and Seoul. Every edition features a distinct focus, ranging from the 2022 Austin theme of “learn me a bitcoin” to the 2025 Berlin theme centered on “lightning.”
The group has roughly 20 archived editions under its belt. The upcoming bitcoin++ Seoul privacy edition is scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2026.
Penguins, parkas, and private keys
The expedition spans 13 days and 12 nights. The vessel departs from Ushuaia on January 24 and traverses the Drake Passage toward the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Potential destinations feature Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, and the Lemaire Channel.
Based on the official website, scheduled activities may incorporate hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and Zodiac excursions. Organizers emphasize that actual landings depend entirely on weather, ice conditions, and logistical decisions made by the expedition team.
The conference utilizes an unconference structure, meaning participants suggest all presentations, demonstrations, and discussions. Furthermore, the ship will feature Starlink connectivity along with a dedicated private room designed for spontaneous working sessions and hackathons.
Cost and booking
Booking is currently live. Prices are listed in US dollars per attendee, stretching from $14,900 for a four-person cabin up to $16,700 for a two-person cabin. Travelers can choose to settle the balance across five equal payments or complete the full payment upon registration. Settling the entire balance using bitcoin grants a 5% discount. Parkas are included with the ticket price.
The final deadline for payment falls on October 1, 2027. Separate medical, repatriation, and evacuation insurance is mandatory and must be acquired independently. Sponsors have the option to display their logos on the expedition parkas, with sponsorship tiers spanning from $5,000 to $25,000, each covering approximately 22 parkas.
The voyage focuses strictly on the Antarctic Peninsula and does not travel to the geographic South Pole.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the bitcoin++ Antarctica Edition taking place?
The event is scheduled for January 24 to February 5, 2028.
How many attendees can join the trip?
There are only 22 spots available for the expedition.
What is the cost of attendance?
Fares range from $14,900 for a four-person cabin to $16,700 for a two-person cabin, with a 5% discount available if paid in full using bitcoin.
Does the trip visit the geographic South Pole?
No, the expedition explores the Antarctic Peninsula instead.
