Bitcoin developers have convened worldwide, from Austin and Berlin to Florianópolis and beyond. In early 2028, they will gather at the southernmost continent. bitcoin++ has announced its Antarctica: Cold Storage Edition, scheduled for January 24 through February 5, 2028, with just 22 spots available.
The program pairs a technical conference with an expedition voyage departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, and returning to Ushuaia.
The event riffs on bitcoin cold storage—the practice of keeping private keys offline—positioning the journey as a way to move the conversation somewhere colder and create space for discussions typically reserved for hallway tracks.
bitcoin++ organizes technical conferences, workshops, and hackathons for Bitcoin developers. The series launched in Austin in 2022 and has since expanded to Berlin, Florianópolis, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Riga, Istanbul, Taipei, Las Vegas, Vienna, Nairobi, Toronto, and Seoul. Each edition carries a distinct theme, from “learn me a bitcoin” in Austin in 2022 to “lightning” in Berlin in 2025.
To date, the organization has archived roughly 20 editions. Its next gathering, bitcoin++ Seoul: Privacy Edition, is set for November 5–6, 2026.
Penguins, Parkas, and Private Keys
The expedition spans 13 days and 12 nights. Departing Ushuaia on January 24, the vessel crosses the Drake Passage to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Potential stops include Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, and the Lemaire Channel.
Per the expedition website, activities may include kayaking, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and Zodiac excursions. Organizers note that weather, ice conditions, and expedition logistics determine landing sites.
The conference uses an unconference format, with attendees proposing talks, demos, and discussions. The ship will feature Starlink connectivity and a private room reserved for impromptu hackathons and working sessions.
Pricing and Reservations
Reservations are now open. Fares are quoted in U.S. dollars per person, ranging from $14,900 for a four-person cabin to $16,700 for a two-person cabin. Guests may pay in five equal installments or in full at signup. Paying the full fare in bitcoin lowers the cost by 5%. Parkas are included in the fare.
Final payment is due October 1, 2027. Medical, evacuation, and repatriation insurance is mandatory and must be purchased separately. Sponsors may brand the expedition parkas, with placements ranging from $5,000 to $25,000; each sponsorship covers approximately 22 parkas.
The voyage explores the Antarctic Peninsula rather than the geographic South Pole.
