LIVEABOARD DIVING IN Antarctica
Dive into the heart of Antarctica's icy wilderness on a polar diving expedition - adventure awaits beneath the waves
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USD 4,300 per trip
Ice Diving
Wildlife Encounters
Pristine Wilderness
Embarking on an Antarctic-polar diving expedition takes you to one of Earth's final frontiers, where the stark beauty of the ice meets an abundant, thriving ecosystem beneath the waves. This journey is not just about exploring the untouched and remote landscapes above the sea but delving into the icy waters that hide a world unlike any other.
Your adventure might begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the southernmost city in the world. From here, you'll sail the Beagle Channel, witnessing the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego as you head towards the Antarctic Convergence. As you cross this natural boundary, you'll enter the realm of the Antarctic, marked by a significant drop in temperature and a surge in seabird activity overhead. The convergence attracts albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, and skuas, drawn by the nutrient-rich waters that support an incredible diversity of life.
The Falkland Islands and South Georgia offer the first glimpses of Antarctic wildlife, serving as a prelude to the wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula. South Georgia, in particular, is a highlight, with its dramatic glaciers and rugged mountains providing a backdrop to the dense wildlife colonies along its shores. Here, king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals gather in numbers that defy imagination.
As you journey towards the Antarctic Peninsula, the presence of colossal tabular icebergs signals your arrival at one of the most remote regions on the planet. The Peninsula and the nearby South Shetland Islands are a haven for divers, offering encounters with gentoo and chinstrap penguins, whales, and a myriad of marine species adapted to the cold waters.
Below the surface, the Antarctic waters reveal a spectacle of ice formations, from towering icebergs to delicate ice crystals suspended in the water column. Marine life is surprisingly abundant, with krill forming the base of a food chain that supports seals, whales, and a variety of fish and invertebrate species. The visibility, often exceeding thirty meters, allows for unparalleled views of this underwater landscape
When To Go Diving in Antarctica
The best time for polar diving expeditions in Antarctica is during the Southern Hemisphere's summer, from November to March. During these months, the water temperatures hover around -2°C to 2°C (28°F to 35°F), requiring divers to be experienced in using dry suits and comfortable with cold water diving. Visibility is at its best during this period, offering clear, unobstructed views of the underwater wonders
Best liveaboards in Antarctica
Ortelius
Price from USD 4,300Reviews about Liveaboards
Plancius
A unique exciting experience with ship, crew and food to match
I recently enjoyed a great experience on board the Plancius and shared scuba diving with 16 other divers and 3 dive leaders, on a board that had about 105 passengers.
The boat was excelle... Read more
nt for also needing to be suitable for the Antarctic, supporting both scuba divers, kayakers and land lovers. But what made the trip was the crew, having been on about 10 dive-only boats and experiences good customer service, the folks on this boat where amazing and put some of those dive-only boats into second place for sure.
The diving was a polar experience, so with that in mind you expectations are adjusted from perhaps warm water reefs. With that in mind I had a few great encounters with different seals, fleeting glimpse of a penguin darting by and some bottom life to keep your mind focused away from the chilly waters.
This is a dive experience like none others and the Plancius is well worth choosing for that epic adventure. Would strongly recommend!