A voyage in the late season, moving south to the exciting Polar Circle. Ice conditions are normally favourable with very good visibility under water, such as the Lemaire Channel. We will have fair opportunities to dive with leopard seals and to spot killer whales.

From Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, we sail along the Beagle Channel and south across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands. Here we can visit Penguin Island on the southern shore of King George Island, before going on to Hannah Point, with its Elephant Seals and many different species of penguins and other seabirds.

Deception Island, has a volcanic crater entered from the sea through the narrow passage known as Neptune’s Bellows. At Paradise Bay, we set foot on the Antarctic Continent and then we sail through the narrow and spectacular Lemaire Channel, surrounded by mountains and glaciers and a popular passage for several species of whales journeying up and down the sheltered Antarctic Peninsula waterways.


Sailing south to the penguin rookeries at Pleneau, and on to visit Petermann Island, the most southerly site for Gentoo Penguins, we have a good chance of seeing Minke Whales and Leopard Seals. South, beyond the Polar Circle, we sail into in the beautiful Crystal Sound, full of glaciers flowing between the high mountains. Then we turn north to visit Wiencke Island, with its sheltered anchorage at Port Lockroy, the site of a secret British wartime base. Whale bones on the shore testify to times now past and beautiful Weddell Seals abound. We sail through the Neumayer Channel, to the Melchior Islands and through the Gerlache Strait on to Trinity Island.

Finally we re-cross the Drake Passage to Ushuaia usually observing a multitude of seabirds.

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Our thorough knowledge of the Arctic enabled us to develop voyages which combines nature cruises with diving expeditions. Our ice diving cruises are still expeditions, but are now more structured, offering you the best dive sites in a fascinating world. Our expertise is your guarantee !

Arctic, Antarctic: General Diving Information:

Do I have to be an experienced diver?

These voyages are not for beginners, you’ll have to be an experienced diver (advanced) and must be familiar with ice diving and dry suit diving (at least 20 dives). On board the vessel you will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate, diver’s log book and a statement of your doctor (not older than two years) stating that you are physically healthy to practice scuba diving. Our dive master will check if all individual divers have enough experience to dive in the polar waters. If not, he may decide to offer the less experienced diver(s) an alternative program. Divers that do not meet the necessary experience, can be (this decision will be made for your own safety) expelled from the diving program. In both cases, Oceanwide Expeditions cannot be held (financially) responsible and does not grant any claims. All divers are required to follow the instructions of the dive master and guides at all times. All participants are diving 100 % on their own risk, which is also the case while on land during the excursions.

A combination of nature and diving !

During the voyages, experienced dry suit divers have the opportunity to explore the wildlife from below the surface. Diving in the polar waters is fascinating indeed. However, it will be unwise to focus exclusively on diving. During the trip, you can participate at any time in our thrilling land excursions and zodiac cruises. This combination characterises the uniqueness of our voyages. It will certainly be the ultimate experience for you !

What will you see while diving?

The dives in the Polar areas vary from shallow ice diving, whereby we dive near or under the ice-floes (approx. 30 feet) to shore diving, whereby we dive to approximately 30 to 60 feet. The combination of sunlight, sea water and the often extraordinary formations of ice, causes an overwhelming, ever-changing spectre of colours, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. While snorkelling or diving along the ice-floes, you will be amazed and never forget these deep blue colours.

Diving in the Arctic and Antarctic does not only offer ice, but also an interesting marine life, such as kelp walls, sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Arctic and Antarctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fishes, sea-hedgehogs and starfishes. In Spitsbergen and the Antarctic you can dive with seals. Near the Island Moffen (Spitsbergen) you can observe many walruses approaching the zodiacs. When they are within close proximity of the zodiacs, you can snorkel and try to observe these animals from under the surface !

During our Antarctic dive expedition you may observe penguins from under the surface as well as sea-lions and perhaps even leopard seals. The Falkland islands are rich of krill (which is consumed by many species) and therefore interesting for finding marine wildlife.

Number of dives

We plan at least one to two dives per day, but an exact number of dives cannot be given. It all depends on ice and weather conditions.

Dive master

Our dive master is an experienced PADI (polar) dive master / instructor and will be assisted by one or two dive guides. The dive operation will be in English and possibly also in German.

Safety first !!

Polar ice diving is no more dangerous than normal scuba diving as long as one important rule is adhered to: Safety First ! All divers looking for dangerous stunts are kindly asked to stay at home !!

There is no decompression chamber on either Spitsbergen or Antarctica. Medical care in these polar regions is almost non-existent and there is hardly any infrastructure. Although we have a doctor on board the vessel, we cannot accept risky ventures from any of our divers. Furthermore, please note that Spitsbergen is the land of the polar bear. This means that our leaders as well as our dive master are armed at all times. Please do not leave the group during excursions or diving, because the polar bear is a marvellous runner and also a great swimmer and it attacks without any warning !

Diving procedure

The week will start with a check-dive so all divers can get used to the cold water and the special Arctic and Antarctic circumstances. Before each dive, there will be a long briefing and the whole diving procedure will be discussed with the group. On board we have a very large aft deck for preparing each dive (approx. 300 square meters). You don’t need to store your dive gear in your cabin, there is plenty of room for your gear on the deck or the holds on the deck.

Dive gear

All divers must have experience with dry suit diving. You will need the following equipment: Maximum of 30 Kg is allowed on the flight, all extra luggage is at your expense

Dry suit (completely water proof) with face mask.
Thick and warm underwater garment (2 sets), dry gloves or extra under gloves Freeze protected regulator
2 separate regulators, because we dive with special bottles with two separate outlets
Pressure gage
Stabilising jacket or some kind of BC
Deep gage, watch or computer and knife
Mask, fins and snorkel
Weight belt (weights available on board)

Equipment on board

On board we have our own compressor (200 litres) and approx. 30 steel bottles of 12 litres (DIN and INT connection) with two separate outlets and weights. We do not have any rentals on board. Please make sure you pack all your dive gear before leaving.

Ice and weather: Please note that the itinerary in the Arctic and Antarctic is always weather and ice permitting. It is always possible that because of the pack ice and drift ice, we have to change our sailing schedule. It is possible that certain bays or fjords are closed because of ice. In such a case, we have to re-route our voyage. Possible alterations that relate to weather and ice conditions, can never be a reason for claims, reimbursements or whatsoever. When changing the itinerary, we can assure you that the captain, expedition leader and dive master will do their utmost to provide an alternative program, along the same lines as the originally planned cruise-schedule.

Diving expedition

These diving voyages are true expeditions. Although we know the destinations in detail, each dive will be a surprising event. Please note, that ice isn’t static but always in movement.

This means, that the actual situation (colours, marine wildlife) under the surface, always depends on the conditions and formations of the ice. Not realised personal expectations in reference to the diving cannot be ground for claims, reimbursements or whatsoever. However, our experienced dive master will do his utmost to offer the best Arctic and Antarctic dive sites.

Level: expert

Prices & Departures for 2002 & 2003

Ushuaia to Ushuaia	Feb 28-Mar 12, 2002	Feb 28-Mar 12, 2003
Twin share per person	$5230	$5370
Single Cabin	$5930	$6090
Superior Cabin	$6650	$6840
Non-diver discount	$500	$500

 

(Subject to change)