Experience Polar Wildlife While Scuba Ice Diving in Antarctica
For those trying the Antarctic scuba diving there are the wrecks of whaling vessels, steep walls, underwater rock formations and the marine life on these cold water dive sites. We should see seals and benthic fauna including nudibranchs, gigantic sea spiders and isopods, fish with antifreeze in their blood, anemones, brachiopods, crinoids, and many other animals unique to an Antarctic cold water dive. If lucky, you may even see penguins and seals underwater. In addition, if possible we will try to include a number of ice diving sites for your lifetime chance to dive on ice formations. Diver numbers are limited to 12 (two zodiacs) in order to keep this expedition safe and easy to manage. As the smallest group of divers accepted on any Antarctic expedition cruise vessel it means your Antarctica scuba diving tour with us is entirely exclusive.
Polar Diving in Antarctica : Scuba Skills, Requirements and Gear
Divers will need to show that they have completed at least 30 drysuit dives. As a diver you should be very familiar with your own cold water dive equipment and your equipment must be in good working order. Only cylinders and weights are included; all other diving equipment must be provided by you (details upon request). For any items you do not have, we can put you in touch with first class suppliers such as Mike’s Dive Store or Al Boom Diving
Experience shows that it is essential that you are very comfortable with your equipment when Antarctica diving. You should be familiar and practiced your dry suit dives and be able to get in and out of your dry suit with minimal help. You will get on the zodiac with your drysuit on and will don all other equipment while in the zodiac and at the dive site. Buddies help buddies to kit up while maintaining a seated and stable position. Water entry is by backward roll. When resurfacing after the dive, weights and BCD/cylinder are removed and passed into the boat before finding out in a “seal exit”.
Dives will be made in buddy pairs for safety. You do not join a dive guide: your Antarctica scuba diving is not guided once below water. Each buddy pair explores the dive site taking care of each other. A maximum of 2 dives are on offer where dive sites are available. Some sites have been dived before, but note that most have not.
You will need basic lightweight scuba equipment such as a strong BCD, 2 cold water regulators (2 first stages/2 second stages/1 gauge/1 drysuit hose/1 BCD hose), weight belt, 7mm mittens and a good hood. You will need a good under-suit like a Weezle and thick socks. Antarctica scuba diving will be conducted from zodiacs: inflatable boats which sit low in the water and are a very stable diving platform.
Specialist technical diving equipment is not required for this type of cold water dive attempts. Quick release basic BCD’s are best as they are easy to get in and out of. We are happy to offer guidance on diving equipment requirements.
Antarctica scuba diving tours truly are expedition diving at its finest. A team spirit and expedition dive style is expected of all and is vital for successful Antarctica Scuba Diving Expeditions. Even the most hardy scuba divers will be daunted by the prospect of diving Antarctica and will have many questions. To help you decide, we are delighted to now offer you a free online consultation to discuss the specific requirements for you to join an Antarctica scuba diving expedition with us. Call or email us now to book one of these on: