Antarctic Dive Expedition 2021

EXPEDITION DATES:
DEPART : 21^st  November  2019
RETURN : 02^th December  2019

The Antarctic is fantastic all the way through the spring to the autumn. There are no “best times to visit” as there can be in other locations. We simply do not go there when it is dark. But the Antarctic is very different from month to month. In the early months you have the penguins laying eggs. In the middle of the season they hatch and by the end of Autumn you are into peak whale watching season. That means you have whales playing next to the boat, and circling it.  For diving, we prefer the very start of the season, where there is a chance, of better visibility. We have asked Oceanwide expeditions to lay on an out of season dive expedition in the spring of 2019 and 2021. The 2019 trip has completely sold out of divers.  The 2021 Antarctic Peninsula trip is now taking bookings.  So join us for an exclusive and unique opportunity to dive in the early Antarctic summer.

We love the Antarctic is in the height of the Antarctic summer. This gives you the best chance to have good weather. It is also the penguin breeding/gestation season, and makes for the best all round experiences.

THE ONLY ANTARCTIC DIVE EXPEDITION IN SUMMER!

Scuba diving in the Antarctic and South Atlantic Islands is no different. The best visibility and most prolific marine life occurs about midsummer. The African and Oriental Travel Company has asked Oceanwide Expeditions, (the globally accepted leader of Antarctic Diving Expeditions) to operate a one-off, best of the best, summer diving expedition.

This exclusive and fully guided voyage is open to divers and non-divers alike. This really is an incredible experience whether at sea, on land, or underwater. Non-divers will land daily on the Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, while divers explore what is below the surface. On many occasions divers will also have the opportunity to land and view first-hand the stunning scenery and amazing life of this pristine part of our earth. Most active people will have the correct cold weather clothing for this voyage, but specialized boots (and snow shoes if needed) are provided by the boat for the land based activities. November is warm for Antarctica, but even so you should be prepared as though you would be spending an entire day outside skiing or hill walking on a snow bound and cold Welsh hillside.

ANTARCTIC SCUBA DIVING

The dive numbers are limited to 16, or two zodiacs, in order to keep this expedition exclusive and easy to manage. You will need to  show that you have completed at least 30 drysuit dives. Cylinders and weights are included; all other equipment must be provided by you. (details upon request). What you do not have, we can put you in touch with first class suppliers.

You can expect to see many species of penguins, Leopard seals, Weddell seals, Antarctic Fur seals, dusky dolphins, albatrosses, skuas, snow petrels, and whales (orcas, minkes, and southern right whales are common). Benthic fauna includes nudibranchs, gigantic sea spiders and isopods, fish with antifreeze in their blood, anemones, brachiopods, crinoids, and many other animals unique to Antarctica.

THE VOYAGE

We will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina aboard the ice-strengthened and brand new M/V Hondius  at around 4pm.  The vessel cruises down the Beagle channel in between Chile and Argentina. The views of the two countries so close to each other are gorgeous.  In the night we turn south into the South Atlantic Ocean and the waves build up slightly. Soon after that we pass Cape Horn and head south.  The Drake can be calm and it can be less calm. But this is your two day digital detox, where you can relax and enjoy the crossing with three meals a day, tea and coffee and an evening bar.

During the cruise we will have access to lectures and experts and we will also prepare our dive kit and be issued boots. This two day period is one of calm and preparation. The excitement begins when we sight the Antarctic Peninsula. We then pass between the island and make landfall. We are surrounded by 10,000ft high peaks and we steam down towards the Lamaire  Channel. This early in the season the ice will be packed and so we may not get as far south as we like. Finally we visit the south Shetland Islands and then steam home to Ushuaia through our old friend the Drake Passage. The two day crossing on the way home is the time to edit photos, share stories and perhaps have a small tipple in the bar.

THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA & SOUTH SHETLANDS

No expedition to the Antarctic is complete without setting foot on the seventh continent. But there is so much more to Antarctica than this. The whales, birds, seals, penguins and iconic icebergs are the reason to go to Antarctica.

In addition to this, there is a palpable sense of history in the British Antarctic Survey/Heritage Trust huts that can be found on the peninsula. Britain’s post WW2 presence at the south Shetland Islands is impressive in its far sightedness. Diving on icebergs and the wrecks of whalers is an experience that must be had.

The views of the endless snowcapped peaks and the pack ice are literally like no other.

YOUR EXPEDITION LEADERS:

The trip will be led by two divers and an anthropologist. All of whom bring a diversity of experience and knowledge that will compliment your journey.

Farhat “Raf” Jah.

Farhat started diving in 1992 and started his first dive school in 1995. He has organized and led dive expeditions on remote islands in the Indian Ocean ever since. In 1998 he crossed the Sahara Desert for the first time in a 110Landrover. A feat he has repeated in Landrovers and lorries seven and a half times. Raf is a keen historian, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and NAUI Instructor Trainer with 3000 logged dives.

Francisca Jah.

Francisca is a maritime anthropologist with extensive experience in maritime communities. With over 1000 logged dives to her name, she is a very proud advanced scuba diver. She operated a beach resort on a small African island for 15 years before co-founding the African and Oriental Travel Company. An accomplished tour leader and no stranger to Antarctica, she brings her organizational skills and educated knowledge of the region to the expedition.

EXPEDITION FEES