This dedicated Antarctic wildlife photography and diving expedition offers a unique opportunity for above and below the water insights into the white continent which few have been privileged to experience. This small group exploratory voyage will be led by an expert team which will include some of the following:

• Göran Ehlme, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 and polar cameraman for the Blue Planet.
• Charlotte Caffrey, Marine Scientist and Director of Aqua-Firma Worldwide
• Jamie Watts, Former British Antarctic Survey Marine Scientist. Published author, most recently in BBC Wildlife magazine and Ocean Geographic magazine.
• Paul Nicklen, National Geographic Cameraman, World Press Award and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the year 2008 - Category winner
• Matthieu Meur, the co-author for the Essential Digital Guide to Underwater Photography and the Advanced Guide to Digital Underwater Photography

Natural History

For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about nature than on a purely land based expedition. Each day you will have the opportunity to share experiences with those who have been exploring above and below the ice. You will also have the chance to see photographs and video footage from the experts and other passengers.  The experts are on hand to spot even the best camouflaged species and help you make the most of your camera equipment, from hints and tips to demonstrations; you will have personal time with these people.

To enhance your understanding, there will be a programme of inspiring evening lectures about the wildlife, ecology and conservation of Antarctica.  You can also refer to the onboard library of Antarctic natural history guides and reference books.

Photography

Whether your interest is in film and photography beneath the water or above, our experts can provide guidance into making the most of your time in Antarctica.  This will include evening lectures and workshops on photography and opportunities throughout the voyage to talk with them and other passengers who are passionate about natural history and wilderness landscapes.

Diving

Whilst non-divers explore Antarctica with their own dedicated guides and zodiacs, this expedition focuses on some of the best dive sites around the Antarctic Peninsula.  Divers on this voyage will enjoy guidance from an onboard team of diving professionals who are pioneers in polar diving.   Using zodiacs, rather than dive from a hole in the ice, we will dive off the edges of ice flows and around icebergs where we hope to observe penguins from beneath the surface as they plunge en masse into the sea.  We also hope to see Weddell, crabeater, fur seals and of course one of Antarctica's top predators- the leopard seal.   Our expedition is timed to take advantage of clearer waters due to reduced plankton blooms and also when sighting of leopard seals are high. Leopard seals have proven a particular highlight of previous trips- a privileged and exhilarating experience to observe these animals at close quarters. Click our Leopard seal article for more details.

Marine life on the Peninsula also includes a fascinating array of species you are unlikely to see anywhere else in the World. Giant isopods (10cm) crawl the seabed like enormous woodlice, 34 armed star-fish in stunning colours hid amongst kelp walls, and shy Antarctic fish filed with their own special anti-freeze survive in these waters. New species are being discovered in Antarctica all the time.

The ice itself forms one of the special features of diving in Antarctica.  At times we will dive beneath shallow pack ice and alongside great icebergs to observe their extraordinary forms.  Sunlight reflecting off the turquoise blue submerged ice water adds to the extraordinary atmosphere you can only appreciate in this wild and remote part of the world.

For detailed draft voyage itinerary, please click HERE

Prices & Dates

Cabin Type (non-diver)	Feb 19-28 2009 (10 days)	Mar 10-21 2009 (12 days)
Twin cabin with shared facilities	US$5,595 £3,290	US$6,100 £3,590
Twin cabin en-suite	US$6,275 £3,690	US$6,785 £3,990
Superior cabin en-suite	US$7,295 £4,290	US$8,145 £4,790
Cabin Type (diver)
Twin cabin with shared facilities	US$6,715 £3,950	US$7,240 £4,260
Twin cabin en-suite	US$7,395 £4,350	US$7,920 £4,660
Superior cabin en-suite	US$8,415 £4,950	US$9,280 £5,460

 
 
 
 
 
 

Information about diving in the polar regions

 

Aqua-Firma recommends APEKS regulators and consoles for Polar Diving.