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This dedicated Antarctic diving and photographic expedition offers a unique opportunity for above and below the water insights into the white continent, which few have been privileged to experience.
Antarctica is one of the most remote and least dived location in the World and experienced dry suit divers can be richly rewarded by diving in this challenging and unique marine environment. Our small group exploratory voyage is led by an expert dive team who focus on 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 :
- Göran Ehlme, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 and polar cameraman for the Blue Planet
- Charlotte Caffrey, Marine Scientist, experience polar diver and Director of Aqua-Firma
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Matthieu Meur, the co-author for the Essential Digital Guide to Underwater Photography and the Advanced Guide to Digital Underwater Photography
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Jamie Watts - former British Antarctic Survey Marine Scientist. Published author, most recently in BBC Wildlife Magazine and Ocean Geographic magazine.
Rather than dive from a hole in the ice, we dive off the edges of ice flows and around spectacular icebergs where we hope to observe penguins from beneath the surface as they plunge en masse into the sea. The ice itself forms one of the special features of diving in
Antarctica . Four fifths of every berg is submerged and diving permits us to observe their intricate forms beneath the water. Sunlight reflecting off the turquoise blue sculptured ice adds to the extraordinary atmosphere you can only appreciate in this wild and remote part of the world.
Around the peninsula we hope to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur seals and of course one of
Antarctica 's top predators- the leopard seal. Leopard seal encounters have proven a particular highlight of previous trips. Our expedition is specifically timed to take advantage of clearer waters due to reduced plankton blooms when sighting of leopard seals is particularly high. Last year these magnificent creatures were observed for long periods at close quarters whilst both diving and snorkelling. Having the opportunity to witness them ambush and then feed upon their penguin prey under water is a truly exhilarating and memorable experience. See our Leopard seal article for more details.
The macro marine life on the
Peninsula includes a fascinating array of species you are unlikely to see anywhere else in the World. Giant isopods (10cm) crawl along the seabed like enormous woodlice, 34 armed star-fish in stunning colours hide amongst kelp walls, and shy Antarctic bloodless fish, filled with their own special anti-freeze survive in these waters. This is a little documented world and new species are being discovered in
Antarctica all the time.
Photography
The opportunities for excellent wildlife and landscape photography abound from the moment we slip our moorings in
. The landscapes of the
Peninsula are particularly breath-taking, with their precipitous peaks, sweeping glaciers and elaborately sculptured icebergs. The wildlife itself lives up to its reputation of being abundant, diverse and a gift to both the professional and amateur photographer alike. 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 experts and other passengers who are passionate about natural history and wilderness landscapes.
Natural History
For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about the entire polar ecosystem than if on a purely land based expedition. Divers will have the opportunity to participate in zodiac exploration and land excursions, after their dives have been completed. Some may also decide to enjoy fully guided land excursions as alternative to the planned days diving.
This voyage is perfect for divers with non-diving partners who are in search of an equally inspiring experience. The experts are on hand to assist participants in make the most of your camera equipment, from hints and tips to demonstrations; you can enjoy personal time with these people.
Each day, all participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, photographs and video footage with the experts and divers who have been exploring below the waterline. To enhance your understanding, there will be a programme of inspiring evening lectures about the wildlife, ecology and conservation of
Antarctica.
For detailed draft voyage itinerary, please click HERE
Prices & Dates 2009 and 2010
| 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
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US$8,145
£4,790
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Cabin Type (diver)
|
|
|
|
Twin cabin with shared facilities
|
US$6,715
£3,950
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US$7,240
£4,260
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Twin cabin en-suite
|
US$7,395
£4,350
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US$7,920
£4,660
|
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Superior cabin en-suite
|
US$8,415
£4,950
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US$9,280
£5,460
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All prices above are per person sharing Ushuaia to Ushuaia. Note: invoices will be in US$. £ prices are for guidance purposes only.
Prices exclude fuel surcharges of US$21.50 (approx £12.50) per night.
2010 Date - 02-12 March
(2010 departures are priced in Euros, at this time)
Non Diver Prices:
Triple cabin with shared facilities € 3,830
Twin cabin with shared facilities € 4,510
Twin cabin en-suite € 5,190
Superior cabin en-suite € 5,965
Suite cabin en-suite € 6,450
Diver add on package price: € 795
(Price excludes fuel surcharge of €158)
Photographs kindly provided by Göran Ehlme, Franco Banfi, Paul Nicklen, Chloe Burnett and Charlotte Caffrey
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Information about diving in the polar regions
Aqua-Firma recommends APEKS regulators and consoles for Polar Diving.
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