In March 2012, Wilderness and Wildlife travel experts Aqua-Firma will be embarking upon a new Diving, Wildlife & Marine Life Voyage which journeys deeper into Antarctica by crossing the Southern Polar Circle.  Antarctica is one of the most remote and least dived locations in the world and experienced dry suit divers can be richly rewarded by diving in this challenging and unique marine environment. Only a proportion of those who have dived in Antarctica have done so beneath Antarctica's Polar Circle - a line which at 66°33'39" South marks the point beneath which in midsummer the sun never drops beneath the horizon.

Our onboard team carries a vast array of experience and knowledge. As with all of our voyages, there will be expert wildlife guides and leaders with a passionate knowledge of human polar history. The team will include Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey, and of our dive team, Kelvin Murray, former scientific diving supervisor of the British Antarctic Survey, is likely to be onboard. Both divers and non divers alike will be offered the unique opportunities to experience the areas wildlife and scenery.  This action packed voyage offers also passengers a variety of adventurous activities, including kayaking and even polar camping. 

The icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands provide rich feeding grounds for orcas, humpbacks, blue and sperm whales as well as such other marine life as macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguin colonies.  A combination of zodiac cruising and onshore trekking allows for deep exploration of this stunning location and close observation of its diverse wildlife.  One of Antarctica's top predators, the Leopard Seal, which can grow to an impressive 3.2 metres in length, can be seen in abundance on the Peninsula.  From both above and below the water, these creatures can be observed in close proximity, whether they be idly lazing on an ice floe or ambushing their penguin prey.

This exploratory voyage will target the very best dive sites of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands, all the while surrounded by 3000 metre mountain peaks and breathtaking glaciers.  With its mile long icebergs and deep fjords, Antarctica is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.  The underwater scenery is equally as beautiful, with a whole host of interesting inhabitants including 34 armed starfish in stunning colours that hide amongst kelp walls, Giant isopods that crawl along the seabed like enormous woodlice and shy Antarctic bloodless fish, filled with their own special anti-freeze.

Experiences onboard will be enhanced further still, through a series of informative evening lectures about Antarctic wildlife, ecology, history and conservation.  Passengers will also have opportunities to share their own experiences, photographs and video footage.