Liveaboard Diving in Antarctic Peninsula
What to expect on an Antarctic Peninsula Liveaboard.
Liveaboards in the Antarctic Peninsula offer the ideal experience for diving in some of the world’s lesser-visited areas. The spectacular scenery is an appetizing pre-curser to donning your diving gear and descending into the fascinating depths. You can spot an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the water, and it’s a top place for keen photographers. Wildlife includes diverse fish, jellyfish, starfish, krill species, and larger marine creatures like penguins and seals.
The sun's rays make the underwater icy vistas even more spectacular, with the brightest colors springing to life. Walls of kelp and intriguing ice formations add to the magic. Ice diving is a thrill to look forward to on your polar diving adventure, though you may also have the opportunity to dive from a zodiac boat, from the beach, or along walls.
Varied non-diving activities, such as kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and exploring by inflatable boat, are also available, helping you enjoy a diverse vacation in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Liveaboards allow you to reach places that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and you can return to the comfort of your room each night. Different vessels are available for expedition cruises. Trips are typically between nine and 11 nights long, though longer adventures are also available.
Antarctic Peninsula Underwater
The expedition season in the Antarctic Peninsula runs from November to March. November in the Antarctic Peninsula offers some of the most pristine conditions, though ice may still break up in some areas. It’s also a terrific time to see penguins mating. December and January have the most sunshine. They are also the warmest months. The water surface temperature is normally around zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). You’ll likely see plenty of penguin hatchlings and seal pups if you visit this time of year.
February and March are the best months to see whales while on a diving holiday in the Antarctic Peninsula. The clear waters offer good visibility for your polar diving adventures.
December is an especially popular time for people to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dive Sites & Areas of the Antarctic Peninsula
Luxury liveaboards visit some of the wildest parts of the earth on trips to the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby areas, such as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The Drake Channel and Beagle Channel offer stunning views and exceptional experiences. Fantastic diving may be possible off the coast of several islands, including Deception Island, the Fish Islands, Detaille Island, Petermann Island, Cuverville Island, Anvers Island, and the Melchior Islands. The Weddell, South Shetland, South Orkney, and Ross Sea are other enthralling destinations on your Antarctic Peninsula expedition.
Tips For Divers & Polar Diving Considerations
Weather conditions in the Antarctic Peninsula can be incredibly changeable; pack adequate clothes for protection against the extreme cold and plan to dress in layers (when out of the water). Don’t forget gloves, hats, scarves, etc. A windproof jacket can be useful.
Specialist cold-water diving gear and boots are essential. Waterproof dry suits should have hoods, and you’ll need diving gloves. Insulated underwear is vital. You’ll also need to take weight belts (weights are available on your boat), a torch, an underwater watch or gauge, a compass, a stabilizing jacket, and a knife.
With all the wondrous sights to behold, you’ll want to pack an underwater camera. A tripod can help you capture the best pictures of the awesome above-water landscapes. Avid ornithologists are advised to take binoculars.
Various languages are spoken throughout Antarctica, including Spanish, Russian, English, German, French, Swedish, and Norwegian. English is generally well-spoken, and the helpful crew of your chosen Antarctic Peninsula liveaboard will ensure you have no language barriers onboard or on shore excursions and island visits.
Though the Antarctic Peninsula has no official currency, US dollars, GB pounds Sterling, Euros, and other significant currencies shouldn’t pose a problem.
When departing from and returning to Argentina’s Ushuaia, the official language is Spanish, and the currency is the Argentine peso. Electricity is between 220 and 240 volts AC; round two-pin plugs or slanted three-pin plugs (types C and I) are the norm.
Getting to the Antarctic Peninsula
Most liveaboard trips in the Antarctic Peninsula depart from and return to Ushuaia, Argentina. It is often said to be the world’s most southern city. It is served by Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (USH). Regular flights are available from other parts of Argentina and from airports around South America, the USA, and beyond.
