Liveaboard Diving in South Georgia
What to expect on a South Georgia Liveaboard.
South Georgia and the smaller Sandwich Islands are located in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean. The island group is a British overseas territory. It is also a remote destination that sees very few visitors. A luxury liveaboard to South Georgia lets you experience the wonders of one of the world’s undiscovered and unspoiled destinations while enjoying varied activities such as polar diving, ice diving, wildlife watching, and diverse shore excursions.
Your diving experiences may well involve exploring sections of water that have never been dived before! You’ll likely encounter many exciting creatures, big and small, including seals, sea worms, fish, isopods, nudibranchs, and underwater flora. The area also has several sea caves.
The birdlife, including different species of penguins, provides plenty of wildlife to look at out of the water, and the splendid scenic views are sure to linger in your mind long after your South Georgia cruise has ended.
Tread the same paths that Ernest Shackleton once walked along and see where the famous British explorer was buried. You will also have the chance to visit a whaling museum and abandoned settlements. There are so many adventures to enjoy on an Antarctica liveaboard around South Georgia!
South Georgia expedition cruises typically also include other Antarctic destinations. Many places in this part of the world would be impossible to access otherwise, so liveaboard trips are a major option. Itineraries are generally 20 days long, which is needed to reach the more remote parts of the trip. You will enjoy the comforts and safety of an ice-strengthened craft.
South Georgia Underwater
February and March are generally the best times to enjoy a diving adventure with a South Georgia liveaboard cruise. The expedition season runs from November to March. February is one of the warmest months. February and March both offer good chances of spotting whales in the wild.
Dive Sites & Areas of South Georgia
Dive holidays to South Georgia and visit several exciting destinations. Elsehul Bay is home to a large seal colony. Other hotspots for seeing wildlife include Salisbury Plain, St. Andrew’s Bay, Cooper Bay, Right Whale Bay, and Gold Harbour. Drygalski Fjord is great for observing various fauna and admiring pretty landscapes. Prion Island is known for its many albatrosses. Explore the same lands as Ernest Shackleton with a hike at Fortuna Bay and Stromness Bay. Visit the Whaling History Museum, a disused whaling settlement, and Shackleton’s final resting place at Grytviken.
Tips For Divers & Polar Diving Considerations
Experienced dive masters accompany South Georgia diving holidays, and a doctor is onboard the vessel. However, divers must be aware of the unique risks associated with polar diving. Antarctica has no decompression chambers, and emergency assistance can be several hours away.
Only experienced, confident, and competent divers can join dives in South Georgia. You will need to have prior experience in cold-water diving, with a substantial number of diving expeditions under your belt.
When it comes to equipment, you must take a dry diving suit, complete with a hood, gloves, boots, and appropriate thermal undergarments. You will also need snorkeling gear, such as a mask, fins, and snorkel. Weights are available on the boat, but you must take your weight belt. Other items of equipment that you should take on your South Georgia liveaboard adventure include a torch, a knife, a compass, and a gauge/watch/computer. Do note that you will not be permitted to join dives if you do not have the required experience and/or equipment.
Ensure that you take clothing suitable for cold temperatures, keeping in mind that the temperature can drop significantly at nighttimes; take clothing that can be worn in layers. A waterproof jacket, cap, and sunscreen are also recommended.
English is widely spoken in the area and by the crew on your liveaboard. The currency in South Georgia is the pound sterling. If you plan to spend time in Ushuaia at the start or end of your trip, you must also have some Argentinean pesos.
Getting to South Georgia in Antarctica
Diving holidays to South Georgia generally depart from Ushuaia in Argentina. A small airport serves the city –Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (USH). Flights are available to (and from) Ushuaia from various parts of Argentina and other locations across South and North America. Many travelers, for convenience, however, fly into Buenos Aires, the nation’s capital, and catch a domestic flight to Ushuaia from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), also known as Ezeiza International Airport.
