Antarctic Peninsula Liveaboard Diving
Antarctic Peninsula Liveaboard Diving
Liveaboards in the Antarctic Peninsula offer the ideal experience for diving in some of the world’s most lesser-visited areas. The spectacular scenery serves as 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 species of fish, jellyfish, starfish, and krill, as well as larger marine creatures like penguins and seals.
The underwater icy vistas are made even more spectacular by the sun’s rays, with the brightest colours 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, and along walls.
Varied non-diving activities are available too, such as kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and exploring by inflatable boat, helping you to enjoy a diverse vacation in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Liveaboards provide the chance to reach places that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, and you can return to the comfort of your own 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 be breaking 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 at this time of year.
February and March are the best months to see whales while on a diving holiday in the Antarctica Peninsula. The waters are generally clear, offering 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 Antarctica Peninsula, so ensure that you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dive Sites & Areas of 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 Sea, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands, and Ross Sea are amongst the other enthralling destinations you may visit on your Antarctica Peninsula expedition.
Tips For Divers & Polar Diving Considerations
Weather conditions in the Antarctic Peninsula can be incredibly changeable; ensure you pack adequate clothes for protraction 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 is a must, and diving boots are essential. Waterproof dry suits should have hoods and you’ll need diving gloves. Insulated underwear is vital. You’ll need to also 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 definitely want to pack an underwater camera. A tripod can be great for helping you to capture the best pictures of the awesome above-water landscapes. Avid ornithologists are advised to take binoculars.
Various languages are spoken throughout the Antarctica region, including Spanish, Russian, English, German, French, Swedish, and Norwegian. English is generally well spoken, and the helpful crew of your chosen Antarctica Peninsula liveaboard will ensure that 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 major 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, and round two-pin plugs or slanted three-pin plugs (types C and I) are the norm.
Getting to Antarctic Peninsula in the Arctic
Most liveaboard trips in the Antarctic Peninsula depart from, and return to, Ushuaia in 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, as well as from airports around South America, the USA, and beyond.