This expert led Antarctic Diving, Wildlife & Marine Life adventure offers a unique opportunity to experience the White Continent above and below water, and explore 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. Aqua-Firma have many years experience of diving in polar seas and as with all voyages, onboard will be expert wildlife guides and leaders with a passionate knowledge of human polar history.  Kayaking and polar camping require additional guiding expertise and are both options are often available on these departures.

This exploratory voyage will first focus on the best dive sites of the Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands.  Geologically, the Peninsula is a mountainous extension of the South American Andes, forming a coastal spine of mountains whose peaks rise 3,000 metres from the ocean. Its coastal mountain scenery is flanked by breathtaking glaciers, deep fjords and ice bergs more than a mile long - an environment that will humble the most seasoned explorer.

The icy oceans of the Peninsula and its many offshore islands are a rich feeding ground for whales including orcas, humpbacks, blue and sperm whales. The Peninsula is also a breeding ground for macaroni, chinstrap and gentoo penguin colonies, inviting great opportunities for their close observation.

Seals can be found in large numbers on the Peninsula, of which the largest seal is the Leopard Seal, which at up to 3.2 metres in length, is one of two top predators in Antarctica. Leopard seal encounters have proven a particular highlight of our previous Antarctic trips. On past expeditions 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 underwater is a truly exhilarating and memorable experience. (Click Here to read more about encounters with Leopard seals).

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 voyage in the late Antarctic summer is timed to take advantage of increasing underwater visibility and receded sea ice which enables access deeper south, across the Southern Polar Circle. This is an area where ice covers marine life for longer each year, so it will be fascinating to see how macro life changes the deeper we go.

Wildlife & Polar History

For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about the entire polar ecosystem and its rich history of exploration. 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. Snorkelling is offered on several Polar Circle departures where you can experience all the full grandeur and beauty of the Antarctica below the water without having to be scuba certified.  Each day, facilitated by our specialist marine scientific staff, 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, history and conservation of Antarctica.