Diving in Antarctica: expeditions to explore under the ice

Select Antarctic expedition voyages offer experienced scuba divers the chance to explore beneath the sea ice, where submerged glacier faces, large icebergs and polar marine life shape a rarely visited underwater environment.

Diving is offered as an optional activity on a limited number of departures. Conditions can change quickly, so guides assess sea ice, weather and suitable entry points throughout the voyage. The number and location of dives depend on those daily conditions.

Group sizes are kept small, with only a limited number of diving spaces available on each sailing. Participants may complete several dives during an expedition, although no specific number is guaranteed.

Antarctic voyages offering scuba diving

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea

This 13-day expedition, operated in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours, is scheduled from March 2 to March 14, 2027. Scuba diving is available as an optional activity. The listed promotion includes savings of up to 20% and a $1,000 air credit.

Spirit of Antarctica: Whale Migration

Scheduled from March 13 to March 24, 2027, this 12-day voyage combines an Antarctic expedition with the seasonal whale migration period. Diving is offered as an optional activity. The advertised offer includes savings of up to 20% and a $500 air credit.

Spirit of Antarctica

This 11-day departure runs from January 20 to January 30, 2028. Qualified passengers can add scuba diving to the expedition, subject to availability and operating conditions. The listed saving is up to 15%.

Antarctica Complete

The longest featured itinerary is a 23-day expedition from February 1 to February 23, 2028. Scuba diving is available as an optional activity, with advertised savings of up to 15%.

Who can take part

Antarctic scuba diving is not designed for beginners. Participants must hold at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification and a Drysuit Specialty certification. They must also have completed a minimum of 30 drysuit dives.

Divemasters lead the activity and select dive sites according to local conditions. Possible encounters may include penguins, seals and whales, but wildlife sightings are not assured.

• Diving places are limited to a small number of participants on each voyage.
• All dives depend on sea ice, weather and other operational conditions.
• Participants need advanced open-water and drysuit qualifications.
• A minimum of 30 drysuit dives is required.
• Voyage dates range from March 2027 to February 2028.

Prospective participants should review the operator's full equipment, certification and experience requirements before reserving a diving place.