Antarctica Liveaboards

1 product

  • Plancius Plancius

    Plancius

    Plancius

    Liveaboard.com
    £529.00 GBP
    £529.00 GBP

Note: The above “Price Per Day” was correct at the time of producing this article, as was the exchange rate used to convert the GBP cost to US Dollars and Euros. For an up-to-date cost for your chosen liveaboard, please visit the booking page.

Antarctica Liveaboard Discounted Deals

Liveaboard Diving in Antarctica, Ice, penguins and once-in-a-lifetime polar dives

Expedition yachts, zodiac drops and crystal icescapes for experienced cold-water divers who want wildlife, walls and surreal blue light

Why choose Antarctica for a liveaboard

  • Iconic wildlife. Penguins, seals and several whale species, plus rich krill swarms and cold-water fish.
  • Otherworldly seascapes. Ice shelves, brash ice and sculpted bergs with bright blue light under the surface.
  • Multiple ways to dive. Ice diving, zodiac drop-offs, beach entries and wall dives, matched to conditions.
  • Full expedition experience. Daily landings, research-station visits when permitted, kayaking and guided hikes.

Where you will go and dive

  • Antarctic Peninsula. Classic polar route with towering bergs, walls and regular encounters with seals and penguins.
  • South Shetland Islands and Deception Island. Volcanic scenery, protected bays and historic sites.
  • Weddell Sea and Ross Sea. Vast pack-ice and dramatic ice formations for advanced teams when conditions allow.
  • Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Often included on longer voyages. Famous bird colonies, Shackleton sites, bays and museums.
  • Other possible stops. Avian Island, Pourquoi Pas Island, Melchior Islands, South Orkney Islands, Detaille Island, Petermann Island and the scenic Beagle Channel and Drake Passage in transit.

A typical expedition

  • Trip length. Commonly about ten nights, with options up to twenty nights depending on route and ice.
  • Daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon operations chosen for weather and ice. Mix of diving, zodiac cruises and shore excursions.
  • Photography heaven. High contrast ice, curious wildlife and clear late-season water reward both wide angle and macro.

Who this suits

  • Experienced cold-water divers only. Operators usually require prior dry-suit experience and a solid recent log. Many suggest at least 30 logged dives, including cold dives.
  • Adventure travellers. Non-divers join landings, zodiac cruises, kayaking and hikes, so mixed groups work well.

Conditions and best time to go

  • Season. November to March.
  1. November. Penguin courtship and nesting.
  2. December to January. Hatching chicks, young seals, longest daylight and milder air.
  3. February to March. Peak whale sightings, clearer water and often the best underwater visibility.
  • Water temperature. Around 0 °C at the surface. Air can feel mild in sun and sharp in wind. Weather changes fast.

Getting there and departures

  • Gateway. Ushuaia, Argentina. Trips to Antarctica usually start and finish here. Fly into Malvinas Argentinas Ushuaia International Airport (USH) via Argentine hubs, with wider links across the Americas and a few to Europe.
  • At sea. You will cross the Drake Passage to reach the Peninsula. Longer itineraries may include the Falklands and South Georgia.

What to pack, diving and deck gear

  • Diving kit. Dry suit with hood, dry-gloves or thick wet gloves, warm undergarments, thick socks or boots, mask, fins, BCD, regs, computer, compass, cutting tool and a primary torch with spare batteries.
  • Clothing. Layer up. Base layers, mid-layers, windproof and waterproof outer shell, warm hat and neck gaiter. Pack spare gloves and socks.
  • Sun and optics. High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm, sunglasses, binoculars, action cam or camera with zoom.
  • Admin and power. Spanish is common in Ushuaia. Carry Argentine pesos for local spends. Major currencies are widely understood by operators. Argentina uses plug types C and I at 220–240 V.

Safety, medical and readiness

  • Remote environment. There are no local recompression facilities. Evacuation takes time. Strict dive briefings and conservative profiles are standard.
  • Fitness and vaccines. An influenza vaccine is essential. A pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for those prone to respiratory issues. Ensure routine vaccines are up to date.
  • Insurance. Comprehensive travel and dedicated dive insurance are strongly advised and often mandatory.

Costs and extras

  • Pricing. Expect premium, once-in-a-lifetime expedition pricing that varies by ship, cabin and season.
  • Optional add-ons. Kayaking, camping or extended zodiac tours may carry extra fees.
  • What is included. Most operators include accommodation, meals and guided activities. Exact dive counts and landings depend on weather and ice.

Why an Antarctica liveaboard is worth it

  • You dive scenes few people ever see. Blue ice cathedrals, quiet walls and playful penguins at arm’s-length curiosity.
  • You get the full polar story. Wildlife, research history and raw wilderness in one compact expedition.
  • You come home changed. New skills, unforgettable images and the rare calm that only the ice can give.

If you want true expedition diving with penguins, seals and whales, under sculpted ice in clear polar water, Antarctica liveaboards deliver. You will dive safely, explore widely and return with a full logbook and the best stories of your life.