Antarctic diving expedition

This dedicated Antarctic diving and photographic expedition offers a unique opportunity for above and below the water insights into the white continent which few have been privileged to experience.

Divers on this voyage will enjoy guidance from an onboard team of diving professionals who are pioneers in polar diving, 2009 leaders included:

• Göran Ehlme, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2006 and polar cameraman for the Blue Planet
• Matthieu Meur, the co-author for the Essential Digital Guide to Underwater Photography and the Advanced Guide to Digital Underwater Photography
• Jamie Watts - former British Antarctic Survey Marine Scientist. Published author, most recently in BBC Wildlife Magazine and Ocean Geographic magazine

Rather than dive from a hole in the ice, we dive off the edges of ice flows and around spectacular icebergs where we hope to observe penguins from beneath the surface as they plunge en masse into the sea. The ice itself forms one of the special features of diving in Antarctica . Four fifths of every berg is submerged and diving permits us to observe their intricate forms beneath the water. Sunlight reflecting off the turquoise blue sculptured ice adds to the extraordinary atmosphere you can only appreciate in this wild and remote part of the world.

Around the peninsula we hope to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur seals and of course one of Antarctica 's top predators- the leopard seal. Leopard seal encounters have proven a particular highlight of previous trips. Our expedition is specifically timed to take advantage of clearer waters due to reduced plankton blooms when sighting of leopard seals is particularly high. Last year 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.

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 is a little documented world and new species are being discovered in Antarctica all the time.

Photography: The opportunities for excellent wildlife and landscape photography abound from the moment we slip our moorings in Ushuaia . The landscapes of the Peninsula are particularly breath-taking, with their precipitous peaks, sweeping glaciers and elaborately sculptured icebergs. The wildlife itself lives up to its reputation of being abundant, diverse and a gift to both the professional and amateur photographer alike. Whether your interest is in film and photography beneath the water or above, our experts can provide guidance into making the most of your time in Antarctica . This will include evening lectures and workshops on photography and opportunities throughout the voyage to talk with experts and other passengers who are passionate about natural history and wilderness landscapes.

Natural History: For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about the entire polar ecosystem than if on a purely land based expedition. 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.

Antarctic expedition ship: Our ship is a comfortable ice strengthened oceanographic research vessel ideally suited to providing divers and non divers the opportunity to explore the natural history wonders of Antarctica. It carries up to 48 passengers and is one of the smallest and friendliest ships exploring the Antarctic waters. There are excellent view points throughout including open deck viewing areas and the panoramic ship's bridge where you may join the captain to gaze across a landscape of icebergs and place your position on the ship's charts. The ship carries a full complement of Zodiac craft, essential for small group landings and provide opportunities for close encounters with wildlife.

This voyage is perfect for divers with non-diving partners who are in search of an equally inspiring experience. The experts are on hand to assist participants in make the most of your camera equipment, from hints and tips to demonstrations; you can enjoy personal time with these people.

Each day, 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 and conservation of Antarctica. All polar voyage itineraries are provided to give you a flavour of the voyage. The ships route will be decided by the captain in accordance with ice, weather and other conditions.

Depending upon sea conditions it can take between 2-3 days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. The Drakes passage is an infamous stretch of the Southern Ocean and a rite of passage to the Great White Continent. An inspiring lecture programme will commence enroute and there are great opportunities to observe albatross and other sea birds, as well as whales including the long finned pilot whales & humpbacks.

We start our first day in Antarctica with a mandatory check-out dive at an easily accessible site to get accustomed to the cold water and adjust your weights. Our dive guides will be with you to assist with your equipment. Diving in Antarctica is to be taken seriously and safety is our first priority. Being comfortable in the water with your equipment is essential. Our non divers will have their zodiacs and guides available for plenty of wildlife spotting, feeling like they have the Peninsula to themselves.

We may make our first landing at Deception Island, a huge volcano of which the crater opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of cape pigeons and many Dominican gulls, brown and south polar skuas and Antarctic terns. Wilson’s storm petrels and black- bellied storm petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in whalers bay. Here everyone who has a swimming costume could have the opportunity for an Antarctic swim!

On our way further South we may sail to Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island, nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Danco Island. It contains a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas, fur seals can often be spotted here. In Neko Harbour we may have the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers.

When sailing to Paradise Bay with its myriad icebergs and deep cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising and diving between the dramatic icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. Leopard seals idly rest on the bergs in this area waiting for the chance to ambush a passing penguin- an underwater experience never to be forgotten. Here we will also have one of the most spectacular wall dives in the Antarctic: a wall which drops down to 75m and thanks to the guano of a nearby shag colony, the marine life is abundant.

We may sail through the Lemaire Channel, famous for its beautiful scenery, whales and great dive sites, to Pleneau and Petermann Island where we may find Adelie penguins and blue- eyed shags. We hope to visit some of the scientific stations in Antarctica which will give you an insight into the life of modern polar researchers living on the White Continent. The diving around some of the research stations is known to be among the best in the area: kelp walls and lots of marine life with sponges, anemones, sea-stars, giant isopods and possibly Antarctic cod.

Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales. In this area we have good chances to see humpback whales and minke whales.

On our way back through the Drakes Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture team from wildlife to photographic hints and tips from the professionals.

On the morning of your departure you will disembark after a farewell breakfast.