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Scuba Diving in Antarctica

Sink below the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean for an exhilarating experience. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly combination of light and ice, and discover marine life found nowhere else on Earth. Whether spotting swarms of krill or porpoising Adelie penguins, true enthusiasts with the right skills and experience will relish the opportunity to go scuba diving in Antarctica.

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5 reasons to scuba dive in Antarctica

Tick the world's southernmost diving destination off your bucket list. Where else can you get up close and personal with the blue-tinged underbellies of icebergs?
Interact with Antarctic wildlife – polar divers have come face to face with curious seals and watched penguins zooming through the water like bullets
Explore a wonderful variety of Antarctic dive sites, whether you're navigating shallow ice formations from a zodiac or the starfish-clad seafloor off the beach
Spot diverse and distinctive marine species, half of which you can’t see anywhere else on the planet. Think insect-like isopods and cloud-white sea slugs
Boost your dive log with between 1 to 2 exciting underwater sessions per day, depending on the ever-changing weather and ice conditions

Daniel says

As a diver, I can promise that this is an experience you'll never forget. The combination of sunlight and extraordinary ice formations creates an ever-changing spectrum of colours.

Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist

Scuba diving off a zodiac boat in Antarctica

How does scuba diving in Antarctica work?

You don’t need to be a qualified ice diver to scuba dive in Antarctica, but you need to prove you have extensive cold-water dive experience (10°C / 50°F or below), including in a dry suit.

Specifically, you must have logged at least 30 dry suit dives. Within the year leading up to your trip, you should have completed 10 dives total, regardless of water temperature. At least five of those 10 dives must have been in a dry suit.

Divers are expected to be knowledgeable enough to read their compass and depth gauges, as well as look after each other while underwater. You’ll need to be able to prepare your equipment before each excursion and strong enough to carry it in and out of the zodiac or up and down the gangway.

Swoop says

If you're not qualified to dive but love the idea of seeing the White Continent from a unique perspective, consider polar snorkelling. It's less technical, but you'll still experience Antarctica under the water.

Qualifications required

Before departure, you’ll need to show proof of:

An internationally accepted diving certificate (such as the Advanced PADI Open Water)
A diver's logbook
A statement from your doctor (usually no older than six months) stating that you’re physically healthy enough to practise scuba diving

This may seem excessive, but so far from a proper hospital and medical care, safety is the top priority.

Polar scuba divers see a whale in Antarctica

What to expect on each dive

Your voyage will start with a check dive, so everyone taking part can get used to the cold water – temperatures can be as chilly as -1˚C/30˚F – and try out their equipment and the number of weights they need.

Your guides will aim to take you out in the water between one to two times a day, typically once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Before each dive, you'll have a briefing about the site location, weather and ice conditions, and the procedure.

Excursions never go beyond a depth of 20 metres (65ft) and most last roughly one to two hours.

The dives will be done on a 'buddy system' basis. For safety, your guide will stay on the surface and they’ll check you “out” and "in" after each session.

While you're diving, other ship passengers will be out on landings and zodiac excursions. If you’d like to skip any dives and take part in these instead, that’s no problem. This will give you time to explore above the water as well as under it for a more balanced overall experience.

What you'll see while diving in Antarctica

Antarctic dive sites range from shallow ice diving to deep water. Generally speaking, you’ll board a zodiac with all your equipment and journey 10 to 15 minutes to a location chosen by your guides. Occasionally, you’ll dive directly from the beach.

Ice conditions and visibility change daily, so what you experience can be a lottery. You might get clear water or haziness – nothing is guaranteed – but that just adds to the excitement. When it comes to Antarctic marine life, you may see spider crabs, sea butterflies, dogfish, giant kelp walls and more.

As with all excursions and activities on the White Continent, the mercurial weather means it's better to embrace an expedition mindset and go with the flow leads to have a fantastic time.

Antarctic voyages with scuba diving

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

4.6 out of 5

Onto the Antarctic Ice

With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…

10-13 Days
$10,050

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4.4 out of 5

Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…

9-13 Days
$17,895

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4.8 out of 5

South of the Antarctic Circle

By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…

12, 13 or 14 Days
$10,000

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4.4 out of 5

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure

With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…

19-22 Days
$13,550

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4.3 out of 5

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. A maximum of just 130 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…

13-14 Days
$16,195

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4.5 out of 5

Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Explore the White Continent aboard one of the newest additions to the polar fleet, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s also a wide range of optional activities on…

12-15 Days
$12,795

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4.7 out of 5

Falklands, South Georgia & The Polar Circle

Visit one of the last untamed areas on Earth. Explore ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife on board an elegant and modern 4* vessel. Optional activities include photo and video workshops with experts, as well as polar…

23 Days
$16,700

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4.1 out of 5

Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula

For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…

12 Days
$23,795

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View all our Antarctic Cruises

Planning your Antarctic scuba diving trip

When to go

Diving is generally offered from the end of November to mid-February because this is when temperatures are at their warmest. Early season trips, when the ice hasn't melted as much, boosts the chances of better visibility.

How much it costs

Expect to pay between USD $600 and $1,500 to scuba dive in Antarctica, depending on your choice of ship and voyage length.

This immersive activity costs extra as it involves experienced dive guides and specialist equipment.

Scuba divers in an iceberg in Antarctica

Customer Tips

“ Be prepared to dive in very cold water. I suggest dry gloves or mitts (not five-fingered gloves). Practice diving in full Antarctic dive kit before going – allowing for weight, being able to undo clips with thick gloves – and be fit. ”

Erika, Australia Customer

What to pack for Antarctic scuba diving

You’ll receive a full kit list after you book, but you'll usually need to bring:

Dry suit, hood and thick dry gloves
Warm clothing for under your dry suit
Two separate freeze-protected regulators
Submersible pressure gauge
Stabilising jacket or some kind of BC with quick release and low pressure
Depth gauge, watch or computer
Mask, fins, a snorkel and weight belt
Compass, knife and torch
Quick release weight system (weights will be provided)
Surface marker buoy and a spool or reel
Surface audible signalling device (whistle or air horn)

You'll also be expected to pack spare parts for your regulators and dry suit in case of leakage or damage. A compressor, scuba tanks and weights will be available for you on board.

If you’d rather not pay for excess baggage on your flight, you may be able to rent equipment. To talk this through, get in touch.

When to book

Diving is offered on just a handful of ships and numbers are strictly capped at between 15 and 24 participants for each voyage. As it’s such a popular activity with limited capacity, we recommend booking at least a year to 18 months in advance. Getting your Antarctic scuba diving trip locked in far enough ahead of travel means you'll have time to plan the required dry suit dives and complete all the other necessary admin.

How to book

To go scuba diving in Antarctica, you'll need to book this activity in advance with one of our polar experts at Swoop when you secure a cabin on the vessel of your choice. Feel free to get in touch with us to talk this through.

Scuba Diving in Antarctica: FAQs

Will I see wildlife when scuba diving in Antarctica?

There’s a chance of seeing wildlife every time you enter the water, but as ever with animal encounters, they can’t be guaranteed. Sightings of penguins and seals are far from uncommon.
How strict are the rules about having the right diving experience?

Unless you can demonstrate that you have the minimum number of cold water and dry suit dives, you won’t be allowed to scuba dive in Antarctica.
Will I get to do some of the landings with the non-divers?

If you would like to, yes. Typically you can dive up to twice a day, but many divers often choose to dive only once a day. This gives you time to explore above the water as well as under it, for a more balanced overall experience.
How many times will I be able to dive?

Your guides will aim to offer diving experiences twice a day. The first will be in the morning and the second will be in the afternoon. It’s worth noting that this can change frequently depending on weather and ice warnings.
How deep are the dives? How long do you get in the water?

Dive excursions never go beyond a maximum of 20 metres (65ft) in depth. Most last roughly one to two hours.
How cold is the water in Antarctica?

The polar seas can be as cold as -1˚C/30˚F. This is why you need plenty of scuba diving experience and a good dry suit.
How large are the groups?

Groups are limited to six divers per dive guide. For the scuba diving programmes to operate in Antarctica, at least six to eight participants must have signed up.
What are the age restrictions for diving in Antarctica?

It depends on the operator, but generally you need to be at least 14 years of age to go scuba diving in Antarctica.

More Adventure Activities in Antarctica

Snorkelling in Antarctica

Witness the White Continent from an entirely different perspective while snorkelling in Antarctica.

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Kayaking in Antarctica

Imagine the swish of water as it passes your hull or the clack of brash ice against your paddle blade. Skim past penguin rookeries and seals sleeping on passing ice floes.

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