{"id":1296,"date":"2021-06-18T13:30:57","date_gmt":"2021-06-18T12:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/blog\/?p=1296"},"modified":"2022-10-13T17:07:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T16:07:20","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-scuba-diving-in-antarctica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swoop-antarctica.com\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-scuba-diving-in-antarctica\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about scuba diving in Antarctica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scuba diving in Antarctica<\/a> is something that very few divers get to experience. The remote location and high costs of visiting are the main culprits for this, but the challenging environment also requires a significant amount of technical skill, which often prevents less experienced divers from exploring this magical underwater kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those lucky divers able to experience the White Continent from below the waterline I\u2019ve put together a short guide covering all the things you\u2019ll need to consider prior to booking. Please note that only a handful of Antarctic diving voyages<\/a> depart each season, but one of our specialists would be delighted to help you find the right itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will I see if I go scuba diving in Antarctica?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A diver inspects the underbelly of an Antarctic iceberg
\u2013 Copyright John Neuschwander<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Like the landscape above, the waters of Antarctica offer divers a completely unique experience. The pocked underbellies of icebergs shine through the inky darkness like huge glowing walls and shimmer in the light, reflecting hues of deep blue and green. The first time I witnessed an iceberg beneath the waves I was completely amazed. Some of the larger icebergs stretch out beneath you disappearing down far into the depths creating a glorious ring of blue light. It\u2019s truly humbling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antarctic wildlife<\/a> is another big draw for divers the world over. Seals and penguins are common sights beneath the water and it\u2019s amazing to see just how fast these creatures dart past you. The trails of bubbles they leave demonstrate their speed and make for some excellent photos. The wildlife in Antarctica is not afraid of humans and close underwater encounters are fairly frequent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although we did not see any whales<\/a> on my last trip, the divemaster regaled us with several tales of humpback encounters from the previous season in which divers had come face to face with the giant creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gentoo penguins ‘flying; underwater \u2013 Copyright Miss Scuba<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Antarctic seafloor is home to an impressive array of marine species that can often be seen during the dives. Jellyfish, starfish, sea snails, sea butterflies and crabs are all common sites, as are kelp and soft coral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What qualifications will I need to go scuba diving in Antarctica?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Three
Polar divers resurfacing to their zodiac boat \u2013 Copyright Francois Deriberolles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antarctica is a remote and wildly changeable environment and the cold water means that considerable experience is required to dive here. Although the restrictions can seem tedious, they are there to safeguard every single person. Without quick access to hospital facilities, being sensible is simply good common sense for everyone on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although you do not have to be a qualified ice diver to scuba dive in Antarctica, you will need to provide the following to participate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n