THE TRIP
Antarctica has an overwhelming array of colours, moods, diverse wildlife and underwater world. On this trip you will travel to the Antarctic Peninsula and have the opportunity to be in the company of thousands of penguins; watch whales dolphins and seals; dive an underwater world with a fascinating marine life and cruise in a zodiac between brilliant white icebergs and ice floes.
Polar Divers
Diving in Antarctica is a unique experience for the advanced diver. There is not just ice, but an amazing underwater world with a fascinating marine life, such as giant isopods, worms and fearless seals. Our dive operator has many years’ experience in extreme situations and are trained to search out the best opportunities for diving. In particular, taking into account the unpredictable weather and ice conditions, whilst maintaining the highest level of safety in combination with quality diving. There will not be diving through a hole in the ice, but rather in a controlled environment under small, grounded icebergs, diving from the shore, a zodiac or an ice shell.
Polar Snorkellers
If you are a novice diver or not a diver at all, you can still witness the fascinating underwater world, ice formations and snorkel with Leopard Sharks.
Land Explorers
Small groups at a time will have the opportunity venture onto a landing site or cruise in the Zodiac. The small numbers are to allow the guide the freedom to do longer, more exploratory activities and landings. On the landing sites, our ‘footprint’ is very small as we are so few enough to cause virtually no disturbance and leaving the group with a more rewarding interaction with the wildlife.
THE VESSEL- POLAR PIONEER
Polar Pioneer was built in 1985 in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000 the ship was converted for passenger use and ideally suited to expedition cruising in polar areas. It complies with the highest international safety and environmental regulations, as well as the Artic and Antarctic shipping guidelines.
A combined bar/ lounge/ library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple restructuring. The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The ship carriers are a full complement of Zodiac crafts, for both cruising and landing ashore.
On occasion the voyages Chef will organise a Polar BBQ on deck, surrounded by an impressive landscape and accompanied by your fellow travellers and crew.
Passengers are accommodated in triple, twin or superior cabins. Most cabins have private facilities and all cabins have a desk, chair and windows/ portholes (that open).
Twin Private Cabin:
Two lower bunks and a desk, windows, private bathroom and shower, toilet and wash basin. There are two cabins that have an upper/ lower bunk with a desk and couch.
Twin Public Cabin:
Two lower bunks, wash basin, desk, couch, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. The showers and toilets are close by and shared with other main deck cabins.
Triple Cabin:
Two lower bunks and one upper bunk, wash basin, desk, couch, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. The showers and toilets are close by and shared with other main deck cabins.
DIVE INFORMATION
TRIP DATES
***Currently securing dates for February 2018 – Stay tuned!
PRICE
$15,777 AUD per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Return flights ex. Sydney to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires flying with QANTAS and LAN Airlines
1 nights twin share accommodation – The Loi Suites- Buenos Aires, Includes buffet breakfast
1 nights twin share accommodation Ushuaia, Includes buffet breakfast
9 night Antarctica Expedition aboard the Polar Pioneer
Triple share cabin with shared bathroom facilities
Full board whilst aboard the Polar Express
Use of rubber boots throughout the expedition
All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises
Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team
Leadership by an experienced
Expedition Leader and Polar Dive Master
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
1 nights twin share accommodation – Punta Arenas- includes buffet breakfast
Return airport transfers- Punta Arenas
Australian departure tax
OPTIONAL CABIN UPGRADES
Twin share with shared bathroom facilities: $2,310 AUD per person
Twin share with private bathroom facilities: $4,385 AUD per person
OPTIONAL DIVING & POLAR SNORKELLING PACKAGE: $1,250 AUD per person
Snorkelling Package Includes: use of waterproof snorkel dry suit, hood and gloves, weight belt and instruction and guidance by a Polar Dive Master.
Diver Package Includes: Leadership by an experienced Polar Dive Master, professional dive operation including dive compressor, tanks , weights and belt. You will need to bring your own personal diving equipment.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
Travel insurance, personal spending money, passport and visa fees Excess luggage surcharges
Personal diving equipment and polar clothing, Meals unless otherwise indicated.
CONDITIONS APPLY
Prices are subject to change without notice due to 2017 rate increases, schedule changes and fluctuations in USD exchange rates. Please use the package price as an indicative price. Package price is based on $1AUD= $0.80 USD
ICE DIVING CERTIFICATION
We highly recommend completing one of our altitude and ice diving courses at Jindabyne in preparation to ensure your gear is suited for the temperatures we will encounter. The water temperatures on this course are the same if not slightly lower than what you will experience in Antarctica so it is absolutely ideal. We have three course dates for 2016 and availability on all courses at this stage:
Full details and the booking form for the PADI Ice and Altitude courses can be found HERE
BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
To secure your place on this expedition, please complete an online booking form and return it together with a non-refundable deposit. The required deposits are as follows: Triple share- $3,500pp/ Twin share- $4,200 pp/ Twin share private$4,850 pp
Dive Adventures Online booking form for our Antarctica Expedition can be found HERE
NOTE: Additional payment installments will be required throughout the duration of the booking.
