CRUISES
TO ANTARCTICA
CLASSIC
ANTARCTICA ADVENTURE
WITH SCUBA-DIVING, SEA-KAYAKING AND CAMPING OPTIONS
Take the adventure cruises of Classic Antarctica (see
Classic Antarctica) and add Scuba-diving, sea kayaking, or camping.
And you have our Classic Antarctica Adventures.
This voyages offer the ultimate introduction to the white continent, with
a unique twist. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, Argentina,
they include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic
Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.
SCUBA-DIVING
This is a unique opportunity to explore the magical underwater world of
Antarctica. Our experienced Antarctic Dive Masters will guide us through
this fantastic, and largely unexplored, underwater paradise. We will dive
around the wonderful sculpted ice formations of icebergs, encounter rich
marine life from soft corals and fish to marine mammals, and will even
experience the remarkable underwater sounds of the frozen continent.
GROUP
SIZES AND NUMBER OF DIVERS
There will be a maximum of ten divers per departure. All diving will take
place in the Península area and, weather and ice permitting, we
plan to have up to two dives per day over the two days diving. Our maximum
dive depth will be about 15 meters (50 feet)
WHAT TO EXPECT
The diving in Antarctica is very different to diving in other parts of
the world. The contrasting colors are spectacular, from the blue and white
icebergs to the dark sea floor, and the area has a rich invertebrate life
(including many different species of anemones, echinoderms, crayfish and
coral sponges). We should encounter krill in their natural environment
and hope to see penguins and possibly even seals underwater. Visibility
is usually 5-15 meters (16-50 feet), depending on the position, current
and proximity to penguin rookeries.
DIVE SITES
Possible dive sites during the trip include: Port Lockroy, where we could
see kelp forests, penguins, sea stars, and sea cucumbers, krill and if
the ice has retreated enough, a complete whale skeleton on the seabed,
Deception Island, where the water is warmed by hydrothermal vents and
the rich variety of sea urchins, brittle stars and limpets is unique;
Neko Harbor, which offers one of our best chances of seeing.
SEA KAYAKING
What
a fabulous way to explore the little bays and waterways as well as the
wide expanses of Antarctica. We use 5-meter (16 foot) Prijon double sea
kayaks, equipped with rudders, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable
and incredibly tough, perfect for padding through such an icy environment.
Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors
and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist
should the need arise.
GROUP SIZE AND NUMBER OF EXCURSIONS
There will be a maximum of ten kayakers per departure. Weather and ice
permitting we plan to make a minimum of four kayak excursons, each paddling
over several miles and typically lasting for two to three hours. With
the long daylighty hours of the southern summer, there may be opportunities
for short evening paddles as well.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Antarctica is the last frontier for kayaking. Paddling in this pristine,
icy wilderness is an overwhelming experience even for the most seasoned
adventurer. Imagine paddling in a sea of ice floes or at a safe distance
to beautifully sculptured icebergs, silently floating past rafts of penguins
or cruising inside a flooded volcanic crater.
With a little luck, we hope to see penguins flying through the water underneath
our boats, curious seals poking their heads out of the water alongside
and even inquisitive 30-ton whales coming over to investigate. It is a
truly unforgettable and humbling experience.
KAYAKING SITES
Possible kayaking sites during the trip include Hannah Point / Aitcho
Islands, where we will paddle among reefs, islets and gravel beaches looking
for fur seals, elephant seals, and penguins; inside the flooded caldera
of Deception Island, where we follow the shore in front of an abandoned
whaling station looking for fur seals hauled up on the warm volcanic beach;
Port Lockroy, where Gentoo Penguins join us as we explore the sheltered
bay, Neko Harbor, which usually has plenty of Minke Walhes as well as
exquisite ice floes, bergy bits and brash ice that are perfect for kayak
cruising; Paradise Harbor, a spectacular sheltered bay with calving glaciers
and a large population of crabeater eals, and even the beautiful Lemaire
Channel.
CAMPING
This will be a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of Antarctica
as a wilderness and to experience a more personal and private connection
with the continent. We aim to give tou a sense of independence, while
still retaining our high safety standards. Two experienced staff will
supervise campers throghout the night.
GROUP
SIZE AND NUMBER OF EXCURSIONS
There will be a maximum of 10 campers allowed ashore. Weather and ice
permitting we plan to offer one night of camping during each voyage. All
meals will be taken onboard the vessel.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will sleep in high quality mountain tents and sleeping bags which
will be provided. Only emergency rations will be taken ashore and no cooking
will be conducted. You are encouraged to use toilet facilities onboard
prior to going ashore, but one portable chemical toilet will be available.
CAMP SITES
Our camp site close to Port Lockroy on the shores of Neumayer Channel
will be selected away from vegetated sites and wildlife concentrations
of pathways to avoid contamination or disturbance. Your expedition vessel
will be out of site, but close enough to respond in case of any problems.
