Join Seaira Dives on the adventure of a lifetime — an expedition to Antarctica, the last continent on Earth.

This journey takes us from Ushuaia, Argentina, across the legendary Drake Passage, and into the breathtaking wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea. Along the way, you’ll explore pristine polar landscapes alongside an incredible team of scientists, polar diving professionals, and world-class image creators who bring this environment to life in a way few ever experience.

Towering glaciers, massive tabular icebergs, penguin colonies, seals, whales, and historic sites define this remote corner of the planet. The landscapes are dramatic, the wildlife encounters are unforgettable, and the stillness of Antarctica is something you truly have to feel to understand.

We’re traveling in late February into March, toward the end of the Antarctic summer, when conditions open up in a really unique way.

With less sea ice, we gain access to more remote locations and landing sites that aren’t always reachable earlier in the season. Wildlife activity is still incredible, with peak whale sightings as they feed in nutrient-rich waters, and the landscape begins to shift in a way that feels even more expansive and wild.

This expedition is designed for both divers and non-divers, with opportunities to experience Antarctica in multiple ways including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, zodiac cruising, and hiking among penguins and seals. For those looking to go deeper, guests will also have the opportunity to participate in meaningful citizen science initiatives such as phytoplankton and zooplankton collection, macroalgae sampling, benthic surveys, and ROV exploration.

This is not just a trip. It is a true expedition experience, where weather, wildlife, and discovery shape each day in real time. It is immersive, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding.

Because Antarctic expeditions are limited and ship capacity is small, these journeys sell out years in advance. That is why we are planning ahead for early 2028.

This is the kind of experience that changes how you see the world.

Antarctica is one of the few places left on Earth that still feels truly wild.

Here, exploration isn’t just an idea. It’s reality.

Late February into early March is when Antarctica shifts into its most expansive and rewarding phase. Sea ice has largely receded, opening access to more remote landing sites and rarely visited regions of the Antarctic Peninsula and into the Weddell Sea. The continent feels bigger, more exposed, and more raw.

This is when Antarctica becomes true expedition travel.

Days are shaped by weather, wildlife, and discovery. No two expeditions are ever the same. One morning might bring glassy seas and penguins gathering along the shoreline. The next, whales surfacing beside the ship or massive tabular icebergs drifting through open water.

There is a rhythm to it, and you become part of it.

This is also peak whale season. Nutrient-rich waters are alive with activity, and encounters are often more frequent, longer, and more immersive than earlier in the summer. Wildlife is still thriving across the Peninsula, but the experience feels less crowded, more intimate, and deeply connected to the environment.

This is travel at the edge of the world. Raw, powerful, and unforgettable.

You’ll experience:

Zodiac cruises through open channels, weaving between towering glaciers and sculpted icebergs

Penguin colonies filled with growing, curious chicks beginning to explore beyond the nest

Leopard seals resting on ice and patrolling the shoreline with quiet precision

Humpback and minke whales actively feeding in Antarctic waters

Polar photography in dramatic, shifting light across vast, open landscapes

Educational sessions led by expedition leaders, scientists, and polar experts

Optional cold-water Antarctic diving for qualified divers! And Kayak excursions through breathtaking scenery.

Beyond the wildlife and landscapes, Antarctica offers something deeper. Perspective. The scale, the silence, and the isolation create moments that stay with you long after you leave.

Very few travelers will ever make it here. Even fewer will experience it in a small, expedition-style setting like this.

Late season Antarctica isn’t just incredible. It’s elevated.

More access. More wildlife. More exploration.

This is Antarctica, fully realized.

Welcome to My World of Adventure and Exploration! 🌊

As a PADI Course Director, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep passion for diving, travel, and crafting unforgettable adventures. 🤿

With over 60 countries explored, I’ve had the privilege of diving in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater ecosystems while immersing myself in vibrant, diverse cultures. As your dedicated travel coordinator, I’m here to ensure that every dive trip is meticulously planned, offering you an experience filled with lasting memories. 🌍

I’m also deeply committed to ocean conservation. From reducing plastic waste to organizing shoreline clean-ups, I actively work towards sustainability in our dive community. Whether it’s making environmentally conscious decisions or diving with respect for marine life, I am passionate about protecting the oceans we love to explore. ♻️

As a veteran of the United States Army 🇺🇸, I bring a strong sense of commitment, discipline, and teamwork to everything I do, particularly in my training and dive trips. Whether you’re just starting your diving journey or are a seasoned explorer, I’m here to elevate your skills, boost your confidence, and foster a sense of camaraderie within our dive community.

So, if you're ready to dive deep and explore the world beneath the waves (and beyond), let’s make it happen. Adventure awaits! 🗺️

For certified dry suit divers with strong cold-water experience, this expedition offers the rare opportunity to dive in Antarctic waters at the peak of the late austral summer season.

This experience is reserved for Advanced Open Water divers and above who are dry suit certified, with a minimum of 30 dry suit dives, including at least 10 dives in cold water environments. Antarctic diving is demanding, and these prerequisites ensure you are prepared to safely and confidently operate in this extreme environment.

Divers must bring their own full equipment setup that meets expedition vessel standards. This is not a destination with rental gear, and all equipment must be cold-water appropriate, environmentally sealed where required, and configured for redundancy and reliability in polar conditions.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR DIVING

• Contact your airline in advance to request a baggage allowance for dive equipment
• All excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler

• You must bring your own full SCUBA setup that meets boat standards
• No rental gear is available and unfamiliar equipment is not permitted
• All equipment must be suitable for cold water and polar conditions

• Complete at least 10–15 dives prior to the trip using your full dry suit setup
• Practice with maximum insulation and dry gloves to ensure comfort and proficiency
• Be prepared to show your dive log and certification cards upon arrival

Minimum recommended equipment:

• Drysuit compatible with dry gloves
• Thermal undergarments appropriate for your personal cold tolerance
• Two sets of thermal socks or foot insulation
• Two sets of dry gloves and liners

• Hood that fits well (bringing two is highly recommended)
• Surface gloves to keep hands warm before dives

• Weight belt or weight harness (no weights)
• Mask and snorkel (plus a backup mask recommended)

• Two environmentally sealed or freeze-protected regulators (DIN required)
• Primary regulator with BC inflator hose
• Backup regulator with pressure gauge and drysuit inflator hose

• Dive computer and compass (wrist or console)
• Backup dive computer or depth gauge and timer

• BCD with low-pressure inflator (alternate air source inflators not recommended)
• Fins sized for dry suit boots and thick insulation

• Dive light
• Slate
• Audible signaling device (whistle or Dive Alert)
• SMB with reel or spool

• Spare parts specific to your gear (O-rings, fittings, etc.)
• Extra batteries for computers and lights

IMPORTANT

• Do not bring any new or untested equipment
• All gear must be fully tested and familiar prior to arrival
• The polar regions are not the place to test or troubleshoot new setups

Expect:

• Exceptional underwater visibility in cold, nutrient-rich water
• Dramatic ice formations including floating ice, brash ice, and glacier walls
• Unique polar marine life such as sea stars, soft corals, nudibranchs, and possible seal encounters
• One of the most remote and extreme dive environments on Earth

• Late February to early March conditions may allow access to more remote dive sites due to reduced sea ice
• Diving is fully expedition-style and dependent on weather, ice, and overall conditions
• Flexibility is required to maximize opportunities in this dynamic environment

This expedition goes far beyond sightseeing. You’re not just visiting Antarctica, you’re part of the experience.

Here’s what makes this journey next level:

• Real science, real impact
Travel alongside scientists actively conducting research in one of the most remote places on Earth. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in citizen science projects like phytoplankton and zooplankton collection, macroalgae sampling, benthic surveys, and even ROV exploration. This is your chance to contribute to something meaningful while you’re out there.

• Learn from world-class photographers and cinematographers
Whether you’re shooting on your phone, a GoPro, or a full camera rig, you’ll have access to pros who know how to capture Antarctica at its absolute best. Think tips, mini lessons, hands-on guidance, and the chance to seriously level up your photo and video game. Plus, parts of the expedition will be professionally documented so you’ll have incredible content from the trip.

• Expedition talks and storytelling sessions
Think less classroom, more immersive storytelling. You’ll get engaging talks from naturalists, scientists, and expedition staff covering Antarctic wildlife, history, exploration, and the environment. It adds a whole new layer to what you’re seeing in real time and makes every landing feel more meaningful.

• Creative and fun onboard experiences
This isn’t all hardcore exploration all the time. There’s space to slow down and enjoy it. Think watercolor sessions inspired by the landscapes around you, casual workshops, and fun ways to connect with the group.

• A community of people who get it

You’re surrounded by adventurers, divers, explorers, and genuinely interesting humans who chose Antarctica. That alone says a lot.

This is what makes it different.

Not just where you go, but how you experience it.

This is an expedition built for exploration. Above the water, below the surface, and everywhere in between.

Here’s how you’ll experience Antarctica:

• Zodiac cruising through ice and wildlife
This is where the magic happens. You’ll weave through towering icebergs, glide along glacier walls, and get eye-level with penguins, seals, and whales. It’s immersive, dynamic, and different every single time you head out.

• Kayaking in the most remote waters on Earth
For a quieter, more intimate experience, kayaking lets you slow it all down. Paddle through glassy water, drift past ice formations, and take in Antarctica in near silence. It’s surreal in the best way.

• Snorkeling for raw, up-close encounters
Snorkeling offers one of the most exciting ways to interact with wildlife. You’re in their world. This is often the best way to capture playful penguins darting through the water and curious seals moving effortlessly around you. It’s fast, wild, and unforgettable.

• Antarctic diving for qualified divers
For those with the experience, this is next level. Diving in Antarctica is unlike anything else on Earth. Massive ice formations, incredible visibility, and a completely unique underwater ecosystem make every dive feel surreal. It is challenging, rewarding, and absolutely worth it.

• Peak whale season
Late February into early March is prime time for whales. Nutrient-rich waters are full of krill, drawing in humpback whales in impressive numbers, along with minke whales moving through the region. Encounters are often frequent, sometimes close, and always unforgettable.

• Endless moments you can’t plan for
One minute you’re watching penguins launch themselves out of the water. The next, a whale surfaces beside the zodiac or a seal glides past beneath you. This is the kind of place where the best moments are the ones you never saw coming.

There is so much to see, and so many ways to experience it.

This isn’t just one perspective of Antarctica.

It’s all of them.

We will be traveling aboard the Ortelius, a polar expedition ship designed for Antarctic exploration, offering comfortable accommodations, expedition support, and daily wildlife excursions.

Your Antarctic expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina — the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica.

Most travelers will fly into Buenos Aires (EZE) and then take a domestic flight to Ushuaia (USH), which takes approximately 3.5 hours.

A typical travel route looks like:
Home Airport → Buenos Aires (EZE) → Ushuaia (USH)

Some airlines also route through Santiago, Chile, depending on departure city.

Because international travel to southern Argentina can involve multiple flights and overnight travel, we recommend arriving in Ushuaia at least one day before embarkation, which is already built into the expedition itinerary.

Seaira Dives will provide:

• Recommended flight routes

• Timing guidance

• Booking tips

• A shared group travel chat so travelers can coordinate flights if they wish

We strongly recommend using apps like TripIt and Hopper to track itineraries and monitor airfare pricing.

More detailed travel guidance will be provided after booking.

Packing for Antarctica is all about warmth, layering, waterproof gear, and comfort during long travel days. You don’t need bulky expedition gear — just smart layers and reliable outerwear.

Most expedition ships provide rubber boots and an expedition parka, but we’ll confirm that for our vessel before departure.

Documents & Travel Essentials

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)

• Travel insurance documents

• Dive insurance (Divers Alert Network recommended)

• Flight confirmations

• Credit card + small amount of USD

• Medications

• Seasickness medication (highly recommended)

Cold Weather Layers (Non-Cotton)

Think layering system, not heavy coats.

Base Layers:

• Thermal tops (2–3)

• Thermal bottoms (2–3)

• Wool or synthetic socks (4–5 pairs)

Mid Layers:

• Fleece jacket or wool sweater

• Insulated vest (optional)

• Warm pants

Outer Layers:

• Waterproof jacket (if not using ship parka)

• Waterproof pants

• Warm hat

• Neck gaiter or scarf

• Insulated gloves

• Glove liners

Footwear

• Waterproof boots (if not provided by ship)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Cabin shoes or sandals

• Warm socks

Want to take this trip even further?

Extending your journey in South America is highly recommended, especially if you’re already making the long trip down to the bottom of the world. From dramatic mountain landscapes to unique cold-water diving, this region offers some incredible experiences before or after Antarctica.

Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

• Explore Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the most breathtaking regions on the planet. Think jagged peaks, massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wide-open landscapes that feel untouched. Highlights include Torres del Paine in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or just taking it all in, it’s the perfect complement to Antarctica.

• Dive the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia
If you’re looking to keep the adventure going, cold-water diving in the Beagle Channel is a must. Expect kelp forests, unique marine life, and a completely different polar diving experience compared to Antarctica. It’s raw, beautiful, and a great way to log a truly unique dive at the southernmost tip of the world.

• Spend time in Ushuaia
Often called the “End of the World,” Ushuaia itself is worth exploring. Great restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and easy access to Tierra del Fuego National Park make it a perfect place to unwind, adjust, or continue adventuring.

If you’re thinking about extending your trip, reach out to Ciara for personalized recommendations, travel tips, and help planning your add-on adventure. Whether you want to dive more, hike, or just explore, there are some incredible options to make this trip even more unforgettable.

Late February into early March is when Antarctica reveals its most powerful, untamed side.

As the austral summer begins to wind down, sea ice has receded dramatically, unlocking access to more remote landing sites and rarely visited regions of the Antarctic Peninsula and into the Weddell Sea. This is expedition travel at its finest. Fewer barriers, more exploration, and a sense that you are stepping into places very few people will ever reach.

Wildlife is at its absolute peak, and the entire ecosystem is in motion.

This is Antarctica, fully alive.

During our expedition, you may encounter:

Penguins
Vast colonies of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins are still thriving across the Peninsula. By this point in the season, chicks are no longer tiny and fragile. They are bold, curious, and starting to explore the world around them. Colonies are loud, chaotic, and full of energy, offering incredible opportunities to witness real, unfiltered wildlife behavior up close.

Whales
This is prime whale season, and it shows. Nutrient-rich waters are filled with krill, drawing in humpback whales in impressive numbers, along with minke whales moving through the region. Encounters during this time are often frequent, extended, and unforgettable. This is when Antarctica delivers those moments that stop you in your tracks.

Seals
Leopard seals, crabeater seals, and Weddell seals are regularly seen resting on ice floes, stretched along shorelines, or moving effortlessly through the water. With less sea ice, sightings often feel more intimate and accessible, giving you a front-row seat to these iconic Antarctic predators and inhabitants.

Seabirds
Above it all, the Southern Ocean is alive with motion. Skuas, petrels, and albatross glide effortlessly through the polar air, following the ship and soaring along the Peninsula. The scale of it all is hard to put into words.

This is not just a beautiful time to visit Antarctica. It is one of the most rewarding.

Fewer ships. More access. Peak wildlife. Real exploration.

This is the version of Antarctica most people never get to experience.

Do I need to be a diver to join this trip?

No! This expedition is designed for both divers and non-divers. Zodiac landings, wildlife encounters, glacier exploration, photography, and onboard presentations make this an incredible experience for everyone.

Do I need cold-water diving experience?

For those planning to dive, dry suit certification and cold-water diving experience are strongly recommended. Antarctic diving is optional and always weather-dependent. We will provide detailed diving requirements well in advance of departure.

What is the Drake Passage like?

The Drake Passage crossing is part of the expedition experience. The journey typically takes about two days each way, and conditions can range from calm seas (“Drake Lake”) to more energetic waves (“Drake Shake”). Seasickness medication is strongly recommended.

How physically demanding is this trip?

This expedition is considered moderate activity level. Zodiac landings require stepping in and out of small boats and walking on uneven terrain such as snow, rocks, and sand. No technical climbing or extreme fitness is required.

What is the weather like in Antarctica in February?

February is late summer in Antarctica, with temperatures typically ranging from 28–40°F (-2 to 4°C). Conditions can change quickly, which is part of the expedition experience.

Will we see wildlife?

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but February is one of the best months for wildlife viewing along the Antarctic Peninsula. Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds are commonly seen during this time of year.

Where does the trip start?

The expedition begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Most travelers will fly to Buenos Aires and then connect to Ushuaia. Detailed travel guidance will be provided after booking.

What are the cabin occupancy options?

Cabins on this expedition are either double-occupancy or quad-occupancy.

If you are traveling solo, Seaira Dives will do our best to match you with a roommate. If a roommate cannot be arranged, a single supplement will be required.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes — travel insurance is required for this expedition. We strongly recommend purchasing a policy that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or equivalent to protect your investment.

Divers must also carry dive accident insurance.

What is the cancellation policy?

All deposits are non-refundable, and trip payments are non-refundable once received. Because this expedition requires long-term planning and limited cabin availability, travel insurance is essential.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. A deposit is required to reserve your cabin, and a structured payment plan will be available leading up to departure.

Who is this trip for?

This expedition is ideal for:

• Adventurous divers

• Wildlife lovers

• Photographers

• Bucket-list travelers

• Couples (diver and non-diver)

• Solo travelers comfortable with roommate matching

• Seaira Dives community members ready for something extraordinary

We recommend Divers Alert Network (DAN) Trip Insurance: CLICK HERE

You can also become a DAN member and sign up for specific dive coverage CLICK HERE

Because Antarctica expeditions require long-term planning, limited permits, and small expedition ships, all deposits are non-refundable, and trip payments are non-refundable once received.

Once a cabin is reserved, that space is held specifically for you within the expedition allocation, which is why refunds cannot be offered.

We understand that life happens, which is why travel insurance is required for this expedition.

We strongly recommend purchasing a policy that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or an equivalent level of protection. This type of coverage helps protect your investment if you need to cancel for personal, medical, or unforeseen reasons.

Most CFAR policies must be purchased within a short window after placing your deposit, so we encourage travelers to secure insurance promptly after booking.

Divers must also carry dive accident insurance for the expedition.

Seaira Dives will provide recommended travel insurance providers and guidance after booking to make this process easy.

For a trip of this scale and timeline, travel insurance is not just recommended — it’s an essential part of planning your adventure with confidence.

Please read and review CLICK HERE

By placing a deposit, you agree to the following terms and conditions.

Reservations & Payments

A deposit is required to reserve your space on the expedition. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is received.

A payment schedule will be provided after booking. All travelers are responsible for making payments on time.

Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in forfeiture of your reservation and payments made.

Pricing

All pricing is listed in USD per person and is subject to change until confirmed at booking. Cabin availability is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cabin Occupancy

Cabins are available in double-occupancy and quad-occupancy configurations only.

Solo travelers may request roommate matching. Seaira Dives will make reasonable efforts to match solo travelers, but roommate placement is not guaranteed.

If a roommate cannot be arranged, the traveler will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee.

Cancellation Policy

All deposits are non-refundable.

All trip payments are non-refundable once received.

Due to the nature of expedition travel, permits, and limited cabin inventory, refunds cannot be issued for cancellations for any reason.

Travelers are strongly encouraged to protect their investment with travel insurance.

Travel Insurance (Required)

Travel insurance is required for all travelers.

Seaira Dives strongly recommends purchasing coverage that includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) protection or equivalent coverage.

Divers must carry dive accident insurance.

Proof of insurance may be requested prior to departure.

Diving Participation

Antarctic diving is optional and weather- and expedition-condition dependent.

Divers must:

• Hold appropriate certifications

  • Certified Advanced Open Water Diver (and up) with dry suit certification

• Have recent cold-water diving experience

• Be comfortable diving in a dry suit

• Provide proof of certification if requested

The expedition team reserves the right to deny diving participation if safety concerns arise.

Expedition Conditions

This is an expedition-style journey. Itinerary, landing sites, dive opportunities, and wildlife encounters are dependent on:

• Weather

• Sea conditions

• Ice conditions

• Safety considerations

• Expedition leader decisions

Flexibility is part of the Antarctic experience.

Responsibility

Seaira Dives acts as a trip organizer and group coordinator. Transportation, vessel operations, diving activities, and accommodations are operated by third-party providers.

Seaira Dives is not responsible for:

• Flight delays or cancellations

• Weather conditions

• Missed connections

• Medical emergencies

• Personal equipment loss or damage

• Expedition itinerary changes beyond its control

Medical & Fitness Requirements

Travelers must be in good physical health and capable of participating in zodiac landings and shipboard movement.

Divers must be medically fit to dive.

A medical clearance may be required if indicated.

Documentation

Travelers are responsible for:

• Valid passport

• Entry requirements

• Flights to Ushuaia

• Required insurance

• Dive certifications (if applicable)

Agreement

By submitting a deposit, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Antarctica expeditions require planning far in advance due to limited ship capacity, permit restrictions, and high demand. Many Antarctic voyages sell out years before departure, which is why we are opening reservations early.

The benefit of planning ahead is that it makes this once-in-a-lifetime expedition more accessible and easier to budget for over time.

A deposit is required to reserve your cabin, and a structured payment plan will be available, allowing payments to be spread out over the months leading up to departure.

Rather than paying for the trip all at once, travelers can plan gradually while preparing for the adventure.

This extended timeline also allows time to:

• Monitor airfare pricing

• Plan vacation time

• Prepare dive gear if diving

• Budget comfortably for the expedition

• Coordinate travel logistics

Antarctica may feel like a distant dream — but with time, planning, and a payment plan, it becomes very real.