Liveaboard around Antartica

Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide  comfortable accommodation for 56 passengers.A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring.This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength manoeuvrability and small number of cabins.  All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice-navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.

The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is  attended by Russian stewardesses. Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is our most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and  uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.

Auroras divers have explored quite a bit of Antarctic underwater territory in recent seasons. They have recorded some extraordinary sites and are keen to revisit in addition to making new discoveries. To participate in the diving you will need to have done at least 20 dives in a dry suit.  Two or three  dive days are aimed for in  Antarctica.

Ice and Weather

The itinerary in Antarctica is always weather and ice dependent.  Ice isn’t static but is always in motion and pack ice movement often forces the change in the sailing schedule.  It is also possible that certain bays or fjords are closed because of ice.  In this case the  itinerary will be altered accordingly. When changing the itinerary, we can assure you that the Captain, Expedition Leader and the Divemaster will provide a program that corresponds with the character of the expedition.The main problem is that there are so many great places to visit it’s hard to know which are the best at the time! These diving voyages are true expeditions. Each dive will be a surprising event and you will be exploring new and never-before-dived places.Each dive site will vary according to conditions and accessibility, but will surely offer a unique and exiting experience.

Divemaster/Dive-Guide

The Divemaster on board the Polar Pioneer is Henrik Lovendahl.  An assistant dive guide may accompany him and a marine biologist  is also on board.

Medical Facilities

The Polar Pioneer has a medical doctor and a clinic equipped to treat most minor illnesses and injuries, and has basic resuscitation facilities. There is no recompression chamber on the ship and should one be required evacuation back to South America may need to be arranged.

Safety First!!

Scuba diving in Antarctica is no more dangerous than normal scuba diving as long as you stick to one basic but very important rule: Safety First. The is no have access to a recompression chamber in  Antarctica therefore they cannot accept risky   ventures from any of our divers and all dives are  limited to a maximum depth of 20 meters/66 feet. Diving under fixed sea-ice is not permitted, unless assessed as safe by the divemaster.  You are asked to remain with the group at all times and to adhere to all normal   Standard Safe Diving Practices.  We cannot emphasise enough the  importance of following the Divemaster's safety rules at all times, and of sticking to the dive plan.