One of the most remote and challenging dive destinations in the world, Antarctica’s surreal, ice-filled ocean beckons only the most intrepid scuba enthusiasts. But no one ever said submerging in freezing water has to be a chore. With Aurora Expeditions, a carbon-neutral, small-ship cruise line that has been operating polar diving expeditions for more than 20 years, exploration and luxury go hand in hand.

Into the Ice

Nothing is guaranteed when you dive in Antarctica, but spontaneity and adventure are half of the fun. The world’s southernmost diving destination offers the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with charismatic wildlife that you can’t find anywhere else on earth. Try—and inevitably fail—to keep up with penguins “flying” underwater and play with frisky fur and Weddell seals.

While intentionally jumping in with leopard seals is forbidden, nothing stops curious juveniles from zipping by.

Travel late in the season for a mega bonus: humpback whales. Happy and full from months of feeding on krill, the whales are their most energetic, giving divers and snorkelers the best chance of a close encounter. On one outing, we opted to skip our dive to swim alongside an especially inquisitive adult, who rolled and spun next to us for nearly an hour like an oversized puppy.

Still, the majority of the dives—from whaling shipwrecks to kelp forests—are about admiring Antarctica’s subtle, enigmatic beauty. How many people can say they have marveled at the underbellies of icebergs, sculpted like modern art by the ocean’s currents? Roughly half of the marine life is endemic, adapted to the extreme environment. Fin past towering cliffs covered with vibrant, alien critters including seastars, giant isopods, feathery peacock worms and soft corals while ethereal sea butterflies float nearby. No dive will go beyond 65 feet; in this land of quiet drama, that’s more than enough to appreciate the little things.

Exploring the World While Protecting It

Some scientists have become concerned about the carbon footprint of Antarctica tourism—but not all cruises are created equal. A certified B Corporation, Aurora Expeditions strives to give access to remote destinations without compromising our responsibility toward the natural world. In addition to offsetting its carbon emissions, Aurora’s ships feature cutting-edge, sustainable technology, including an inverted, energy-efficient bow and dynamic anchoring system that allows the ships to remain in a set position without a physical anchor, minimizing harm to delicate seabeds.

Thanks to a passionate Expedition Team that highlights conservation at every turn, voyages emphasize the importance of protecting Antarctica’s pristine ecosystem. Observe crabeater seals with one of the world’s foremost experts, attend an education lecture on global warming, and gather crucial microplastics data as part of the Citizen Science Program.

The first cruise operator in the world to offer scuba diving, Aurora Expeditions embraces a “get out amongst it” philosophy when it comes to exploring Antarctica. Surely, the best way to immerse yourself in adventure is to dive right in.

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Drysuit Diving

Need to Know Diving Antarctica

When to Go

Aurora sails to Antarctica from November to March and offers scuba diving on a handful of expeditions every year.

Conditions

Water temperature varies from 28 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Because ice conditions and weather change quickly in Antarctica, good visibility is a bit of a lottery; expect anything from 20 to 100 feet.

Topside Fun

You’re there to dive, sure, but don’t miss the ship’s scheduled excursions if you decide to pass on one of the two dives offered each day. Cruise through pack ice in search of leopard seals and orcas, marvel at bustling penguin colonies, and visit historic whaling stations and military bases. On board, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about everything from icebergs to seabirds from Expedition Leaders, many of whom are top scientists in their field.

Certifications/Requirements

You must be an Advanced Open Water and Drysuit Specialty certified diver with at least 30 drysuit dives and a minimum of 10 dives within 12 months before your trip (five of these must be in a drysuit). In practice, more experience is recommended. Before departure you will be required to send in your credentials, logbook and medical information confirming you’re able to participate.

Gear

Forget packing light. For safety purposes, Antarctica is not the place to test out new equipment. Aurora provides nothing aside from tanks and weights. In addition to your regular gear, bring a drysuit, 7 or 10mm hood, wet or dry gloves, a load of undergarments and two separate freeze-protected regulators. To match the “H” valve system on board and reduce the risk of free-flow, you will need two first stages, two second stages, a drysuit inflation hose, a BCD inflation hose and a submersible pressure gauge. Aurora’s dive team strongly recommends DIN regulators.

Pricing

For the upcoming 2026 season, a 14-day Antarctic Explorer cruise costs $14,996 per person twin share. This includes onboard accommodation, one night hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas, airport transfers, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, beer/wine with dinner, shore excursions, Zodiac cruises, educational lectures and a charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in Antarctica. (Yes, you get to skip the dreaded Drake Passage one way). Scuba diving costs an additional charge of $1,295 per person.

Ship Length

341 feet

Passenger-to-Staff Ratio

Approximately 7:1 on board. Dive Zodiacs are 1:3.

Staterooms/Beds

A serious upgrade from your typical liveaboard, Aurora’s luxurious staterooms boast heated bathroom floors, televisions loaded with entertainment, balconies and cozy beds. Douglas Mawson is the first of Aurora's ships to have dedicated solo staterooms, though they will be added to the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle in 2026.

Amenities

The wellness area is also equipped with a massage room, sauna, gym, heated outdoor pool and jacuzzis. Getting into your drysuit is as easy as it will ever be thanks to the spacious mudroom, while the library provides a welcoming spot to download photos. Learn more about the extraordinary world you’re exploring in the lecture theatre and Citizen Science Center. And if you forgot your binoculars, you can pick some up in the gift shop.

Food and Drink

You’ll work up an appetite in Antarctic waters and thankfully, Aurora’s chefs have come well-prepared. Share stories with your fellow travelers at the bars or main restaurant, which serves an extensive, hearty international buffet at breakfast and lunch, and switches to a la carte options for dinner. A more formal reservation-only steakhouse boasts panoramic views from the top of the ship. All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included during the voyage. Beer and house wine are complementary at dinner.