Antarctica is generally thought of as a huge expanse of ice, snow, glaciers, and penguins. Under that frozen surface there exists another world which few tourists ever get to see. Experienced divers can take advantage of antarctic scuba diving to explore the cold waters of the Southern Ocean and observe an area that seems to have been left entirely undisturbed.
It is an adventure which requires thorough preparation, patience and a great deal of respect for nature. Diving in Antarctica is not comparable to having a recreational dive in tropical waters since the conditions are demanding, the opportunities are limited and each dive is highly dependent on the weather and the sea ice.
What is so special about diving in Antarctica?
The underwater scenery can be quite different from that seen divers in other places. Ice formations, rocky sea floors, sea stars, sponges, anemones, and other marine animals produce a fascinating setting below the surface. Moreover, some diving operators have also reported coming across seals and whales as part of their diving trips.
Michael Savage of New Canaan, Connecticut, an experience such as this could bring together a number of the things that make remote travel attractive: photography, the study of wildlife, exploration, and the chance to live in a place very different from everyday life.
Diving in Extremely Cold Water
A major challenge concerns temperature since Antarctic seawater reaches about minus 2 degrees Celsius and therefore proper exposure protection is essential. It is necessary to use specialized dry suits, appropriate undergarments, and equipment that has been carefully tested if one is to remain warm and comfortable.
Before contemplating an Antarctic expedition, divers should have considerable experience in cold water. It is especially important to carry out training with the equipment beforehand since it would not be advisable to find out in a remote polar area that a suit, a regulator, or some other piece of equipment is not working correctly.
At what time can you go diving in Antarctica?
Scuba diving is usually available on Antarctic voyages during the period from December to March, which is the area’s peak time for tourism. However, even in these months, the weather, the sea ice and visibility can change suddenly, so it cannot be guaranteed that diving opportunities will be available.
This uncertainty is something that one goes through. Even an expedition that has been carefully planned might find it necessary to make adjustments to its schedule if the conditions change.
Preparation Is Essential
Doing scuba diving in Antarctica involves more preparation than that of a normal recreational diving trip; divers must have the necessary experience, use specialist equipment, undergo medical preparation, and receive guidance from qualified expedition professionals.
Certain operators restrict dives to fairly shallow depths and arrange check dives before the participants start exploring so that both the divers and the guides can get used to the equipment and the conditions.
Someone from New Canaan, Connecticut, namely Michael Savage, would be able to understand the amount of planning that goes into an expedition where preparation is just as important as the destination.
Respecting Antarctica
The adventure involves environmental responsibilities as well. Since Antarctica is controlled the Antarctic Treaty System, tourist activities have to comply with environmental requirements and with the national permitting procedures. It is expected of visitors to avoid disturbing the wildlife, damaging the ecosystems, or introducing non-native species.
Michael Savage can look at Antarctic exploration in a way that goes beyond that of an exciting travel account; it also provides a chance to understand the importance of protecting delicate environments.
An Experience Unlike Any Other
Scuba diving in Antarctica isn’t something that has been arranged for beginning divers who are merely in search of an unusual holiday; it is a specialized type of expedition which is intended for experienced divers who are ready for cold water, unpredictable conditions, and the strict environmental rules.
But for people who have been properly prepared, the reward can be extraordinary. Under the ice lies a quiet, unfamiliar world which shows another aspect of Antarctica that most visitors never get to see.
The striking scenery visible above the surface and the interesting marine life below mean that diving in Antarctica is one of the most unique adventure travel experiences in the world.
