Exploring Antarctica: A 22-Day Polar Diving and Wildlife Adventure

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Scuba.com is partnering to book this trip with Jeff Bozanic. This trip is hosted by Oceanwide Expeditions.

Trip Dates

February 16th - March 9th, 2026

Duration

22 days on board the Plancius Vessel hosted by Oceanwide Expeditions

This trip is ideal for advanced scuba divers looking to explore Antarctica's pristine ocean habitat and reclusive marine life. It is also the perfect choice for bucket list photography of Antarctica's stunning glaciers and unique wildlife.

About

This is the trip of a lifetime! Join Jeff Bozanic onboard passenger vessel Plancius, hosted by Oceanwide Expeditions, to visit parts of the planet that few ever get to see. Explore the dynamic environment of Antarctica and observe a wild diversity of life, all while traveling aboard an ice-strengthened vessel mastered by an experienced Captain and crew. The 22-day trip will begin and end in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Destinations will include the Falkland Islands, Shag Rocks, South Georgia Island, South Shetland Islands, and of course Antarctica. Activities will include hiking, wildlife and nature viewing, birding, whale watching, and many others. Optional activities include scuba diving, kayaking and camping.

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About Jeff Bozanic

Jeffrey Bozanic is a technical diving instructor and research scientist. Based in southern California, Jeff is the President of Next Generation Services. Specializing in rebreather use, he is probably best known for his seminal textbook on the topic, Mastering Rebreathers. From 1989-1992 he oversaw scientific diving operations in Antarctica as part of the U.S. Antarctic Program, including co-authoring the Antarctic Scientific Diving Manual. He specializes in studying extreme environments, including submerged caves, under ice, and deep diving.

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Location Highlights

Falkland Islands: This archipelago is renowned for its abundant seabird colonies, including charismatic penguins such as the Magellanic, rockhopper, and king penguins. You will explore pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and vast open spaces, encountering seals, sea lions, and orcas along the way. Stanley, the capital, presents a charming blend of British colonial architecture and local culture, featuring museums, historic sites, and a warm island welcome.

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Shag Rocks: Shag Rocks, a remote and captivating group of rocky islets, rise dramatically from the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean, they lie approximately 150 miles west of South Georgia Island. Named after the imperial shags, a species of seabird that populates the area, these rugged, wave-lashed rocks create a surreal and awe-inspiring seascape. Standing alone in the open ocean, the Shag Rocks serve as an essential habitat for many seabirds, including shags, albatross, and other species.

This expedition offers a unique opportunity to visit this remote location. You will spend several days birding and photographing the forbidding cliffs.

In addition, for the scuba divers aboard, you will attempt to dive the rocks. There is no record of anyone ever having been scuba diving here before, so this is truly a record setting trip.

Diving at Shag Rocks requires experience and preparation due to the cold temperatures, strong currents, and unpredictable weather. Expedition leaders and dive supervisors will assess both conditions and demonstrated dive skills before allowing any given individual to dive. There are no guarantees that, even if you are a diver on the trip, that the weather and sea state will allow diving, or that you will be permitted to dive here.

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South Georgia Island: South Georgia Island, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, is a mesmerizing destination boasting stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. One of the primary attractions is the abundant wildlife, including vast colonies of king penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals that inhabit its rugged shores. Grytviken, a former whaling station, offers a glimpse into the island's rich maritime history with its well-preserved whaling artifacts and the grave of the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The island is also home to towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks, creating a dramatic backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. For those seeking adventure, the island offers opportunities for hiking through breathtaking landscapes, providing an up-close experience with the diverse and pristine environment. South Georgia Island truly offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience in the remote Southern Ocean.

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Antarctica and South Shetland Islands: The Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of awe-inspiring beauty, presents a kaleidoscope of natural wonders for intrepid travelers. This icy wilderness is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, from bustling penguin colonies (Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo) to lazing seals (Weddell, leopard, and crabeater) dotting the shores. The iconic Lemaire Channel, aptly named the "Kodak Gap," enchants photographers with towering icy cliffs, while historic sites like Port Lockroy showcase the region's scientific legacy. Deception Island's volcanic caldera offers a surreal black-sand landscape, and Cuverville Island boasts a vast gentoo penguin habitat against a backdrop of glaciers. Paradise Harbor's serene bay and Neko Harbor's towering glaciers provide stunning panoramas, while Danco Island and its wildlife-rich surroundings beckon exploration. Amidst this frozen wilderness, research stations and scientific outposts offer a glimpse into ongoing studies, making a journey to the Antarctic Peninsula an unforgettable odyssey into Earth's last frontier.

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Travel Itinerary:

• (Day 1) February 16: Board Plancius in Ushuaia, Argentina • (Day 2) February 17: At Sea • (Day 3) February 18: Falkland Islands • (Day 4) February 19: Falkland Islands • (Day 5) February 20: At Sea • (Day 6) February 21: At Sea + Shag Rocks • (Day 7) February 22: Shag Rocks • (Day 8) February 23: Shag Rocks • (Day 9) February 24: At Sea • (Day 10) February 25: South Georgia Island • (Day 11) February 26: South Georgia Island • (Day 12) February 27: South Georgia Island • (Day 13) February 28: South Georgia Island • (Day 14) March 1: At Sea • (Day 15) March 2: At Sea • (Day 16) March 3: Antarctic Peninsula • (Day 17) March 4: Antarctic Peninsula • (Day 18) March 5: Antarctic Peninsula • (Day 19) March 6: Antarctic Peninsula • (Day 20) March 7: At Sea • (Day 21) March 8: At Sea • (Day 22) March 9: Return to Ushuaia, Argentina (morning)

What's Included?

• 22 nights accommodation onboard Plancius • Shore & zodiac excursions • Hiking • Glacier travel • Rubber boots • All shipboard guiding fees • All meals on board the vessel • Tanks & weights (if diving) Add on: Scuba diving experience: $1,450* Camping: $250* Kayaking: $250*

What's Not Included?

• Flights • Airport transfers • Hotels • Departure taxes • Alcoholic drinks • Personal expenses • Food on shore • Land based tours • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Dive equipment (other than tanks and weights) • Dive insurance (mandatory if diving) • Personal clothing

Pricing & Accommodation Options:

Quadruple Porthole: $18,375 4 bunks, 1 porthole, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flat screen TV, snug but adequate space

Twin Porthole: $22,375 2 Lower berths, 1 porthole, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flat screen TV, adequate space

Twin Window: $23,375 2 Lower berths, 1 larger window, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flat screen TV, adequate space

Deluxe Twin Window $24,775 2 Lower berths, 2 windows with a corner view, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flat screen TV, additional space

Superior: $26,375 1 Double bed, 1 sofa bed, 1 or 2 windows, private shower & toilet, desk & chair, flat screen TV, refrigerator, coffee & tea maker, additional space

Read More about the vessel here: View Ship Details_Plancius.pdf

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Getting There

Boarding takes place at 3pm on February 16th in Ushuaia, Argentina. It is recommended that guests arrive in Ushuaia 2 days prior to boarding. Once the ship leaves port on the day of departure it will not return for any passengers that missed boarding.

Notes

*Scuba diving will be available, but the number of divers is extremely limited. You will need to have completed at least 30 drysuit dives. Cylinders and weights are included; you provide all other equipment. We cannot guarantee a particular number of dives, as diving is extremely weather dependent.

*Camping: Add to your adventure by spending a night camping in Antarctica! Sleeping bags and gear provided. Very limited space, so reserve early!

*Kayaking: How many people can say they have kayaked around the ice in Antarctica? Experience the wildlife and icebergs from a unique perspective during a morning or afternoon paddle. No prior experience is necessary, but you must be in reasonable physical condition. Equipment will be provided. Limited space.