Dive deep in Antarctica
Embark on an adventure once reserved for intrepid polar explorers and experience the magnificent White Continent on – and below – the water.
The frozen continent has held humankind in thrall from the earliest days of polar exploration. As the modern world marches on, the wilds of Antarctica remain a bucket-list experience that is best had on water. From the mesmerising iridescent monuments of blue-tinged ice to the teeming wildlife of this protected wilderness, Antarctica remains the world’s last frontier, with its waters accessible by ship for only five months of the year (November through March). It’s a place that will spark even the most well-travelled imagination. These days, Antarctica can be explored as few people have seen it: under water at a depth of 300 metres, in a custombuilt submarine. Once the exclusive domain of scientists, the region’s big blue can now be experienced by adventure-seekers, thanks to Scenic’s (scenic.com.au) high-tech ocean-going pod, housed on board its luxury vessel Scenic Eclipse. Seating just six guests, Scenic Neptune is a front-row ticket to the mysteries of the icy deep, where you can thrill to the sight of curious leopard seals and penguins and wonder at the ethereal beauty of anemones, urchins and sea stars. The experience will reach another level later this year, when Crystal Cruises (crystalcruises.com.au) launches Crystal Endeavor. The most spacious purpose-built polar-class expedition yacht in the world, it will come complete with 18 electric Zodiacs, a seven-seater submarine and a remotely operated vehicle, believed to be the most technically advanced underwater scooter of its kind. However, in true adventuring spirit, it’s the journey that makes a trip to
this captivating place so unforgettable. Cruising the Southern Ocean – home to a diverse range of marine mammals – is as integral to the Antarctic experience as its moving galleries of ice sculptures, epic glaciers and chattering colonies of penguins and seabirds that inhabit this pristine environment. The twoday crossing of the notoriously rough Drake Passage remains a boast-worthy achievement, while the moody hues of the Antarctic Peninsula are a lesson in abstract Impressionism. This adventure-filled journey is undertaken in modern style with Silversea Cruises (silversea.com.au). Its Silver Cloud, recently refurbished as a luxury polar expedition vessel, comes equipped with a brand-new fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks for exploring polar waters, along with personal butlers adept at mixing the perfect pre-dinner Martini in your suite.