Toucan Dive – Antarctica: Polar Circle Deep South Discovery Voyage

March 7–20, 2028 | Ushuaia → Polar Circle → Deep South

Toucan Dive is heading to one of the most remote, awe inspiring, and wildlife rich destinations on Earth—Antarctica and the Polar Circle. This 12 night expedition takes you farther south than most Antarctic itineraries, crossing the Polar Circle and exploring iceberg laden channels, towering glaciers, and wildlife packed islands at the height of late summer activity.

This is a rare chance to dive, hike, and Zodiac cruise through regions traveled by humpback, minke, and fin whales, surrounded by penguin colonies, leopard seals, and dramatic Antarctic landscapes. Experienced expedition guides, naturalists, and dive leaders bring every landing and every Zodiac cruise to life with expert knowledge and careful safety briefings.

What You’ll Experience

• Crossing the Drake Passage — Follow the path of historic polar explorers while spotting wandering albatrosses, storm petrels, fulmars, and other iconic seabirds.

• Late Summer Wildlife Peak — Humpbacks feeding heavily on krill, penguin chicks fledging, and leopard seals patrolling the beaches.

• Signature Landing Sites

  • Livingston Island (Hannah Point) — Gentoo & chinstrap penguins, giant petrels, and elephant seals.

  • Deception Island — A flooded volcanic caldera with historic whaling ruins and nesting storm petrels.

  • Cuverville Island — One of the largest gentoo penguin colonies in the region.

  • Neko Harbour — A chance to step onto the Antarctic continent amid towering glaciers.

  • Paradise Bay — Zodiac cruising among icebergs with excellent whale watching potential.

  • Pléneau & Petermann Islands — Adélie penguins, blue eyed shags, and frequent whale encounters.

  • Crystal Sound & Detaille Island — Remote, ice packed waters south of the Circle with dramatic scenery.

  • Fish Islands — One of the southernmost Adélie penguin colonies.

  • Melchior Islands — Icebergs, leopard seals, crabeater seals, and superb diving conditions.

Diving

Cold water and dry suit experience (minimum 30 dives) is required. Expect iceberg filled waters, encounters with seals and penguins, and surreal under ice topography. This is one of the most unique dive environments on the planet.

Trip Inclusions

• One night in a local Ushuaia hotel before embarkation

• Transfer from hotel to the ship on departure day

• 12 night expedition 

• All onboard meals, snacks, coffee & tea

• All Zodiac excursions and shore landings

• Expedition staff, naturalist lectures, and guided activities

• Use of rubber boots & snowshoes

• Luggage transfer to the vessel on embarkation day

• Group transfer to Ushuaia airport after disembarkation

• Up to 2 dives per stop in Antartica.  Participants will have the daily option of doing the non-diving experience or scuba diving that day.

Not Included

• Airfare (each participant books their own travel)

• Passport/visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses

• Alcohol, laundry, telecommunications

• Gratuities for ship staff

Booking & Pricing

 A deposit secures your spot, with full details and payment schedule provided at booking.  Total cost is approximately $15,000 based on double occupancy.

Why This Trip Is Special

This is not just an Antarctic cruise—it’s a deep south expedition that pushes beyond the typical peninsula route, crossing the Polar Circle and exploring rarely visited islands and channels. Wildlife is at its most active, the landscapes are at their most dramatic, and the experience is unlike anything else Toucan Dive has offered.

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving or exploring the farthest reaches of the planet, this is the year to make it happen.