• Dates: March 18–28, 2027

• Duration: 10 nights

• Vessel: M/V Ortelius (ice-strengthened UL1, 1A class)

• Guests: 108 maximum (up to 24 divers)

• Dives: Up to 12 dives (Days 4–8)

• Leader: Rob Leslie (RJ)

• Partner: Oceanwide Expeditions

• Departure Port: Ushuaia, Argentina

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water + 30 logged cold-water drysuit dives

• Experienced divers looking to take cold-water diving to the next level

• Adventure travelers and photographers seeking unmatched polar scenery

• Couples or friends — one diver, one non-diver — who want to share the same voyage with tailored experiences

Originally built in 1989 as the Marina Svetaeva for the Russian Academy of Science, the M/V Ortelius was later re-flagged and renamed for cartographer Abraham Ortelius.

• Highest ice-class rating (UL1 / 1A) for navigating solid and loose pack ice

• Accommodates 108 passengers with private cabins, restaurant, bar, and observation lounge

• Staff includes 24 nautical crew, 20 hotel crew, 8 expedition guides, and 1 doctor

• Designed for exploration with wide open decks and Zodiac launch capabilities

Packing Tip:
Keep your parka close in case the crew calls out “Whales!” so you can step outside quickly. Dress in layers, as it is warm indoors but cold on deck.

Day 1:Ushuaia Embarkation – Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and sail the Beagle Channel.
Days 2–3:Crossing the Drake Passage – Experience seabirds, whales, and the Antarctic Convergence.
Days 4–8:Antarctic Peninsula Exploration – Daily Zodiac landings and dives at sites that may include:

• Neko Harbour

• Paradise Bay

• Danco Island

• Pléneau and Petermann Islands

• Port Lockroy (museum and post office)

• Wilhelmina Bay

• Charlotte Bay

• Melchior Islands

• Lemaire Channel (ice and weather dependent)
  Diving days are typically within this window.
  Days 9–10:Return via the Drake Passage – Enjoy recap programming and familiar wildlife.
  Day 11:Disembarkation in Ushuaia – Group transfer to the airport.

Please note: Land arrangements for this trip are still being finalized. The itinerary below reflects the confirmed portions of the journey and will be updated as additional details are booked.

• Up to 12 dives during Days 4–8 (weather and ice dependent)

• First dive is a checkout dive for weighting and gear testing

• Depths typically less than 65 feet

• Zodiac entries, 6:1 diver-to-guide ratio

• Encounters may include leopard seals, penguins, sea butterflies, dogfish, sea squirts, and anemones

• The interplay of ice, light, and water creates spectacular visibility and photo opportunities

Preparation:
Scuba Center will assist each diver with cold-water readiness. RJ will also offer local dive opportunities during the 2026 season to help participants meet drysuit experience requirements.

• Twin Porthole Cabin (Diver): $10,480 per person (ppdo)

• Twin Porthole Cabin (Non-Diver): $9,600 per person (ppdo)
  Prices include a 3% discount for cash or check payments.

Deposit: $2,000 non-refundable per person

Trip pricing is based on confirmed components at this time. As additional land arrangements are finalized, pricing will be updated accordingly.

• All meals aboard the vessel with coffee, tea, and snacks

• All shore excursions and Zodiac activities

• Lectures and presentations by naturalists and expedition guides

• Use of rubber boots and snowshoes

• Up to 12 dives for dive-package guests (tanks and weights provided)

• Luggage transfer and Ushuaia group transfers

• Port fees, taxes, and pre-departure materials

• Airfare and pre/post hotels

• Passport, visa, and arrival/departure taxes

• Insurance (baggage, cancellation, personal — highly recommended)

• Crew gratuities (guidelines provided)

• Personal expenses (bar, internet, rentals, optional tours, etc.)

• PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent)

• Minimum 30 logged cold-water drysuit dives

• Scuba certification card and proof of insurance

• DAN membership strongly recommended

• Passport required for travel