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Polar Diving

A surreal submersion into a frozen underwater world

The Waterproof Expeditions team has extensive experience in Polar Diving. Polar diving is no activity for the faint-hearted, it’s an adventure that challenges the very limits of human endurance and passion. 

The polar regions are often imagined as inhospitable, untouched and unexplored. Yet, beneath the waves lies a world teeming with life and unparalleled beauty. As divers descend into the freezing waters, they are greeted by a unique marine ecosystem that thrives in the cold. A delicate frozen world that only few will ever get to see.

Polar Diving Expeditions in Antarctica

Polar Diving Expeditions in the Arctic

Requirements for Polar Diving

Although polar diving is not considered “technical” diving, it is not suitable for beginners. The conditions and gear required to dive safely call for experience and training. It demands specialized cold‑water equipment, and a higher level of self-reliance because of the remote location.

  • You must be an experienced cold water diver with at least 30 accredited drysuit dives*.
  • You will have to show an internationally accepted diving certificate, diver’s log and a health statement from your doctor.
  • You will first perform a check dive to ensure your gear is set up correctly and for our dive master to approve your participation.
  • If our dive master feels that you don’t meet the requirements, they can exclude a diver from the program to ensure everyone’s safety.
  • All participants are diving at their own risk.

Polar Diving is possible on both ends of the planet, yet the Arctic and Antarctic offer totally different under water experiences. For more detailed information and questions about our expeditions or polar diving we’re happy to give you personal advice.

* this number might vary depending on the ship and operator.

Polar Snorkeling

If diving isn’t for you or you don’t meet the certification requirements, polar snorkeling is an excellent alternative! Snorkeling is an easy, rewarding way to experience the rich underwater world of the polar regions without needing an extensive amount of diving equipment.

About Polar Snorkeling

Impression

Imagine submerging into a world where time seems to stand still, where the vast expanse of blue is punctuated by colossal ice sculptures, and where the silence is so profound it’s almost musical. Polar Diving is not just an adventure, it’s an exciting journey into an underwater world that few have the privilege to witness. Every shimmering ice formation, every fleeting encounter with the elusive marine life, leaves an indelible impression, forever changing your perception of our planet’s polar regions.

Quote Image
Underwater photography by Göran Ehlmé
What does it take to create truly compelling underwater images? From mastering light to embracing harsh conditions, Göran Ehlmé shares his perspective on capturing powerful underwater moments and the inspiration he draws from some of the world’s most remote environments.

Read more

Ships

Spaces for Polar Diving are always limited. Only a select number of expedition ships offer the opportunity to go Polar Diving on a select number of voyages. You will go diving while other guests join the regular excursions. Diving in the polar regions is entirely weather and ice dependent, there is no fixed dive schedule. Dives are only conducted when conditions allow, including calm seas for safe zodiac operations, suitable ice conditions for access, acceptable visibility and currents, and when diving can be safely coordinated around wildlife activities and planned landings.

Expeditions for Polar Diving

Classic Svalbard Expedition

Includes Kayaking, Hiking & Photo Workshop

Travel duration: 8 days
Date: 19 Jun - 26 Jun 2026
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person

Classic Svalbard Expedition

Special South & East Svalbard voyage

Travel duration: 8 days
Date: 26 Jun - 03 Jul 2026
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 4150 per person
Greenland Iceberg

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World

Travel duration: 10 days
Date: 16 Aug - 25 Aug 2026
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 27 Dec - 14 Jan 2027
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 14250 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 07 Feb - 01 Mar 2027
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 36095 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Polar Circle Expedition Cruise

Cross the Antarctic Polar Circle

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 13 Feb - 07 Mar 2027
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 16100 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Cross the Antarctic Polar Circle

Travel duration: 13 days
Date: 28 Feb - 12 Mar 2027
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 20095 per person

Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!

Travel duration: 11 days
Date: 02 Mar - 12 Mar 2027
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 9100 per person
Polar Circle & Southern Lights

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Sail Below the Antarctic Circle

Travel duration: 13 days
Date: 06 Mar - 18 Mar 2027
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 10400 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!

Travel duration: 12 days
Date: 13 Mar - 24 Mar 2027
Ship: Sylvia Earle
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 16595 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!

Travel duration: 11 days
Date: 18 Mar - 28 Mar 2027
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 7350 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

All the highlights of the Southern Ocean!

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 05 Nov - 25 Nov 2027
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 14700 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 19 Dec - 06 Jan 2028
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 16550 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: up to 20% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 19 Dec - 10 Jan 2028
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 37995 per person

Weddell Sea Exploration

In Depth Exploration Cruise in the Weddell Sea!

Travel duration: 12 days
Date: 12 Feb - 23 Feb 2028
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 10500 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Cross the Antarctic Polar Circle!

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 15 Feb - 08 Mar 2028
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 18250 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Explore both the Weddell Sea & Polar Circle!

Travel duration: 15 days
Date: 23 Feb - 08 Mar 2028
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 11600 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!

Travel duration: 11 days
Date: 08 Mar - 18 Mar 2028
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 8300 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to 25% off!

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!

Travel duration: 12 days
Date: 12 Mar - 22 Mar 2028
Ship: Sylvia Earle
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 16195 per person

Classic Antarctica Expedition

Special Whale Watching Expedition!

Travel duration: 11 days
Date: 18 Mar - 28 Mar 2028
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 8300 per person

More info

Polar Diving is possible on both ends of the planet, yet the Arctic and Antarctic offer totally different under water experiences. For more detailed information and questions about our expeditions or polar diving we’re happy to give you personal advice.