Join Dirty Dozen Expeditions onboard the M/V Plancius, as we explore the Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula, passing through waters travelled by humpback, minke, and fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters.

Diving (recreational single-tank only) is an optional activity. Experience with cold-water diving and dry-suit dives (at least 30) is a must! Diving is subject to local ice and weather conditions.

Please Note: This itinerary is for guidance only. The program may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed for our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Reserve your spot for only 500USD. Remaining deposit will be due 01.01.2027

Watch our presentation about Antartica on Youtube on this link : (coming soon)

Few destinations on Earth demand as much of you as Antarctica. The landscape is vast, the weather is uncompromising, and the wildlife rules supreme. An Antarctica expedition puts you in the middle of an epic story, aboard a small vessel built to go further, see more, and experience something truly remarkable at the edges of the map.

No two days follow the same pattern. Ice conditions, weather, and wildlife shape each outing, and that unpredictability is precisely what makes Antarctic expedition trips feel like genuine exploration rather than a guided tour. Mornings might begin with a Zodiac cruise along a glacier face, where ice calves into the sea with booms echoing like cannon fire across the bay. Afternoons could take you ashore on the Antarctica Peninsular, hiking across terrain few people have ever walked. Our expedition staff monitor conditions continuously and adapt the programme accordingly. Every site visit, every route, every outing is shaped by the conditions and opportunities each day presents.

Activities extend well beyond landings. Diving puts you at water level, moving quietly through channels flanked by ice. Hiking opens routes to high ground with panoramic views across the Southern Ocean. Photography, wildlife observation, and guided lectures round out a program built for those who want to engage, not just observe.

Antarctica’s dazzling icecaps, colossal glaciers, and towering mountains are rivalled only by the white-sand beaches and lush flora of the sub-Antarctic islands. Both areas host a large variety of penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds.

Our Antarctic dive program is similar to our Arctic program. We dive from our Zodiacs, exploring ice walls, marine life, and sometimes shipwrecks at shallow depths (around 20 meters / 65 feet). During these dives, you may observe penguins, fur seals, and perhaps even leopard seals. Many of the sub-Antarctic islands are also rich with krill, one of the prime food sources for many marine species and therefore highly useful in locating wildlife.

Experience and participation

Polar diving is intended for experienced divers, not beginners. Participants should have at least 30 logged cold-water dry-suit dives and must submit an internationally accepted diving certification before departure. The dive team reviews diver credentials and may refuse participation if it is not satisfied that a person has the required knowledge, experience, or attitude. Refusal on these grounds does not entitle the participant to a refund of the trip or diving supplement.

Environmental Conditions

The water temperature in polar diving areas is around freezing. Divers should therefore be properly trained and equipped for cold-water dry-suit diving. Maximum dive depths are approximately 20 metres (65 feet). Actual dive plans depend on the site, conditions, and the dive leader’s safety assessment.

We aim to schedule one or two dives per day, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is an aim rather than a guarantee: weather, sea ice, local conditions, and overall safety may change or cancel planned dives. Dives are not guaranteed, and missed dives caused by safety conditions are not grounds for claims or reimbursement.

Currents and the possibility of drift diving are site- and condition-dependent. Divers should follow the briefing and the dive team’s instructions for each location rather than assume that conditions will be the same from one dive to the next. Underwater visibility varies with location and conditions, so a single visibility figure should not be treated as guaranteed. Check the briefing for the planned dive site and be prepared for changing visibility in polar waters.

Groups and guiding

Polar diving is led by a dive master and a team of qualified, experienced dive guides. The team will include one dive master and two to three dive guides, with English as the main language of the dive operation unless otherwise stated for the voyage. Follow the team’s briefings and instructions throughout each operation.

All dives use a buddy system. Divers may pair themselves where possible; staff help match anyone who does not have a buddy, taking account of experience, interests, and preferred dive duration. Dive leaders and guides may remain on the surface rather than accompany divers underwater, so participants must be capable of monitoring their compass and depth gauge and looking after one another. If an uneven number of divers makes pairing difficult and a three-person team is not feasible, a guide may join the dive.

The voyage begins with a check dive so participants can acclimatise to the cold water, test their equipment, and establish the amount of weight they need. Before each dive, the team briefs divers on the location, weather, ice conditions, and dive procedures.

Divers are expected to prepare their equipment well ahead of each dive. Participants may need to carry their own equipment into and out of the Zodiacs and sometimes up or down the ship’s gangway. Plan for these physical tasks and keep equipment organised so that transfers can be completed safely.

There are no dive shops in Ushuaia or the Antarctic for the purchase of diving equipment, spares, or rental equipment. The boat does not have rental equipment available, so it is essential that you bring as many spares as possible so you do not miss any dives. If you service your equipment before coming to the Antarctic, please use it a couple times before traveling to ensure there are no problems.

Dive Equipment

Scuba cylinders/tanks, a compressor for refilling cylinders, weights, and weight belts are available onboard. Cylinders are steel 12-litre cylinders with DIN valves and a Y-valve (the ability to connect two regulators that can be isolated independently in the event of a free-flow or malfunction). DIN is the recommended connection type; DIN inserts are available on board.

Divers must bring their own personal diving gear. New equipment should be used on at least four or five dives before the expedition, allowing the diver to check fit and function and fine-tune buoyancy, trim, and weighting. Divers should also bring suitable spare parts for regulators and dry suits in case of leakage or damage.

Because water temperatures are around freezing, suitable cold-water protection is essential. Divers should confirm the recommended glove system for their own dry suit.

The boats cylinders allow for two independently isolatable regulators, providing a way to isolate one regulator if a free-flow or malfunction occurs. The ship’s cylinders use DIN valves, which the operator recommends, and DIN inserts are available. Divers should plan to bring 2 independent regulator set-ups, each with a first stage, second stage, and SPG. Regulators should be fully cold-water compatible.

There are no M26 valves or adapters onboard, you must bring your own.

All dives will be air dives. Nitrox is not available onboard.

Landing Equipment

Bring warm, windproof clothing that can be added or removed in layers. Several medium-weight layers generally provide better insulation and temperature control than one very heavy garment because warm air is trapped between layers. Wool, silk, and suitable modern synthetic fibres retain heat well. Guests who are not correctly dressed may not be allowed to leave the vessel.

For Zodiac transfers to shore, you must wear a fully waterproof jacket and trousers with a minimum 15,000 mm waterproof rating. High rubber boots are also required. Recommended items include sweaters and a fleece jacket, mittens and gloves, a woollen cap, warm socks, thermal underwear, a waterproof backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, binoculars, and a camera with plenty of memory cards or film. T-shirts can be useful as base layers, and ski poles may help if you plan to snowshoe. Rubber boots are provided onboard. A down jacket can make time on the ice, including near penguin colonies, more comfortable.

Zodiac rides expose passengers to wind and water spray, so clothing should keep you dry as well as warm. Wear waterproof outer garments, keep your hands and feet dry, wear a hat, and use comfortable, loose layers that allow you to adjust your temperature. Protect electronics from splashes with a waterproof bag or protective case.

Boots should be waterproof, warm, comfortable, close to knee-high, and fitted with a sturdy, non-slip sole. These will be provided onboard.

We recommend buying excursion-appropriate clothing from specialist expedition or outdoor shops in your own country. Expedition clothing can also be rented from New Headings, an outdoor equipment shop in Ushuaia. Please contact us for further details.

Medical Treatment

There is a doctor onboard as part of the cruise staff as well as a basic infirmary equipped to provide first-aid assistance for small injuries. If you feel sick or uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to consult the doctor. If you take special medication or are allergic to any medication, please inform us well in advance of your trip. In case of emergencies, please contact the ship’s doctor.

Diving in the remote polar regions is no more dangerous than normal scuba diving as long as you follow one important rule: safety first. All divers looking for dangerous stunts or deep dives are asked to refrain from this activity. There are no decompression chambers in Antarctica or the Arctic, medical care is almost non-existent, and there is hardly any infrastructure. Although we have a doctor on board the vessel for first-aid assistance, we cannot accept risky ventures from any divers.

Seasickness

The Drake Passage can get turbulent, but it is occasionally a smooth crossing. It is best to assume that your crossing will be rough and pack accordingly. We highly recommend purchasing motion sickness medication if you are concerned about feeling seasick during your expedition voyage. This can be in the form of tablets and patches. Please ensure that all medication is packed in hand luggage and that you have a sufficient supply.

When on board, if you do feel seasick, our onboard doctor can provide any necessary support. While we do carry a limited stock of motion sickness medication, we ask you to bring your own supply, as this should only be used in an emergency. You can also minimize the risk of feeling seasick by adopting some best practices when the seas get rough. These include avoiding alcohol, smoking, or any foods that are spicy, fatty, or have strong odors. You can also keep to the lower decks of the vessel, where rocking will be less severe, fix your gaze on the horizon, or simply lie down.

However, not all of these remedies will work for everyone, so you have to decide what will help you based on your own experience.

Vaccinations

There are currently no pre-embarkation requirements relating to vaccinations. As part of our safety processes, we follow the guidance of the cruise industry and the requirements of the countries we visit. While there are currently no specific rules, requirements can change at any time. Please check requirements well ahead of your departure and also directly beforehand.

In event of passengers becoming unwell onboard we will follow a set protocol to keep that person and other guests, crew and staff safe and minimise potential spread of infections.

Dive Insurance

It is mandatory that our guests purchase dive and liveaboard-specific insurance according to their level of certification. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognized limits and follow our advice.

Click the following link for more information about our preferred insurance partner:

DiveAssure Insurance

Flights

This trip departs from Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Guests coming from the USA will typically fly via Buenos Aires (flight time approximately 9 - 13 hours), where there are several options for connecting flights to Ushuaia (flight time approximately 3 hours). Guests should be in Ushuaia on the first day of the trip ready to drop their luggage for transfer to the boat between 8 and 11.30am. Embarkation is between 4 and 5pm.

At the end of the trip a bus transfer will take guests from the pier to the airport. The bus leaves between 8.30 and 9am and guests should book a return flight after 12pm.

NOTE: We recommend arriving into Ushuaia 2-3 days early and we can assist with arranging a check-dive in the Beagle Channel to check that all your gear is in good working order before we depart for Antarctica. The expedition vessel does not carry spare diving equipment.

Visa

Antarctica does not require a traditional visa because no single nation owns or governs the continent. The Antarctic Treaty requires all visitors to hold a valid environmental permit and this will be arranged by the boat and is included in your expedition package.

You will need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) and potentially visas or electronic travel authorizations for the country you transit through or depart from—most commonly Argentina, Chile, South Africa, or Australia.

Food

We serve buffet-style breakfasts on board, and lunches are often buffets as well. Dinners include a choice of main courses, and these are served at the table. Water, coffee, and tea are served with all meals, free of charge. Other drinks are available at a reasonable price charged to your cabin account. There are snacks available free of charge. Ready-made soups, cookies, and crackers are available 24 hours per day.

There is always one vegetarian dish available per meal time. But while passengers eating meat and fish have a choice of three meals, there is only one vegetarian option, so please specify your preference so that we can ensure the vegetarian meal is to your liking. If possible, meals may be adjusted. Vegan meals may be available but MUST be requested in advance.

Please let us know if you have dietary requirements so that our chefs have time to prepare something special for you.

Mealtimes are announced on board and depend on the daily program. Normally, breakfast starts at 07:30, lunch at 12:30, and dinner at 19:00 (7pm).

Clothing

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck ― which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside in a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

Electricity

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. Tipping is a personal matter, and the amount you wish to give is at your sole discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 10 to 15 euros or US dollars per passenger per day. It is better for the crew if you give cash.

We have a non-smoking policy inside all our vessels, though you can smoke in certain designated areas. We ask that you please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

M/V Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/V Plancius is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

Perfect for any expedition

The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. M/V Plancius has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. M/V Plancius is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this.

The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. M/V Plancius is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Accommodation

M/V Plancius accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in

• 4 quadruple porthole cabins

• 9 twin porthole cabins

• 25 twin cabins with window

• 2 twin deluxe cabins

all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and

• 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters)

All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

Check out what previous guests had to say about their experiences with Dirty Dozen Expeditions.

Antti Apunen - Co-Founder of Divers Of The Dark and author behind “Diving Into The Unknown”

“The heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen has always been on the top of my must-dive-wrecks. It is one the biggest warhips to ever sail my home waters, the coast of Finland. Its legendary sortie with Bismarck is one those great naval war history stories that captivated me already as a small boy. When I was offered a chance to dive Prinz Eugen along wrecks with similarly amazing history, such as USSSaratoga and IJN Nagato, I didn't have to think twice. I had high expectations of this expedition as I had visited Truk with Dirty Dozen the year before.
There was no disappointment: The experience and service was complete five stars again. Aron Arngrimsson and the crew of Truk Master did an absolutely outstanding job to make my trip a memory for a lifetime. Their operations ran like a Swiss watch and covered all aspects of rebreather diving with expertise and safety. I can highly recommend the Dirty Dozen expeditions and Truk Master to anyone thinking about visiting Truk or Bikini for some serious wreck diving.

Join the Dirty Dozen. Now.”

Geoff Creighton - Underwater Cinematographer, Course Director, and CCR Instructor

"Successful diving expeditions at the highest level require great finesse in terms of the team involved and the logistics. The Dirty Dozen delivers exactly this, with access to a global fleet of vessels, where the onboard facilities and crews have been honed around years of experience in technical diving operations.
The trip is planned with a small and experienced group of divers - including special guests - allowing a collaborative atmosphere to develop before departure, with online messaging, and while onboard. Limiting the group to a dozen or so also makes for plenty of space on the boat for all the CCRs and camera gear!
There is something particularly satisfying about sipping a morning coffee on the dive deck of a fully- CCR equipped liveaboard, before casually gearing up and splashing into world-class wreck diving – avoiding all the rigmarole of a land-based operation.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Aron Arngrimsson for the last decade and know his passion for delivering the best possible experience for his guests on The Dirty Dozen trips. Having enjoyed Truk, Palau and Bikini in this way, I can highly recommend The Dirty Dozen for delivering your trip of a lifetime."

Don Labruzzo - CCR Instructor and Dirty Dozen Customer

Bikini 2023 - Don Labruzzo Video Testimonial

Illes Zidane - CCR Diver and Dirty Dozen Customer

Bikini 2023 - Iles Zidane Video Testimonial

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms

Booking a Dirty Dozen Expedition offers you a unique and unparalleled experience, distinct from conventional travel offerings. This exclusive expedition is meticulously crafted to cater to technical divers and dive teams, providing an extraordinary journey evolved from thousands of hours of wreck exploration.

At Dirty Dozen Expeditions we understand and respect the effort you will put into your trip of a lifetime, be it the funds and time spent on equipment and training or time away from family and work - we know how much it means to get your trip just right. We pride ourselves in providing first-hand knowledge and experience of technical diving in every destination we book, and so can offer you the very best advice and guidance on all aspects of your journey.

We believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, from direct access to company founder, Aron Arngrimsson, to making life-long friends as part of #teamdd. This is what you can expect from your Dirty Dozen Expedition:

• We are available by email or phone whenever you need to ask questions about your trip, from the moment you sign up until well after you return home;

• Our team have visited and dived all the destinations we book, so you are guaranteed the most accurate and experienced guidance;

• Solo travelers are welcomed and supported within our dive team culture, while established groups are given the freedom to dive and explore as they prefer;

• A Dirty Dozen Expeditions Leader onboard every trip will support and assist guests with daily expedition life;

• Safety is at the forefront of every expedition and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in the use of ’splash checklists’, gas management procedures, and other onboard safety protocols;

• We offer our customers a FREE Human Factors in Diving (Fundamentals) training course with every booking;

• The option to pre-pay for onboard consumables to avoid hefty bills at the end of your trip;

• Access to preferential Trip Insurance rates with our preferred partner, DiveAssure;

• Expedition members are invited to 2 team Zoom meetings before every expedition, one to
  assist with long-term planning and one to answer final queries shortly before departure;

• A team WhatsApp group is set up 12 months before each trip to support planning, answer
  questions, and develop teamwork and camaraderie in the run-up to the expedition;

• Many of our trips feature special guests, certification agencies, or manufacturers, giving you
  the opportunity to meet and dive with some industry greats!

• Every team member receives a complimentary expedition t-shirt and water bottle, as well as
  novelty stickers and postcards as a souvenir of your time with #teamdd;

• Many trips feature a photographer/videographer who will document your time onboard and underwater to provide long-lasting memories.

And this is all on top of the standard trip inclusions listed further down the page!

We believe in transparent pricing with as many inclusions as possible to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your trip. While our trip price may appear higher than some other operators, this should help you plan for the realistic costs of this type of dive expedition and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

We hope you agree that booking with Dirty Dozen Expeditions will provide you with an experience quite unlike any other, and that we are the premier choice when it comes to technical diving expeditions.

Your voyage begins where the world drops off. Ushuaia, Argentina, reputed to be the southernmost city on the planet, is located on the far southern tip of South America. Starting in the afternoon, you embark from this small resort town on Tierra del Fuego, nicknamed “The End of the World,” and sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening. 

Over the next two days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence – Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas – you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, light-mantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels, and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.

Options for Antarctic Peninsula activities are many, and no less great during the late summer. Humpback whales are prolific in this region, gorging themselves on krill before their migration north. The penguin chicks are also fledging, stirring up activity on the beaches while sleek leopard seals lie in wait, poised to attack the less fortunate ones.
 

Sites for your Antarctic adventures may include: 

Livingston Island – Here you find a wide variety of gentoo and chinstrap penguins on Hannah Point, as well as southern giant petrels and elephant seals hauling out onto the beach. 

Deception Island – Actually a subducted crater, this island opens into the sea and creates a natural harbor for the ship. An abandoned whaling station, and multiple bird species – cape petrels, kelp gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns – can be seen here. Wilson’s storm petrels and black-bellied storm petrels also nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. 

Cuverville Island – A small precipitous island nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and Rongé Island, Cuverville houses a large colony of gentoo penguins and breeding pairs of brown skuas. 

Neko Harbour – An epic landscape of mammoth glaciers and endless wind-carved snow, Neko Harbour offers opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing that afford the closest views of the surrounding alpine peaks. You might also be able to set foot on the continent here. 

Paradise Bay – You could take a Zodiac cruise in these sprawling, ice-flecked waters, where you have a good chance of seeing humpback and minke whales. 

Pléneau & Petermann Islands – If the ice allows it, you may sail through the Lemaire Channel in search of Adélie penguins and blue-eyed shags. There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter humpback and minke whales as well as leopard seals. 

Crystal Sound – Your journey takes you south along the Argentine Islands to this ice-packed body of water, and from here across the Polar Circle in the morning. 

Detaille Island – You may make a landing at an abandoned British research station here, taking in the island’s lofty mountains and imposing glaciers. 

Fish Islands – Further north you encounter one of the southernmost Adélie penguin and blue-eyed shag colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Melchior Islands – These islands offer a beautiful landscape rich with icebergs. Leopard seals, crabeater seals, and whales are found here, and there are excellent opportunities for diving. 

Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.