Paddling in Antarctica
Those who have paddled in Antarctica often call it the best part of their trip. Gliding silently in a kayak past snow and ice is an unmatched experience.
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5 reasons to take a submarine tour in Antarctica
- Plunging into polar waters reveals the hidden world beneath the icy surface – a captivating place teeming with rare Antarctic marine life
- You'll explore in a small group of just six people – three in each of the sub’s transparent orbs – for an intimate and immersive experience
- A highly trained pilot expertly will navigate you through the sea while narrating your epic descent, making sure of a safe and smooth journey
- With embroidered leather seats, a Bluetooth stereo, air conditioning and a champagne chiller, travelling by mini-sub is a luxurious experience
- The eco-friendly sub is battery powered and quiet, meaning it has minimal impact on the delicate polar environment
Sharon says
On my sub excursion, I experienced one of the greatest spectacles I’ve ever had while travelling: passing through an enormous swarm of krill. In that one awesome moment, it felt as if we were in the centre of a giant disco glitterball!
Sharon Taylor Sales Director
Exploring by submarine
Getting into the sub
An eerie glow from the submarine
A sub sinks into the sea
Launching the submarine
How do submarine tours of Antarctica work?
Exploring by submarine
Two of our partner cruise ships, the Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture, offer you the chance to explore beneath Antarctica’s surface by mini-submarine as an optional add-on activity. Each thrilling underwater session lasts approximately 45 minutes, plus transfer time to and from the submarine.
These excursions operate while other passengers take part in zodiac cruises and landings. As they require deep water to function, you'll take a zodiac ride from the ship to meet them.
A crew member will welcome you onto a platform and help you board the sub. You’ll enter through a hatch into a clear acrylic orb before the submarine descends into the ocean. Your pilot will narrate the journey and, once you arrive closer to the seabed, turn on the external lights to give you an unparalleled view. After the initial onboard briefing, your chairs will also rotate to face the windows for a full-frontal look at the underwater scenery.
After resurfacing, the team above will help you back into the zodiac for your return to the ship. The pressure inside the submarine is the same as on the surface, so you won't need to decompress like you do when scuba diving.
Who does a submarine trip in Antarctica suit?
Taking a submarine trip in Antarctica is ideal if you want to explore beneath the icy surface of the White Continent without getting cold and wet or needing any experience.
While scuba diving and snorkelling excursions offer the chance to explore polar waters, they're chillier endeavours and don’t allow you to reach the depths that these submarines can.
Getting into the sub
Is it safe to take a submarine trip in Antarctica?
An eerie glow from the submarine
Yes, travelling by submarine in Antarctica is a safe activity. Measures are put in place to make sure each excursion runs smoothly, including a comprehensive briefing to prepare you in advance.
The subs have multiple built-in failsafe mechanisms, including robotic manipulator arms allowing them to disentangle themselves. They can also drop ballast if needed.
The submarines are operated by highly trained pilots who maintain constant radio contact with the surface, giving real-time updates on depth and instrument readings.
In the extremely unlikely event that anything happens to the pilot, the sub will automatically rise to the surface if no buttons are pressed within a five-minute period. Likewise, if the sub hits a particular depth, it also automatically begins rising.
What will you see while travelling by mini-sub?
Exploring Antarctica by submarine offers a rare opportunity to drift through an ethereal, otherworldly landscape. The stunning contrast of light and darkness underwater left our team members who tested this activity in awe.
Just like wildlife encounters above the surface, no two submarine descents will be the same. The thrill comes in the time spent at the bottom – 45-minute dives mean you'll see more and more as your eyes become accustomed to the eerie light. Watch as sea stars creep across the floor and octopus or even jellyfish make a fleeting appearance. The seabed could also be littered with colourful sponges and you might spot sea spiders among the delicate coral.
A sub sinks into the sea
Antarctic voyages with submarine tours
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Soak up the Antarctic Peninsula's spectacular wildlife and landscapes from the ultra comfort of a modern, luxury ship. Balance time exploring ashore with sumptuous relaxation on board, where the highly trained onboard team caters to your every need. With the…
- 12 Days
- $10,304
This is the ideal voyage if you're looking to explore the spectacular wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia without compromising on time in Antarctica. Off-ship adventures are perfectly balanced with relaxation time on board your comfortably appointed 5*…
- 21 Days
- $22,900
Planning your Antarctic submarine excursion
When to go
Sub trips are available on all Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture departures between November and March. Operations are dictated by the weather, swell and ice conditions.
How much does it cost?
Exploring Antarctica by submarine costs around $1,000 per person. Given how rare and unforgettable it is to dive beneath the icy waters and experience the continent's marine life, the intrepid Swoop staff who have taken the plunge wholeheartedly confirm that it's a worthwhile investment.
What to wear
Your expedition jacket will be too bright, so you may need to pile on more base layers than on a typical landing. Pack a dark-coloured fleece and pair of waterproof trousers as your outer wear.
Swoop team members enjoy the submarine ride
Swoop says
Just a few years ago, exploring underneath Antarctica's waves was unthinkable. Luckily, technological advances have made it possible to experience the White Continent from a completely different perspective.
When to book
You can book your sub tour as soon as your polar expert at Swoop has confirmed your suite aboard the ship. We recommend organising your trip in advance as spaces are limited.
How to book
You'll set up an account, fill in your pre-travel information, and select and pay for the submarine excursion. Speak with our Antarctic experts for any help you need to plan your trip.
A submarine surfaces
Antarctic Submarine Trips: FAQs
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How long does a submarine session last?
Each underwater session lasts approximately 45 minutes, not including the time it takes to reach the submarine by zodiac boat.
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While I see wildlife on an Antarctic submarine?
While the submarine offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of life under the polar sea, there's no guarantee of wildlife sightings during your excursion. You're not likely to see any large wildlife species such as penguins, seals or whales. Instead, the focus will be on the spine-tingling experience of the descent and the microfauna you might encounter on the way.
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Will I get a refund if the submarine trip doesn’t go ahead?
You'll receive a refund aboard the ship if your submarine trip can't go ahead during your voyage due to unfavourable weather or ice conditions. Rest assured that getting you underwater is a top priority for the expedition team.
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How deep can the submarine dive?
Your sub has the ability to dive to depths of up to 984 feet (300 meters). The team and pilot will decide how far down you'll navigate, depending on the chosen exploration site. In reality, most of the dives will aim for around half this depth and will focus on making your submarine experience the best it can be.
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How many passengers can travel in the submarine?
Each submarine accommodates up to six people, plus a pilot, for an intimate look at the White Continent’s underwater world.
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Are there any age or health restrictions for touring Antarctica by submarine?
There are no age or health restrictions for the excursion, although you'll need to be able to enter and exit the hula-hoop-sized entrance of the submarine – with some assistance – to take part.
Please note that all guests will be weighed (including gear and cameras). This will be done privately and the information is only shared with the submarine logisticians, who need these details for safe loading.
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Can I take photos or videos during the submarine trip?
Yes, photography is allowed (without flash). The submarines have powerful lights to light up the surrounding area.
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Will I feel cold in the submarine?
The inside temperature of the submarine is between 10-15C (50-60F), so it's much warmer than the Antarctic environment outside. Saying that, it's still important to layer up in the correct expedition clothing – you'll need to take a zodiac ride back and forth to the sub.
More Adventures In Antarctica
Snorkelling in Antarctica
Witness the White Continent from an entirely different perspective while snorkelling in Antarctica.
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Scuba Diving in Antarctica
Sink below the Southern Ocean's pristine waters and immerse yourself in another world.
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Paddleboarding in Antarctica
Paddleboarding has taken the adventure world by storm and is one of the fastest growing sport activities, so why not in Antarctica?
Discover MoreReady to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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