February 20 thru March 4

For this excursion, we go with a purpose to the rich and cold waters of the other end of the world. Along with Michael and Diana Hollingshead, we will join Faith Ortins and Blue Green Expeditions, other polar diving specialists, imagemakers, and scientists on an amazing citizen science expedition to Antarctica! This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula expedition will take us south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circe. We will pass through waters traveled by whales, anchoring in various spots around the region. This expedition offers a chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters of the last continent.

February 2024 represents the 150th anniversary of HMS Challenger’s crossing of the southern polar circle. Modern oceanography began with the HMS Challenger Expedition between 1872 and 1876. It was the first expedition organized specifically to gather data on a wide range of ocean features; including ocean temperatures, seawater chemistry, currents, marine life, and the geology of the seafloor. A crew of 200 and 20 naval officers supported six scientists from varying disciplines – naturalists, chemists, physicists and even an artist to chronicle the voyage and its discoveries. Within their four year journey they covered 127,000 km and the information they gathered is still used by scientists today.

Our expedition is to honor their contribution to understanding of the world’s oceans while simultaneously exploring Antarctica. This adventure is much more than just a dive trip. If you join us, we will pool our resources and time to assist scientists and imagemakers in adding to our understanding of the Antarctic region - as well as experiencing our own adventure – in Antarctica!.

There are 7 Goals of This Voyage

• 1. Top generate $150,000 in donations for organizations dedicated to developing interest in marine careers such as Our World Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUS) and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences Foundation (AAUS). These entities foster training and educational opportunities for young people interested in scientific pursuits as it relates to the ocean.

• 2. To contribute ~$22,000 to carbon offsets to minimize the environmental impact of the expedition’s carbon footprint.

• 3. To use the images/video from the professionals and data collected by the citizen scientists to develop multimedia educational tools for use across a variety of platforms, including live streaming to classrooms.

• 4. To recognize the significance of Challenger’s contribution to oceanography and its relevance to today, especially as it relates to the study of climate change.

• 5. To bring imagemakers to Antarctica whose combined efforts will actively contribute to greater appreciation and understanding of the delicate Antarctic ecosystem.

• 6. To use the expertise of the scientists on board to explore new areas above and below the water with the assistance of citizen scientists. These projects include plankton tows, reef surveys of key indicator species, sample collections, and marine mammal identification.

• 7. Lastly, to enjoy the travel, memories, and an event of a lifetime.

The Route

End of the World, Start of a Journey
– Embarking from Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina

Path of the Polar Explores
– Two days on the Drake Passage

Palmer Science Station
– A potential visit to functioning science station

Entering Antarctica ~ The intended route for your Antarctic adventure includes:
– Cuverville Island
– Neko Harbour – Opportunities for a Zodiac cruise and landing
– Paradise Bay – A potential Zodiac cruise before sailing to the Lemaire Channel

Through the Gullet ~ Possibilities include:
– Pourquoi Pas Island
– Known for its tight fjords and lofty, glacier-crowded mountains
– Horseshoe Island
– The location of the former British Base Y
– Stonington Island – Former US East Base and British Base E, and the southernmost landing site of the trip – 68° south
– Hanusse Bay – A chance of spotting whales through the icebergs of this scenic bay

The Whales of Crystal Sound – Humpback whales, unimaginable views, birdlife, Adélie penguins congregating among the icebergs, possible Zodiac cruise or even a landing

Familiar Seas, Familiar Friends – Crossing the Drake There and Back Again

Diving Details 

Water temperature: <32F
Air temperature: 30-45F
Depths to 80 feet
Cold water with good to great visibility
Icebergs  

This Trip Package Includes:

• – Accommodations aboard the m/v Ortelius, part of the Oceanwide Expeditions polar fleet
• – All meals aboard the ship
• – 1-2 dives a day including tanks and weights
• – As this will be a citizen science-oriented trip, the ship will have extra staff on board to ensure a great experience
• – The Expedition will be led by Faith Ortins and other polar diving experts
• – Photography, historical, ecological, and scientific presentations
• – Hotel stay in Ushuaia, Argentina on February 20, 2022 – the night before the ship leaves. It is important to get there early in case luggage gets delayed

Not Included in the Trip:

• – Airfare
• – Extra hotel nights if required for flight schedules
• – Fuel surcharges
• – Alcohol and on board any beverage other than coffee and tea
• – Transfers to the airport in Ushuaia to and the host hotel
• – Gratuities, laundry, and other personal expenses
• – Dive and travel insurance are required
• – Trip insurance is highly recommended
• – Any required Covid 19 tests / Covid insurance

Diver Requirements:

• – Your dive certification cards
• – Proof of dive insurance
• – You must be a certified drysuit diver with a drysuit
• – Cold water exposure protection
• – Cold water diving experience
• – You must have a minimum of 50 drysuit dives, 20 in cold water
• – All your own diving gear. Tanks and weights will be provided
• – The diving configuration requires 2 DIN first stages, each with a cold-water second stage
• – A spirit of adventure

Terms - Pricing and Payment Schedule

The cabin-based pricing is per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. At the time of booking, you will be asked to select a cabin type. Your final price is based upon your cabin selection.

all prices in US dollars

Pricing Details

• – There are a variety of cabins on the m/v Ortelius, part of the Oceanwide Expeditions polar fleet, and the trip price is dependent on the cabin selected
• – The hotel in Ushuaia is based upon double occupancy
• – All pricing is quoted in US Dollars
• – Pricing is per person, and is based on the class of cabin selected, and is based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted

Given the advanced nature of this expedition all divers must be approved by Blue Green Expeditions before a reservation for this expedition will be confirmed. Once a diver submits a booking request for this expedition the request will be reviewed by the Blue Green Expedition staff. If approved, an email will be sent informing that a deposit payment is due with a link to the payment site. The deposit must be paid within 30 calendar days or the reservation will be subject to cancellation. The approval email will contain a button which permits future incremental payments. 

Payment Schedule

• – A nonrefundable deposit of $2,000 USD per person is due upon booking
• – At the time of booking, you will be asked to select a cabin type
• – A 2nd payment of $2,000 USD per person is due August 1, 2022
• – A 3rd payment of $3,000 USD per person is due June 1, 2023
• – The remaining balance is due October 15, 2023

Restrictions

• – Aerial and submersible drones are not approved for this expedition
• – Rebreathers are not approved for this expedition
• – Nitrox and argon are not available for this expedition

To reserve your spot,

This is a Ladies Only Trip

August 20th thru 27th

We are returning to the Sea of Cortez for the 6th Annual Wander Women to benefit Dive for a Cure. Join Dora Sierra, Susan Long and Diana Hollingshead and for our annual trip WANDER WOMEN trip benefiting Dive for a Cure. It's like summer dive camp for women but you are waited on by the best crew in the industry and served incredible gourmet meals between dives. Laugh from sunrise to sunset and feel free to bring your pink tutu with you. Plus 5% of the trip price goes to breast cancer research. Whether you are coming with a friend or by yourself, you will quickly have 17 of the best dive buddies ever.

The Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium".  Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species.  Snorkel with whale sharks. Dive with playful sea lion colonies.  And see countless eels, octopus, fish and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographers dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennys, dancing jawfish and sea horses.

Between dives, you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets and at night you can gaze at the Milky Way. You will dine on incredible cuisine and enjoy the friendly service that has made us famous.  Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships aboard Quino el Guardian.

This trip has VERY limited space available, so if you are interested please contact Eugene Skin Diver Supply immediately.

This Trip Includes:

• - Seven nights deluxe accommodation
• - Up to 22 dives available
• - 24 hour air conditioning
• - Three meals per day, hors d'oeuvres, snacks and limited alcohol (beer & wine provided - you may BYOB)
• - No fuel surcharge (charged by competitors)
• - Use of all scuba tanks, air, weights (Nitrox available at a small additional fee)
• - Help and guidance from crew, including scuba
• - Use of tenders, driven by crew at all times
• - Shore excursions offered
• - Local taxes and port fees (not included by competitors)

$2400 +

Liveaboard prices start at $2400 based on quad occupancy for this exclusive event.

To Sign up,

October 12th thru 22nd

Explore all of Baja in luxury aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady! This beautiful boat accommodates 12 guests in six spacious suites for a first-class experience.

Expect to see a lot of fish. A LOT of fish! California sea lions. Giant manta rays. A variety of shark species, including the possibility of hammerheads,several shipwrecks, garden eels, and diving cormorant birds.

The Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. The legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lion colonies and see countless eels, octopus, fish and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographer's dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennys, dancing jawfish and sea horses. A variety of shark species, including the possibility of hammerheads, several shipwrecks, garden eels, and diving cormorant birds.

We will be exploring the best of the southern Sea of Cortez, including the wreck of the ferry Salvatierra, beautiful Suwanee Reef - teeming with life. La Reina, Las Animas, and Cerralvo Island. We will also travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site; Cabo Pulmo. This marine park is the easternmost barrier reef in the Pacific. The park is also home to hundreds of fish such as grouper, jack, many species of sharks, humpback whales, turtles, massive rays, and sea lions.

This amazing journey will allow you to experience all the beauty and biodiversity through the Sea of Cortez.

This Trip Includes:

• - Accommodations aboard the Gallant Lady
• - Transfers to and from the airport and back to Cabo or to Loreto from Cabo
• - All meals except for dinner on transfer days
• - Mexican port taxes
• - Nitrox, tanks, and weights

Not Included on this Trip:

• - Bar bill or any purchases on boat
• - Gratuities
• - Hotel accommodations
• - Αirfare
• - Covid tests
• - Dive Insurance (required)
• - Trip Insurance (highly recommended)

Terms - Pricing and Payment Schedule

$4,200 USD - Superior - 10 berths

or

$4,700 USD - Premium - 2 berths

 Deposit

• - A nonrefundable deposit of $1,500 USD is required to hold your spot
• - A second payment of $1,500 USD is due December 1, 2022
• - The balance is due June 15, 2023

USD, per person, double occupancy

To Sign up,

February 12-19, 2022

This trip is one of our favorites. We will be returning to the Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort. It offers luxurious accommodations and amenities on Roatán’s award-winning West Bay Beach, always rated as one of the top beaches in the world. Their upscale beachfront property features a 300-foot-long infinity pool, stretching down to the white sandy beach and turquoise water. Bordering the pool are swaying palms and 147 spacious Spanish-style villas, all boasting balconies/patios with views of the ocean, pool or exotic gardens. It truly is Roatan's choice for an upscale, relaxing and memorable tropical getaway. Located on West Bay Beach brings together everything one could desire for an unforgettable beachfront vacation. The Infinity Bay resort offers the perfect combination of modern, upscale accommodations, convenient onsite diving, poolside yoga, a full spa and dining services, all with a magical seaside location.

In our opinion, this trip is amazing and the cost of the experience is excellent. Eugene Skin Divers Supply staff has visited this resort 9 times and can’t say enough about how wonderful it is. The waters off Roatán’s shores are unspoiled and scarcely populated by other divers with crystal clear visibility and numerous and varied dive sites to explore. The majority of the island’s dive sites need to be accessed by boat, though there are a few exceptions and Infinity Bay is one of them.West Bay Beach is located directly at the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. As a diver in Roatán, you will encounter marine life in all sizes and shapes, including 70 types of hard corals and nearly 500 species of fish.

The diving is fantastic and easy and we want you to experience the excellence of Roatan with us, however, space is LIMITED.

This Package Includes:

• - 7 nights deluxe accommodations
• - Complementary round trip airport shuttle
• - Daily fully expanded breakfast buffet
• - 5 days of 3 tank boat dives
• - UNLIMITED daylight shore dives
• - Dive valet service
• - 19% Island tax included

Not Included:

• - Airfare
• - Travel insurance (recommended)

Terms

Package starts at

$1308+ per person

dependent on room configuration and number of persons per unit.

To Sign up,