Overview
Antarctica, surely the most awe inspiring landscape on earth silently
awaits Dive and Sail Antarctica adventurers. ESS Principal and MSDT Dive
Instructor David Armstrong has organised a memorable 21 day sailing and
diving adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula, the holy grail for mariners
and divers.
As part of a small elite group, each adventurer will have frequent opportunities
to sail the yacht and dive, under expert supervision, in some of the most
the spectacular dive locations in the world. Our clients will share Antarctica's
pristine waters and ice with leopard seals, playful humpback whales and
curious penguins, up close and in their natural environment. Camera buffs
will be spoilt by the many opportunities this voyage offers to photograph
the wildlife both above and below the water. As on previous voyages, ESS
also provides underwater photography and cinematography to capture the
wonders of this delicate, threatened ecosystem.
This voyage, exclusive to ESS, will thrill the most adventurous of spirits
and soothe the spirit in the solitude of this remote, breathtaking and
vulnerable world.
Click here: If you want an exciting preview of the highlights of Dive & Sail Antarctica, including a brief outline of the daily itinerary.
The ESSential Difference
Why should you choose ESS Dive Sail Antarctica?
As well as the exceptional features that ESS incorporates into all its adventures,
each venture also has its own unique experiences and services. Browse a
couple of the exclusive highlights that distinguishes ESS Dive Sail Antarctica
from all others- MSDT PADI Dive Instructor and Director David Armstrong will personally coordinate
pre-departure training and assessment of competency in the requisite diving
components.
- ESS uses a smaller, streamlined and fully equipped vessel that provides greater
mobility, flexibility and easy access to dive locations that are often inaccessible
to larger vessels. The limited capacity of the boat (7 clients plus crew) maximizes
the sailing and diving experiences for individual clients and more personalised
attention from our expert dive team.
- ESS has ensured that the vessel, although compact, provides space and facilities
for clients to wash, hang and dry all dive equipment. This is a rare convenience
that will experience divers will appreciate.
- ESS has developed close relationships with personnel from various Antarctic
research bases. On no other Antarctic voyage will adventurers have a taste of
base life and have access to the dive sites known only to base personnel.
- Each ESS client will receive a DVD of the voyage including underwater footage, taken by Paul Beck, as a memento of Dive Sail Antarctica.
Costs, Dates & Inclusions
Costs$28,000 Inc GST (Ex Sydney)
ESS will arrange domestic flight for those clients who do not reside in Sydney.
Dates
- December 2009
Inclusions provided by ESS for all clients
- International Airfares Sydney to Santiago, Chile
- Two Domestic Flights in Chile to and from vessel.
- Yacht charter for 21 days, including all meals, local beer and wine while
aboard
- All port fees and local taxes
- On-board sailing training, (RYA Recognised) at no extra cost
- Life jackets (PFD's) and Harness
- Musto HPX sailing foul weather gear
- Use of two of the yacht's short range VHF radios for shore parties to yacht
communication
- Use of a laptop computer to burn photos to CD / DVD
- Remote Medic and medical equipment including oxygen and REMO (Remote Emergency
Medical Oxygen) ensuring 24 hour access to oxygen while on board in the unlikely
event of an accident.
- ESS Down Jacket - clients to keep as a memento of Dive Sail Antarctica
- DVD of the voyage - clients to keep as a memento of Dive Sail Antarctica.
Not Included: To be provided by clients
- Personal Travel Insurance (For more information:click here).
- Iridium email and phone communication
- Requisite medical examination and clearance.
- Personal clothing, toiletries
- Prescribed medications. Please note: a valid prescription (and repeats if
necessary) may be needed for any medications.
- Alcohol (limited personal use).
Scuba Diving Requirements
Clients wishing to SCUBA dive in Antarctica are required to either possess the requisite dive qualification and experience, OR undertake the mandatory training and experience prior to departure. These are:- 100+ Dives
- 25+ Dry-suit Dives
- Padi Rescue Diver Qualification or Equivalent
Further training dives will be undertaken in Ushuaia to confirm the skills
of all potential divers and complete final safety equipment checks prior
to crossing Drake Passage. ESS principal and MSDT Dive Instructor will
be able to advise and assist clients wishing to train and obtain the relevant
diving skills required Dive Sail Antarctica.
Additional inclusions provided by ESS for Dive Clients
- Dive Instructor
- Dive Master
- Pre-departure dive assessment
- 2 Compressors
- Tanks and Weights
- Oxygen, First Aid and emergency medical equipment
- 2 Hot water showers
- 2 x 4.0 metre Zodiacs
- Individual DVD of the voyage for clients to keep.
Extras not included (to be provided by Dive Clients)
- Personal Scuba Equipment
- Additional training needed to gain the required qualifications and experience
- Training
- No prior sailing experience is needed for Dive Sail Antarctica. Expert sailing
instruction and guidance is provided to novice navigators and sailors once aboard.
Training is undertaken in calm waters of Chile to ensure our clients are familiar
with all sailing rules and procedures and use of navigational, sailing and emergency
equipment.
Training
No prior sailing experience is needed for Dive Sail Antarctica. Expert sailing instruction and guidance is provided to novice navigators and sailors once aboard. Training is undertaken in calm waters of Chile to ensure our clients are familiar with all sailing rules and procedures and use of navigational, sailing and emergency equipment.Clients wishing to SCUBA dive in Antarctica are required to either possess the requisite dive qualification and experience, OR undertake the mandatory training and experience prior to departure. These are:
- 100+ Dives
- 25+ Dry-suit Dives
- Padi Rescue Diver Qualification or Equivalent
Equipment
ESS staff will advise clients re appropriate clothing and equipment,
clothing early in the training program.
All equipment can be purchased through Earth Sea Sky.
For information as to our industry equipment contacts please click here.