Dive Sites in the polar regions
Ice, seals, penguins and the raw silence of the poles. This isn't ordinary diving — it's the adventure of a lifetime, and we'll help you plan every step.
Diving in the polar regions
Countries
Diving countries in the Polar region
Polar spans several diving countries, each with its own liveaboard routes and signature sites. Click a country to see every dive site we cover there and the boats that visit them.
Dive by type
Dive sites by type
Wrecks, walls, drift dives, caves and pinnacles in the polar regions — filter by the kind of diving you prefer. Each type links to a dedicated theme page with the best sites worldwide.
Marine life
Marine life highlights
The animals that make diving in the polar regions worth it: sharks, rays, turtles, pelagics and macro highlights logged on these sites. Choose a species to find the dive sites and liveaboards where you are most likely to see it.
Explore the sites
Dive sites in the polar regions
Explore 23 dive sites in the polar regions, from legendary wall dives and drift dives to coral gardens, wrecks and shark cleaning stations. Every site shows depth, current, access, marine life and the liveaboard itineraries that visit it, so you can compare and book the trip that matches your experience level.
23 dive sites
Iceberg Graveyard - Pleneau Island
Antarctica
The Iceberg Graveyard near Pleneau Island in Antarctica is a unique dive site renowned for its congregation of grounded icebergs.
- Suitable for
- Expert
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–20 m
- Theme
- Ice / Wall
Lemaire Channel
Antarctica
Lemaire Channel, a narrow passage between the Antarctic mainland and Booth Island, presents a truly majestic and impressive dive experience.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- Theme
- Ice / Wall
South Georgia - Grytviken
Antarctica
Grytviken, located on South Georgia Island, offers a unique sub-Antarctic diving experience steeped in history and abundant wildlife.
- Suitable for
- Expert
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–20 m
- Theme
- Ice / Reef
Wilhelmina Bay
Antarctica
Wilhelmina Bay, nestled in the Antarctic Peninsula, is renowned as a prime location for observing humpback whales and experiencing the continent's pristine marine environment.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 5–20 m
- Theme
- Ice / Wall
Conditions & practicalities
Diving in the polar regions: seasons, conditions and logistics
23 dive sites in the polar regions — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.
- Best months
- Dec–Feb
- Water temperature
- -2–1 °C
- Visibility
- 10–30 m
- Currents
- No data yet
- Getting there
- Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
- Permits & fees
- Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.
FAQ
Diving in the polar regions: your questions
When is the best time to dive in the polar regions?
How good is the visibility in the polar regions?
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in the polar regions?
How many dive sites are there in the polar regions and where are they?
Ready to dive these sites?
Choose a destination or search every available vessel to find the liveaboard that dives the sites you want to see.