Hondius Antarctica Diving

Location: Antarctica

About Hondius Antarctica Diving

Embark on an unparalleled polar expedition aboard the Hondius, a state-of-the-art vessel designed for exploring the breathtaking underwater and topside wonders of Antarctica.

Journey to the ends of the Earth, where the pristine, icy waters of Antarctica teem with an astonishing array of marine life. This remote and awe-inspiring destination offers a truly unique diving experience, with conditions that challenge and reward the most adventurous spirits. Imagine gliding through crystal-clear water, surrounded by towering ice formations and the vibrant, unexpected colors of the Antarctic ecosystem. The Hondius, a purpose-built expedition vessel, serves as your luxurious and robust base for discovering this magnificent, untouched wilderness, providing an intimate connection with nature both above and below the surface. For those seeking an extraordinary underwater adventure, diving from the Hondius in Antarctica is an experience like no other. While the vessel itself is not solely a dive liveaboard, it offers specialized polar diving opportunities for certified and highly experienced divers. These unique ice dives unveil a hidden world of vibrant marine life, surreal ice formations, and encounters with creatures adapted to the extreme cold. The expedition team, comprising expert naturalists and dive professionals, ensures safe and guided explorations, making every plunge into the icy depths a memorable one. Guests will find ample space on deck for preparations before and after dives, supported by a fleet of sturdy zodiacs for seamless access to dive sites. Life aboard the Hondius is designed for both comfort and exploration. Guests can retreat to one of 80 well-appointed cabins, ranging from cozy porthole rooms to expansive suites with private balconies, each offering a warm sanctuary after a day of Antarctic discovery. Beyond the private quarters, the vessel boasts a range of inviting communal spaces. Unwind in the spacious observation lounge, offering panoramic views of the icy landscape, or enjoy a drink at the well-stocked bar. Two dedicated lecture rooms provide educational insights from expert naturalists, while a serene library offers a quiet escape. Open deck spaces, with full walk-around access, are perfect for wildlife spotting and capturing stunning photographs of the dramatic scenery. Culinary delights await guests in the elegant restaurant, where full-board dining features an array of international cuisine served buffet-style. The onboard chefs are adept at catering to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring every meal is a satisfying experience. Complimentary drinking water, tea, and coffee are always available, and guests are welcomed with special cocktails upon embarkation. While alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are optional extras, the focus remains on providing delicious, hearty meals to fuel the day's adventures, complemented by snacks available throughout. The Hondius is a modern marvel of polar exploration, launched in 2019. Measuring an impressive 107.6 meters in length and 17.6 meters in beam, she is powered by two ABC main engines totaling 4200 kW, allowing for a top speed of 15 knots. This robust vessel holds the highest Polar Class for ice-strengthened ships, ensuring safe navigation through the challenging Antarctic waters. With a capacity for up to 170 guests across 80 cabins, the Hondius offers a spacious and comfortable environment for all on board, balancing expedition capabilities with guest comfort. Expeditions typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, serving as the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia. While transfers to and from the airport and hotel in Ushuaia are included, guests are advised to confirm specific arrangements. The best season for exploring this region is generally during the austral summer, from November to March, when wildlife is most active and conditions are most favorable for both topside excursions and underwater exploration. The Hondius is ideal for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and experienced divers seeking an immersive and educational polar journey.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 107.6m
Guest capacity: 170
Year built: 2019
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Quadruple Porthole (sleeps 4) — Upper and lower berths — This cabin boasts two portholes, providing captivating sea vistas, alongside comfortable upper and lower berths and a cozy small sofa. Guests will appreciate the convenience of a private shower and to
Twin Deluxe (sleeps 2) — Two single beds — This expansive and inviting cabin offers two windows, two individual beds, and a comfortable sofa. Occupants will appreciate the convenience of a private shower and toilet, a flat-screen television, a
Superior Cabins (sleeps 2) — Double bed — This refined cabin offers a comfortable double bed and a cozy sofa, complemented by two windows for natural light. Guests will find a private shower and toilet, a flat-screen TV, and a desk with a cha
Triple Porthole (sleeps 3) — One upper and two lower berths — Discover the Triple Porthole cabin, an excellent choice for families or small groups seeking comfort and practicality. This inviting space boasts two portholes, offering abundant natural light and cap
Twin Porthole (sleeps 2) — Two single beds — Discover comfort in this cabin, featuring two portholes that invite natural light and offer captivating sea vistas. It is furnished with two individual beds and includes a cozy small sofa for relaxati
Twin Window (sleeps 2) — Two single beds — This inviting cabin boasts a single window, two individual beds, and a cozy small sofa. Guests will find a private shower and toilet, a modern flat-screen TV, a functional desk with a chair, and a tel
Junior Suite (sleeps 2) — Double bed — This sophisticated suite offers a comfortable double bed and features a double window. Guests will find a private shower and toilet for their convenience. Entertainment is provided by a flat-screen TV
Grand Suite Private Balcony (sleeps 2) — Double bed — Indulge in the ultimate comfort of this expansive suite, boasting a double window and a plush double bed, complemented by a private balcony for stunning vistas. This accommodation includes a private s

Itineraries

Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

This expedition takes travelers to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina. The journey involves crossing the famous Drake Passage to reach a world of rugged mountains, pristine snow, and immense glaciers. Guests will have opportunities to encounter a rich variety of polar wildlife, including multiple species of whales, seals, and vast penguin colonies. Note: Diving on this vessel is optional and not included in the trip price. Any dives mention

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 23 Days / 22 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

This extensive expedition is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, charting a course through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and deep into the Antarctic Peninsula with the goal of crossing the Polar Circle. The journey offers encounters with a vast array of animals including multiple penguin species, seals, albatrosses, and whales. In addition to the spectacular natural landscapes, the voyage follows in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting key historical sites from his legendary Antarc

Antarctica - Whale Watching Discovery and Learning Voyage (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

Embark on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, starting and ending in Ushuaia. This voyage crosses the legendary Drake Passage to explore a world of ice, snow, and abundant wildlife, including whales, seals, and penguins. The trip includes approximately 16 optional dives for experienced cold-water divers, offering a unique glimpse into the sub-zero underwater ecosystem. Daily activities feature Zodiac cruises and shore landings to various sites along the peninsula. Max guests on thi

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula (Puerto Madryn - Ushuaia)

Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights

Embarkation: Puerto Madryn, Antarctica

This extensive 21-day expedition embarks from Puerto Madryn and concludes in Ushuaia, offering a comprehensive exploration of the South Atlantic and Antarctic regions. The journey includes visits to the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, the historic and penguin-packed South Georgia, and the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula. Divers can expect around 20 dives throughout the trip, which is designed for advanced divers and showcases an incredible diversity of polar wildlife, including multiple penguin

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia, Antarctica

This extensive expedition is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, covering the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The journey explores one of the planet's last truly wild regions, celebrated for its stunningly rugged landscapes and incredible diversity of animal life. Divers can expect one to two dives per day, conditions permitting, with a maximum depth of 20 meters. Marine life encounters may include sea squirts, various crabs, soft corals, anemones, jellyfish, and mul

Antarctica - Whale Watching (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia, Argentina

This 11-day expedition takes divers to the Antarctic Peninsula, a realm of dramatic icebergs, snow-covered mountains, and abundant wildlife. Starting from Ushuaia, the journey crosses the Drake Passage before several days are spent exploring potential sites like Danco Island, Paradise Bay, and Port Lockroy. The trip offers approximately 10 dives, providing opportunities to see unique polar underwater life such as sea squirts, spider crabs, soft corals, and various starfish. Above the water, gues

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Embarkation: Ushuaia

This extensive expedition is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, charting a course through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and deep into the Antarctic Peninsula, even crossing the Polar Circle. The journey offers encounters with a vast array of animals in one of the planet's last wild frontiers. Expect to see stunning landscapes, diverse birdlife, multiple penguin and seal species, and potentially whales, all while tracing the historic routes of polar explorers like Shackleton. Max guests on th

Hondius Antarctica Diving

Embarkation: Ushuaia

The Hondius Antarctica Diving ship navigates polar waters, designed for robust travel across frozen expanses. This vessel accommodates as many as 170 passengers across several cabin categories, ranging from basic rooms with portholes to expansive suites featuring personal balconies. Amenities aboard include viewing areas, presentation rooms, a dining establishment, and reading zones; meals are served, and knowledgeable naturalists lead excursions ashore. Journey plans emphasize Antarctica, the F