Ortelius Liveaboard

Ortelius

Liveaboard Diving · Antarctica

Explore the polar extremes with unparalleled comfort and adventure.

108
Antarctica
1989

About This Vessel

Ortelius is a liveaboard cruising the Antarctica region. It hosts up to 108 divers on board.

Embark on an unparalleled adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ortelius, a robust ice-strengthened vessel offering unique polar diving experiences and thrilling expeditions.

The remote and breathtaking wilderness of Antarctica, a realm of towering icebergs, colossal glaciers, and an abundance of unique marine life, beckons intrepid explorers. Diving in these frigid, crystal-clear water…

Upcoming Departures

Diving Seasons
👆 Click any month for details
Excellent
Good
Off-Season
27 Dec 2026Sunday
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
19 days / 18 nights19 days18 nights
Sold out
—
27 Dec 202619D/18N
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
(Ushuaia – Ushuaia)
from $16,240Sold out
14 Jan 2027Thursday
Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - Incl. Helicopters (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
25 days / 24 nights25 days24 nights
Sold out
—
14 Jan 202725D/24N
Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - Incl. Helicopters (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
(Ushuaia – Ushuaia)
from $21,079Sold out
06 Mar 202713D/12N
from$11,817p.p.
Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery Voyage - Aurora Australis / Southern Lights (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)Ushuaia – Ushuaia
Available
18 Mar 202711D/10N
from$8,351p.p.
Antarctica - Whale Watching Discovery and Learning Voyage (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)Ushuaia – Ushuaia
Available
10 Jul 202710D/9N
from$6,476p.p.
South Spitsbergen Explorer - Bear Island - Diving (supplemented)Longyearbyen – Longyearbyen
Available
09 Dec 2027Thursday
Antarctica - Discovery and Learning (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
11 days / 10 nights11 days10 nights
Sold out
—
09 Dec 202711D/10N
Antarctica - Discovery and Learning (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
(Ushuaia – Ushuaia)
from $10,851Sold out
19 Dec 2027Sunday
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
19 days / 18 nights19 days18 nights
Sold out
—
19 Dec 202719D/18N
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica (Ushuaia - Ushuaia)
(Ushuaia – Ushuaia)
from $18,806Sold out

All available departures shown, more dates coming soon

Onboard Amenities

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Seaview Cabins
Indoor Saloon
Library
Audio & video entertainment

Dining & Beverages

Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Buffet style
Western Food

Guests on board the Ortelius enjoy a comprehensive full-board meal plan, featuring delicious buffet-style Western cuisine. The culinary team is dedicated to accommodating diverse dietary requirements, offering excellent vegetarian and vegan options upon request. Beer is available to complement meals, enhancing the relaxed and convivial dining atmosphere.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Tenders for diving

Dive Area & Sites

Antarctic diving offers a truly unique and rarely experienced underwater adventure. Divers will explore shallow waters, typically around 20 meters (60 feet), encountering stunning ice formations, kelp walls, sea snails, starfish, and giant isopods. The chance to observe penguins, sea lions, and even leopard seals beneath the surface makes this an unforgettable experience. Dives can be conducted as shallow ice dives, shore dives, or via Zodiacs, depending on conditions. The Ortelius dive team comprises highly experienced professionals specializing in polar diving. They aim to provide one to two dives per day, with activities subject to local ice and weather conditions. This expedition is specifically tailored for divers with strong experience in cold-water and dry-suit diving, ensuring safety and maximizing enjoyment in this challenging environment.

Important Information

What's Included

VAT · Port Fees

Not Included & Local Fees

Fuel Surcharge · Gratuities

Airport Transfers

Airport and hotel transfers are not included in the trip price and are considered optional extras.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment, not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Medical Form Required

A valid dive medical certificate or an accepted medical form is required for all guests on this vessel. You can submit a doctor's certificate confirming your fitness to dive, or complete and sign the medical form yourself if the form and operator permit self-declaration. If your answers or the operator's rules require medical clearance, a doctor's approval is mandatory; signing at your own risk does not replace it. Permission to dive remains subject to the operator's requirements. Download the form, complete it for each guest and upload the signed document in your booking area.

Rental Gear

Diving Package: Optional · Extra Dives: Optional

Accommodation

Quadruple Porthole

Quadruple Porthole

Twin • Lower deck

4x
👥 4 Guests• Private toilet• Shower• Desk
Superior

Superior

Twin • Upper deck

6x
👥 2 Guests• Private toilet• Shower• Desk
Twin Window

Twin Window

Twin • Upper deck

12x
👥 2 Guests• Private toilet• Shower• Desk
Twin Porthole

Twin Porthole

Twin

26x
👥 2 Guests• Private toilet• Shower• Desk
Twin Deluxe

Twin Deluxe

Twin • Upper deck

2x
👥 2 Guests• Private toilet• Shower• Desk

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Ortelius, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers, details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas, we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability, contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Year built1989
Cruising speed10.5 knots
Max guests108
Number of cabins50
Number of bathrooms50
Engines6 ZL 40/48 SULZER
Tenders10x Yamaha 60HP

Navigation & Safety Systems

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Search light
Crew trained in first aid

Ready to Experience Luxury?

Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Ortelius