Plancius
Liveaboard · Antarctica
Explore the icy wonders of Antarctica aboard a refurbished ice-class expedition vessel.
About This Vessel
Plancius is a liveaboard cruising the Antarctica region. It hosts up to 108 divers on board.
Embark on an unparalleled polar adventure aboard the M/V Plancius, a robust 'Ice Class' vessel exploring the breathtaking, icy wonders of Antarctica. Discover a world of majestic ice formations and incredible wildlife, both above and below the frigid waters. Antarctica, a realm of dramatic icescapes and extraordinary wildlife, offers an unparalleled dive destination for the adventurous. Here, the…
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures…
Onboard Amenities
Dining & Beverages
Dining aboard the Plancius is a delightful affair, with a comprehensive full-board meal plan ensuring guests are well-nourished throughout their Antarctic adventure. All meals are served buffet-style, offering a variety of Western cuisine designed to cater to diverse tastes. The culinary team is adept at accommodating special dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, which can be specified during the booking process. Beyond the main meals, guests can enjoy snacks available all day, along with complimentary drinking water, tea, and coffee. The experience begins with welcome cocktails, and a selection of beer, wine, and fine wines is available to complement the meals, creating a convivial atmosphere in the dining room.
Dive Equipment & Setup
Dive Area & Sites
Antarctica offers a unique and challenging cold-water diving experience, with the M/V Plancius providing access to this incredible underwater world. Dives typically occur around 20 meters, often from Zodiacs or directly from shore, allowing for close encounters with the diverse marine life. Divers can expect to witness penguins gracefully navigating the water, curious sea lions, and even the formidable leopard seals. The highlight for many is diving alongside magnificent ice floes, a truly unforgettable spectacle. The dive team consists of highly experienced guides who are experts in polar diving conditions, ensuring safety and maximizing the chances of incredible sightings. While the team aims for 1-2 dives daily, flexibility is key due to the unpredictable nature of local ice and weather conditions. This expedition is tailored for experienced cold-water and dry suit divers who are comfortable bringing their own specialized gear, though 15L tanks and weights are provided on board. With a strict limit of 24 divers, the experience remains intimate and focused on exploration.
Important Information
What's Included
VAT · Port Fees
Not Included & Local Fees
Travel Insurance · Gratuities
Airport Transfers
Airport and hotel transfers are not included in the trip price and are considered optional extras. Guests should arrange their own transfers to the embarkation point.
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.
Rental Gear
Diving Package: Optional · Extra Dives: Optional
Accommodation
Quadruple Porthole
Bunk beds
This cabin features a classic porthole and is equipped with two sets of upper and lower berths. Guests will appreciate the convenience of a private shower and toilet, along with a desk and chair for comfort. Entertainment is provided by a flatscreen TV, and communication is available via telephone and internet. A hair dryer and ample storage space are also included. This accommodation is perfectly suited for families with children or individuals who prefer a practical cabin over a twin or more opulent option.
Twin Deluxe
Twin
Experience elevated comfort in these Twin Deluxe cabins, featuring two single beds and accommodating up to two guests. Each cabin boasts two windows, providing abundant natural light, and includes two lower berths for convenience. Guests will appreciate the private shower and toilet facilities, a dedicated desk with a chair, and a flatscreen TV for entertainment. Stay connected with telephone and internet access, and enjoy the convenience of a hair dryer and ample storage space. These corner cabins offer a more expansive layout compared to standard twin porthole or window cabins, ensuring a truly comfortable stay.
Triple Porthole
One upper and two lower berths
Twin Porthole
Twin
These twin-bedded cabins, thoughtfully designed for two guests, offer a comfortable and private retreat for your polar adventure. Each cabin features a traditional porthole and is equipped with all contemporary conveniences. Guests will find two lower berths, a private shower and toilet, a desk with a chair, a flatscreen TV, telephone, and internet access. A hair dryer and ample storage space are also provided for your comfort.
Twin Window
Twin
Discover comfort in these inviting twin cabins, featuring a window that bathes the space in natural light. Each cabin is thoughtfully equipped with a private bathroom and individual air conditioning, ensuring a serene and comfortable stay. These accommodations are designed to provide a relaxing haven for up to two guests.
Superior Cabin
Double
Experience enhanced comfort in these cabins, featuring two double beds and a sofa bed for flexible sleeping arrangements. Guests will appreciate the convenience of two windows, providing natural light, along with a private shower and toilet. Each cabin is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, a work desk and chair, a flat-screen television, telephone, and internet connection. Additional amenities include a refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, hair dryer, and ample storage space for your belongings.
Booking & Travel FAQ
How does the booking process work?
Select a cabin and departure on Plancius, 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
Navigation & Safety Systems
What guests say online
How is this overall rating calculated?
The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.
The Plancius is highly recommended for epic dive adventures in polar regions, with guests praising the crew's professionalism and the stunning Antarctic wildlife. While generally comfortable, some found the cabin features to be average.
- +Stunning Antarctic scenery and abundant wildlife
- +Professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating crew
- +Well-suited for epic dive adventures
- +Rugged and comfortable vessel
Based on approximately 6 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.
All routes of this liveaboard
- Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 11 Days / 10 Nights
- Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Antarctica - Whale Watching (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Antarctica & the Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery Voyage (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 13 Days / 12 Nights
- Antarctica - Whale Watching (Ushuaia - Ushuaia) · 11 Days / 10 Nights
Ready to Experience Luxury?
Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Plancius