THIS JUST IN: Aurora Expeditions Becomes First Operator to Offer Snorkeling in Antarctica.

Expedition cruise and adventure company Aurora Expeditions has just announced that they will be offering passengers the chance to snorkel in Antarctica, becoming the first tour operator to offer guests the opportunity to explore the icy waters alongside penguins, seals and whales.

Why go:

In addition to serious bragging rights, you’ll be among the first to witness Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife and underwater world from a truly unique angle. Passengers who select this option will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need including expert polar diving guides, specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel.

How it works:

Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependant) in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing. Polar Snorkeling Cost: US$975pp

Dates and rates:

Aurora Expeditions have a selection of voyages that include Polar Snorkeling in February 2014 and 2015:

• Across the Antarctic Circle – 10 to 19 February 2014
• Across the Antarctic Circle – 19 to 28 February 2014
• Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula – 28 Feb to 11 March 2014 (currently offering 10% discount)
• Across the Antarctic Circle – 19 to 28 February 2015
• Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula – 28 Feb to 9 March 2015

Voyage prices from US$7200 per person

 

For information and bookings visit, www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/

 

About Aurora Expeditions:

As experts in travel to the Polar Regions, Aurora Expeditions strive to deliver highly unique and memorable itineraries and activities. Voyages commence in the far southern ports of South America, and passengers sail to Antarctica aboard the 54-pssenger, ice-strengthenedPolar Pioneer. In addition to Polar Snorkeling, Aurora Expeditions offer passengers the option to scuba dive, sea kayak, camp, climb or improve their photography skills aboard selected voyages. Polar Snorkelling is operated on board by Aurora Expeditions’ Dive partners, Waterproof Expeditions.

[source: Adventure Travel News. Photo credit: Adelie Penguins, Paulet Island, Antarctica by MOF via istockphotography]

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel journalist Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of TravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. She’s currently at work on her first book - I COULD LIVE HERE. Click here to learn more or stay connected on Twitter at,Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and LinkedIn.