{"id":25751,"date":"2018-03-14T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-13T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=25751&preview=true&preview_id=25751"},"modified":"2024-09-18T12:30:03","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T02:30:03","slug":"polar-plunge-antarctica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/polar-plunge-antarctica\/","title":{"rendered":"Take the plunge: What it’s like diving into the Antarctic Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a crackling sound coming from the ships speaker system, which usually means a message from our expedition leader, Cheli, is imminent.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cheli, a polar expert with over 120 voyages\u00a0clocked in Antarctica<\/a>, is known for her dry Kiwi sense of humour and contagious personality. Usually she\u2019ll let you know that lunch is ready, or a penguin expert is about to do a talk, or the launch order for today\u2019s expeditions, but today her voice has an ominous tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, today is the day. The weather conditions are finally looking favourable for everyone to do the polar plunge! Smooth seas, light winds and freezing water at Cierva Cove. Hopefully no leopard seals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A

Photo by Patrick O’Neill<\/p><\/div>\n

I walk the narrow halls of the Ocean Adventurer, our ship for Intrepid\u2019s 10-day Antarctic Explorer trip<\/a>, back to my cabin, to make sure my roommate Bill, from Tallahassee, Florida, has heard the announcement. Unsurprisingly, Bill, a super-fit lawyer\/athlete in his late 50s, is already dressed in his swimming shorts and is attaching his go pro to his wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to roll, Patrick, let\u2019s do this\u201d.<\/p>\n

RELATED: WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO ANTARCTICA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

I had committed to definitely maybe possibly doing the polar plunge (jumping off a small platform on the boat and into the icy Antarctic waters) to my travel companions, but there was no way I was letting Bill go alone.<\/p>\n

I quickly change and, dressed in our bathrobes, we head down to the ship\u2019s mud room; this is where you get in and out of your expedition gear twice a day. It was an unusual sight to see the usual coats, beanies, gloves and gumboots traded in for shorts, swimming costumes and skin! The excitement levels, however, are more or less the same, just a little different.<\/p>\n

\"Cierva

Cierva Cove. Photo by Patrick O’Neill<\/p><\/div>\n

I walk past the oldest passenger on the ship (I know this because she\u2019s not shy of letting you know). She\u2019s in her late 80s, and she\u2019s rubbing her hands together with glee. It honestly nearly makes me cry. I join the line, sign the disclaimer (because, you know, the water is cold and the polar plunge comes with a few risks), and focus my eye on the door.<\/p>\n

EXPLORE ANTARCTICA (AND TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE) NOW<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

With each minute, we get closer and closer to the door. All we can hear are screams, splashes and laughter, and people return with huge grins and chattering teeth. Bill and I get to the door and turn right, then head for the gangway that leads down to the zodiacs. Except today, there\u2019s no zodiac \u2013 just still, dark, cold, Antarctic water.<\/p>\n

\"Staff

Photo by Dave Merron<\/p><\/div>\n

We\u2019re greeted by Kevin, one of the ship\u2019s kayak instructors; he\u2019s wearing a pink wig and an enormous smile. Resident ship photographer, Dave Merron, has his camera gear ready to capture the moment for you. The expedition leaders do the necessary checks on the belt and rope, just in case they need to haul you back in.<\/p>\n

Without hesitation, Bill takes the plunge! I cop a bit of splash from his \u2018bomb\u2019 into the icy water. He dog paddles for a second or two before heading back to the steps of the gangway. \u201cOh my gosh,\u201d he yells in a southern accent, \u201cYou\u2019re next!\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"A

Before. Photo by Dave Merron<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A

After. Photo by Adrian Boyle<\/p><\/div>\n

I was next. There is no turning back. After quickly putting on the belt and rope, I decide on the Band-Aid theory: let\u2019s get this done quickly. I step on to gangway, look straight ahead at the giant glaciers in the distance, take a deep breath, and jump. That’s me in the picture at the top.<\/p>\n

RELATED: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE MOST PEACEFUL PLACE ON EARTH – ANTARCTICA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Yes, the water is cold (very cold – about two degrees celsius), but you really don\u2019t stay in long enough to feel it, and the adrenaline in your body is ample enough to keep you warm. I open my eyes underwater and see nothing but a dark bluey green, bordering on black. It is silent. I\u2019d like to say I had a moment down there, but I\u2019d be lying; the experience seems to end before it begins. It\u2019s quick, but memorable.<\/p>\n

I swim back to the boat, grab a towel from Kevin and give him a high five. Bill and the ship\u2019s Captain are waiting for me at the door of the mud room with a shot of vodka. Yes please! Would I do it again? Absolutely! But for most, it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"A

Santa before. Photo by Adrian Boyle<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A

Santa after. Photo by Dave Merron<\/p><\/div>\n

A few tips on getting the most out of your polar plunge:<\/h3>\n