Scenic Eclipse Makes History

Forty years ago was the last time someone took a submarine underwater off the coast of South Georgia. The 1982 Falklands War stopped any diving in the area and kept it that way for four decades. Until the Scenic Eclipse launched its 6-person submersible, the Scenic Neptune. The ship made history with the first dive since the war. 

Making History with the Scenic Eclipse

The Scenic Eclipse launched the Neptune during the 3-week voyage Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, departing on January 27. 

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting this historic moment since the application process began years ago,” said Director of Marine Operations, Captain James Griffiths. “After working closely with the authorities to gain permission, we’d like to thank them for placing their trust in us to operate these dives. Seeing our plans become a reality and being able to offer our guests this incredible experience unrivaled by any other cruise line is an incredible moment for our team.”

The Scenic Eclipse tours combine luxury cruising with exploration and discovery. The dive offered an opportunity for guests to see marine life they otherwise never would. “It was an extraordinary experience to be on board Scenic Neptune’s maiden submarine dive in South Georgia – and a moment that both myself and our guests will remember for a lifetime,” said Jason Flesher, Expeditions Operations Manager who led the first dive. “To personally accompany our very first guests was truly remarkable. We witnessed a diversity of rich marine life unlike anywhere else in the world, including bioluminescent jellyfish, Pelagic Antarctic Krill and a vast array of marine benthic fauna.”

Scenic offers their next submarine dive in South Georgia Island during the 23-day Antarctica & South Georgia voyage scheduled for March 9. Two more departures will follow in the next Antarctica season. They take place on November 20, 2022, and February 15, 2023.