Media release

Date: Tuesday November 8, 2022

Scenic Eclipse sets the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising with world's first submersible night dive to witness one of nature's rarest wonders

Scenic Eclipse (www.sceniceclipse.com) has set the benchmark in ultra-luxury discovery again with another world's first, by enchanting guests with one of nature's least-seen wonders, the 'Diel Vertical Migration'.

Heading down deep into the inky-black night-time waters of Mexico might not seem the best option for nature-lovers in search of wildlife, but for guests on board Scenic Eclipse on 5 October 2022, this was a once in a lifetime experience that won't be forgotten.

The select group enjoyed what turned out to be a world's first – taking the plunge inside Scenic Neptune, Scenic Eclipse's on-board custom designed all electric submarine – to witness, the natural phenomenon.

The Diel Vertical Migration is the largest vertical migration on Earth, and involves the movement of millions of quarter-inch long fish larvae making a 1,000 feet hour-long ascent in search of food. In human terms, that equates to one of us swimming 50 miles.

The historic moment took place during the 14-day Baja and Costa Rica Discovery sailing which departed on 28 September 2022.

Scenic's' Director of Expedition Operations Jason Flesher explained: “We were given rare permission to undertake the night dive so wanted to push the boundaries and grab the opportunity to surprise and delight our guests.

“During the trip these animals pass through zones of ocean where the conditions are wildly different. At 1,000 feet the water is roughly 39F (4°C), which is way colder than near the surface, and the pressure is about 460psi (pound per square inch), more than 30 times what it is up top.

“The fish travel up to eat – and to avoid being eaten. During the day vulnerable zooplankton hide from predators such as squid and fish in the dark depths. When night begins to fall, they rush to the surface to feed on the microscopic aquatic plants that live in the top few hundred feet of water - under the cover of night.

“On the dive guests saw baby fish, lobsters and eels, all of which were just millimetres long. It was a truly amazing experience.

“This was the first-ever night dive in a submarine to take place in Huatulco and the first commercial night dive for any expedition ship. What makes these Scenic Eclipse Discovery Voyages so special is the fact that we offer guests the means to visit places that are typically inaccessible.”

Video link here.

Scenic Eclipse is currently sailing in South America, before travelling to Ushuaia to commence its Antarctica season.

For more information and to book, call 0808 271 5355, visit www.sceniceclipse.com, or talk to your local travel agent.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries: Lorraine Bryant or James Aspland at Siren Communications – 0207 759 1150 or email scenic@sirencomms.com.

About Scenic

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has grown over its 36-year plus history to include award-winning river and ocean cruises and handcrafted land journeys that take guests to many of the world's most fascinating destinations. Since 2008, Scenic has set the benchmark for truly all-inclusive, luxury five-star river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia as well as luxury cruises on Egypt's Nile on board a private luxury charter. In 2019, Scenic introduced Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yacht™, a 228-guest ultra-luxury ship, and plans to deliver a second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, in 2023. Scenic is part of Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours.

Scenic can be found on Twitter at @ScenicLuxury, on Facebook as ScenicCruises and on Instagram as Scenic.luxurycruisestours.