Seabed To Summit: An Expedition To Antarctica
Seabed To Summit: An Expedition To Antarctica
SW19 resident Katie MacIntosh is a hydrographer, scuba diver, hiker, ocean advocate and now she is about to embark on her most remote and extreme journey with an all-female expedition to Antarctica.
She is brimming with enthusiasm about her latest venture, which she has worked so hard to get selected for. Katie says: “Sea Women Expeditions have taken 25 leading female experts from around the world, including scientists, divers, engineers, hydrographers, and researchers to take part in a leadership program dedicated to climate science, sustainability, and empowering women in exploration. There was a lot of competition for the places and I am thrilled and excited.”
“I was born in Nova Scotia, growing up along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, surrounded by a rich maritime history. The ocean has always been a part of me, shaping my curiosity, my career, my sense of adventure, and a deep respect for the sea. From an early age, I knew I wanted to immerse myself into working with and for the ocean.
“Becoming a scuba diver deepened my connection to the sea: its healing powers, and the incredible marine life within it. It’s the most peaceful and surreal experience, being submerged in a beautiful, silent, weightless environment.”
Katie’s studies continued her on this trajectory and she studied Marine Geomatics in Canada as she embarked on her dream to be a hydrographer: the science of measuring and mapping the physical features of oceans, and underwater environments.
“As a hydrographer, I specialise in collecting and interpreting high-precision bathymetric and geophysical data using advanced technologies like sonar systems, subsea positioning systems, and remotely operated vehicles. Often working in depths of 2800 metres, my work enables safe navigation, supports subsea engineering and infrastructure development, environmental protection, and ocean conservation in different areas of the world.”
After 15 years of travelling the world with her work, she ended up moving to Wimbledon last July.
“I have worked in Canada, America, Brazil, Norway, Denmark, Egypt and Senegal, and then after spending time in Wimbledon Village, whilst working in London, I decided to stay. I love the spirit of community, the parks, the greenery, the conservation – it’s the perfect balance of city and nature.
“I like to walk in the park in the morning with my friends and surround myself in nature, I ride my bike to Richmond Park and I love a coffee in Demitasse.”
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In the past, many of Katie’s expeditions have involved long stints away in male-dominated environments, but her latest challenge to Antarctica will be in a female environment.
“Early in my career, I was often the only woman on a vessel of 150 men. There were moments of deep isolation, but I’ve always believed that exploration and science should be for everyone. Women belong in these environments, and I hope my journey inspires more young women to pursue STEM careers.”
“Women currently make up only 30% of the UK’s STEM workforce, and I’m passionate about changing that. Representation matters – when young women see someone like them working in exploration, it shifts the narrative. They stop wondering ‘Can I do this?’ and start believing ‘I will do this!’”
Paving the way in a male-dominated world hasn’t been easy for Katie and there have been some particularly challenging times in her career.
“During Covid, I worked on a vessel in Brazil for 12 weeks, following a two-week quarantine before arriving on board. I’ve had to learn to become very resilient, and able to overcome both physical and mental challenges. Because I was a woman in a male environment, you have to be prepared to prove yourself time and time again, which isn’t always easy, but it will make you strong.”
The Sea Women Expedition takes 24 days from 14 February to 10 March 2026, sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, through the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island, Antarctic Peninsula and Polar Circle; all on board the world’s first-registered Polar Class 6 Vessel.
Katie is taking a one month sabbatical and is training hard as you would expect. “We’ll be facing unpredictable seas, and harsh weather, which will be physically and mentally gruelling. Some of the world’s strongest ocean currents flow through the Drake Passage, and it’s known to be one of the most dangerous sailing crossings on Earth.”
“I’m fortunate to have my sea legs, but preparing for Antarctica is a test of both mental resilience and physical stamina. Physically, I’m training with a mix of cardio, strength, and endurance work – plus a lot of cold exposure training. Cold plunges have become a huge part of my wellness routine. Since we’ll be diving with sea lions to study their movements, I need to be fully confident and comfortable working in freezing temperatures for extended periods. To strengthen my mindset, I focus on daily meditations and visualisations through the Superhuman app. Since the New Year, I’ve introduced Reformer Pilates with Lily Carson at Third Space in Wimbledon. Her classes have transformed my body and mentality. Cooking is my creative outlet; it brings me into a flow state and helps me reset when I feel mentally out of balance.
“I also mentor women through a global organisation, Maritime SheEO, helping them navigate careers in the maritime industry. Supporting others in finding their path gives me perspective and aligns with the mission of this expedition – creating space for women to lead, explore, and thrive. Staying connected to this work keeps me focused on the bigger picture as I prepare for the challenges ahead.”
“And then of course there is the funding to consider. This is a fully self-funded expedition, and each participant is aiming to raise £30,000 to make it happen. We’ve landed a huge sponsorship with Garmin – supporting the expedition with marine technology and navigation, but I’m currently reaching out to potential sponsors and donors whose values and vision align with conservation, exploration, and female leadership. Every contribution, big or small, helps fuel this mission.”
“Antarctica’s ecosystem is under immense pressure. Just this year, in early 2025, Antarctica sea ice dropped to a record low falling to 26% below average. This decline is devastating marine ecosystems on a worldwide basis, including here in the UK. Through eDNA analysis, our research is directly contributing to global conservation efforts, helping scientists and marine biologists better understand these fragile environments.”
She adds: “Wimbledon has a long history of excellence; though sport, business, and the arts, and I want to extend that into STEM, exploration, and environmental responsibility. This expedition isn’t just about Antarctica, it’s about inspiring a new generation to think bigger, live with purpose, and have the courage to step into spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented. I want people of all ages to see that leadership, adventure, and discovery starts right here in their own communities. By supporting this expedition; you’re fuelling a global movement of exploration, education, and empowerment.”
Here is the link to Katie’s fundraiser: https://gofund.me/29f6d3cb
