Arctic diving, photography & wildlife expedition

The Arctic's vast and remote expanse, demands access and exploration by water. Your vessel is no longer a means of transport, but your base camp; sustaining and protecting you, whilst at the same time taking you deeper into one of the wildest and most hostile places on the planet. The Arctic instills a strong sense of detachment from the routine of modern urban life.

For the experienced dry-suit diver, the submarine ecosystems of the far north present a wild and undiscovered realm. This is a challenging and ever changing world of blue sculpted ice and Arctic marine wildlife; dive where few have dived before.

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Arctic scuba diving & natural history expedition
2008 departure: 15 Jun
From £2360 - £3050 (8 days) ex flights for divers, or £1970 - £2650 for non-divers (twin share)
2009 departure: 21 Jun
From £3035 - £3790 (8 days) ex flights for divers, or £2540 - £3295 for non-divers (twin share)

Our passion for polar wildlife above and below water areas has encouraged us to develop voyages which combine natural history expeditions on ice-strengthened vessels, with a scuba diving experience that takes place within a vast expanse of remote and isolated wilderness.

For the experienced drysuit diver, the submarine ecosystems of the far north present a wild and undiscovered realm. This is an ever changing world of blue sculpted ice, Arctic marine life and the chance to dive where few have dived before. The combination of sunlight, sea water and the often extraordinary formations of ice cause an overwhelming, ever-changing spectre of underwater colours, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. We may observe typical marine life such as sea squirts, squat lobsters, many species of star fish, spider crabs, soft corals, anemones, peacock worms and dogfish.

Diving in the Arctic environment means not only ice but huge kelp forests and kelp walls, with sea snails, crabs, sea butterflies, a variety of Arctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fish and sea hedgehogs. In Spitsbergen we may dive with seals. This expedition does not involve cutting holes in the ice to dive. Dives are conducted from the expedition vessel's compliment of zodiacs, whilst others are from the shore or from ice shells. This will vary from shallow ice diving near or under the ice-floes (approx. 30 feet) to shore diving, whereby we dive to approximately 30 to 60 feet.

For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about nature than on a purely land based expedition. Each day you will have the opportunity to share experiences with those who have been exploring above and below the ice. You will also have the chance to see photographs and video footage from the experts and other passengers. To enhance your understanding, there will be a programme of inspiring evening lectures about the wildlife, ecology and conservation of the Arctic. You can also refer to the onboard library of Arctic natural history guides and reference books.

The above water voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords and islands of North Spitsbergen, which offer spectacular numbers of birds and chance encounters with walruses, Reindeer, ringed and bearded seals and hopefully polar bears. Our aim is to reach the Hinlopen Strait and the island of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major Spitsbergen islands. Ringed at times by high mountains and shimmering glaciers, these northern bays and fjords offer outstanding Arctic landscapes that are likely to leave deep and lasting impression.