Beneath the Ice on an Artic Liveaboard Diving Trip

Embark on a thrilling Arctic liveaboard diving journey and uncover the hidden wonders of the underwater Arctic. This guide will navigate you through the icy waters, offering an in-depth look into the best liveaboard experiences, captivating dive sites, and essential travel tips for your Arctic diving adventure.

Arctic liveaboard trips offer a unique and immersive way to explore the remote underwater landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible. Vessels like the Rembrandt van Rijn, Ortelius, and the National Geographic Explorer provide comfortable accommodations and expert guidance to the most breathtaking dive sites in the Arctic.

The Arctic is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. Dive sites vary from iceberg-laden waters to historic shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor.

About Arctic Liveaboard Diving

The optimal time for liveaboard diving in the Arctic is during the summer months, from June to September

The clear Arctic waters boast excellent visibility, allowing divers to witness the vibrant marine life, including narwhals, seals, and a myriad of fish species, in their natural habitat. Dive sites vary from iceberg-laden waters to historic shipwrecks resting on the ocean floor. The dives in this icy realm can start from the shores of secluded beaches and bays or directly from a zodiac boat, adding an element of adventure to each plunge.

Arctic liveaboard diving is not just a dive trip; it's an expedition into one of the most pristine and untouched regions on Earth. With the right preparation and a spirit of adventure, divers can experience the unparalleled beauty of the Arctic beneath the waves. Arctic dive holidays typically span seven nights, each packed with a diverse range of activities beyond diving. You could find yourself gliding across the water in a zodiac boat offered by your chosen Arctic liveaboard, embarking on scenic hikes, or taking part in enriching shore excursions.

The Arctic region is home to unique wildlife, both above and below the water. Underwater, divers might encounter a variety of marine life adapted to the cold waters, such as the ghostly beluga whales, the majestic narwhals, or even the elusive Greenland shark.

Diving in the Arctic's cold waters requires special preparation . It's essential to have the right thermal protection, such as a quality drysuit, and be proficient in buoyancy control. Respect for the fragile Arctic ecosystem is paramount, and divers are encouraged to follow eco-friendly practices to preserve the natural beauty of the region.

The optimal time for liveaboard diving in the Arctic is during the summer months, from June to September, when the ice recedes, and access to prime dive sites becomes possible. This period also offers the advantage of the Midnight Sun, providing extended daylight hours for diving and exploration.

Whether you're a diving enthusiast keen to explore the depths of the Arctic waters or an adventurer eager to soak in the natural and cultural wealth of the region, an Arctic diving holiday promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the polar world.

Diving in the Arctic , particularly around Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, offers a unique and memorable experience for those looking for ice diving and encounters with diverse marine life. The underwater world near Spitsbergen is known for its stunning ice formations that create mesmerizing deep blue colors beneath the surface.

Divers can explore kelp walls, encounter sea-snails, crabs, sea butterflies, various Arctic fish, and even have the chance to snorkel or dive with seals. Given the challenging conditions, divers need to be advanced and experienced, particularly in dry suit and cold water diving, with at least 30 dry suit dives recommended.

Scoresby Sund in Greenland, known as the world's largest and deepest fjord system, is another exceptional destination for Arctic diving. This area is not only famous for its huge icebergs but also for being a great place to observe different whale species. The combination of the dramatic landscapes, the clarity of the water, and the richness of marine life makes it an unparalleled diving location.

When To Go?

The best time to visit the Arctic for a diving adventure is during the high summer months, particularly from late June through early July, extending up to September. This period is optimal due to the retreat of sea ice, which allows access to cruising vessels and exposes a variety of marine life that becomes active during this time. Temperatures during these months range between 37°F (3°C) and 45°F (7°C), and the phenomenon of 24-hour daylight provides ample opportunity for wildlife observation and exploration.

May marks the beginning of the cruise season in the Arctic, with ships arriving in Svalbard and offering a chance to see newly calved icebergs, summer breeding birds, and male polar bears. As the sea ice continues to break up through June, opportunities for icebreaker voyages to the North Pole emerge, along with increased wildlife activity, including narwhals and polar bears.

The high season of July and August brings warmer temperatures, active wildlife across the region, and the possibility to navigate through the Northwest and Northeast Passages. By September, the first signs of autumn appear, with changing tundra colors and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Each season in the Arctic offers a different perspective on this stunning landscape, with the summer months providing the best conditions for diving and exploration. Whether you're interested in the rich biodiversity, historical wrecks, or the unique experience of diving under the midnight sun, the Arctic summer is an ideal time to embark on this adventure.

Tips For Travellers

The Arctic climate demands high-quality, warm, and waterproof clothing. Dress in layers to manage your body temperature as you move between the cold outdoors and the heated interiors of ships or accommodations.

For diving in the Arctic's cold waters, a drysuit is essential. Ensure you're familiar with its use and comfortable diving in it before your trip. Also, consider additional gear like hood, gloves, and boots designed for cold water diving.

Ensure your diving certifications are up to date, and you have experience diving in conditions similar to those you'll encounter in the Arctic.

Given the remote nature of the Arctic and the activities involved, comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and diving-specific incidents is crucial.

How to get there & Ports of Departure?

When considering an Arctic expedition, it's essential to understand that this region encompasses a vast area spanning several countries, including parts of Canada, Greenland (Denmark), Finland, Iceland, Norway (including Svalbard), Russia, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska).

Flying is the quickest and most popular method to reach the Arctic. There are regular scheduled flights to various parts of the Arctic region. For instance, Svalbard, one of the most accessible parts of the High Arctic, can be reached by daily scheduled flights from Oslo, Norway, to Longyearbyen, taking around 3 hours. It's advisable to book these flights early, especially in the spring and summer, as they can fill up quickly due to the high demand for Arctic travel during these months.

Ports of departure vary based on the itinerary. Common departure ports for Arctic cruises include Longyearbyen in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, Reykjavik in Iceland, Resolute in Nunavut, Canada, Murmansk in Russia, and Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. Some voyages even start from Aberdeen, Scotland, especially for expeditions that include the Faroe Islands.

While flying and ship voyages are the most common ways to reach the Arctic, some might opt for more adventurous routes like sailing from Scotland, Iceland, or Norway during the summer months. These voyages offer a unique perspective on the changing Arctic landscape and climate as you travel north.

When planning to visit and diving in the Arctic it is ideal to communicate with your chosen liveaboard. Our team of expert Reservations Attendants will coordinate with you and the Arctic liveaboard to ensure proper arrangements are made for your travel, embarkation and disembarkation.