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| Around Spitsbergen Diving and Natural History Voyage | ||||
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. Diving 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.
Click HERE for further information about diving in the Polar regions
Natural History 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. Proposed Itinerary Although our diving expeditions have a proposed itinerary, this is for guidance only and is intended to give you a flavour of the voyage route. The actual route and diving activities may vary depending on local ice, sea and weather conditions and in order to maximise opportunities to view wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for this kind of expedition voyage. We will take our time to explore the best opportunities and possibilities for outstanding diving, whilst taking into account the unpredictable weather and ice conditions and maintaining the highest level of safety. Ice is not static but always in a constant state of movement and flux, therefore each dive will be a unique and often surprising event. These diving voyages are expeditions in the truest sense of the word. Please click HERE for proposed voyage itinerary
Dates 2008: June 29 - July 09 Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen Prices 2008 (non-divers): £2,390 p/p twin sharing non-private cabins Prices 2008 (divers): £2,695 p/p twin sharing non-private cabins These prices include diving Single supplement: Single occupancy price is 1.7 times the per person cabin price. Included: Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary We plan at least one to two dives per day, but an exact number of dives cannot be given. It all depends on ice and weather conditions Excluded: Airfares. Pre and post land arrangements. Transfers to and from the vessel. Cancellation and personal insurance. Passports and visas. Arrival and departure tax. Meals ashore. Baggage. Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc). Tips. The marine ecosystems of the Arctic are under pressure from a number of sources which of course include climate change. Some areas of the Arctic however remain among the most pristine underwater environments in the world and we are privileged to be able to take you there. We urge all divers to dive responsibly and safely, avoiding any contact with the beautiful but fragile marine flora and fauna. For full details of our Responsible Diving Code of Conduct, please click HERE
Our Committment to the Climate Aqua-Firma is committed to the conservation of the places it visits. This is why the company has calculated the average CO2 emissions of its Arctic and Antarctic Voyages and will automatically offset each client’s share of emissions via the charity Rainforest Concern’s new Rainforest4Climate programme. Aqua-Firma will also automatically offset the carbon emissions of flights booked through them for its polar expeditions. |
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