Aqua-Firma recommends APEKS regulators and consoles for Polar Diving.

We are proud to offer this dedicated wildlife photography & diving voyage which, like our Antarctic Peninsular Diving & Photography Voyage, is a unique opportunity for photographers, natural history enthusiasts and experienced drysuit divers alike to gain insights into the polar environment both above and below the ice.

This small group exploratory voyage is led by an expert team which includes National Geographic & Discovery Channel photographers & cinematographers, BBC Wildlife Photographers of the Year, overall and category winners.  2008 leaders included:

• Paul Nicklen - National Geographic Cameraman, World Press Award and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 - Category winner
• Rick Price - BBC Cameraman, Polar Medal winner & BAFTA awarded film maker "Best Feature". Former Commander of the South Orkney British Antarctic Survey base.
• Franco Banfi - BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Highly commanded: Underwater 1993 & Portrait 2001, World in Our Hands 2004
• Charlotte Caffrey, Marine Scientist and Director of Aqua-Firma

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.

Photography

Whether your interest is in film and photography beneath the ice or above, expert guidance onboard can help you make the most of your time in the Arctic. This will include evening lectures and workshops on photography and opportunities throughout the voyage to talk with our onboard experts and other passengers who are passionate about natural history and wilderness landscapes.

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 Polar Voyages 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 activities may vary depending on local ice, sea and weather conditions and in order to maximise opportunities to view wildlife.

Please click HERE for proposed voyage itinerary

Dates 2009 June 21-28 Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen 2009 Prices (divers) £2,540 p/p twin sharing non private cabins £2,995 p/p twin sharing private cabins £3,295 p/p twin sharing superior cabins 2009 Prices (for divers) £3,035 p/p twin share non private cabins £3,490 p/p twin share private cabins £3,790 p/p twin sharing superior cabins These prices include diving. All prices are subject to exchange rate variations (Prices exclude fuel surcharge of £14.50 per night onboard) Single supplement There is no single supplement to pay if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender. Twin non-private cabin is 1.8x the per person cabin price Twin private cabin is 1.8x the per person cabin price Superior cabin is 2.0x the per person cabin price Prices include Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary Group airport transfers to & from the vessel (when arriving/departing on recommended group flight) Diving equipment included is the hire of tanks, air fills and weight belts unless otherwise stated.  The hire of further dive equipment will be at an additional charge. All meals, snacks, coffee and tea All shore excursions and zodiac activities Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the programme Comprehensive pre-departure material 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. Prices exclude Airfares. Fuel surcharge of £14.50 per night of voyage. Pre and post land arrangements. Transfers to and from the vessel (except when arriving/departing on recommended group flight). Cancellation and personal holiday insurance. Passports and visas. Arrival and departure tax. Meals ashore. Baggage. Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc). Tips.

Photographs kindly provided by Troels Jacobsen, Göran Ehlmé, Jan Belgers, Sonia Van Berkel, Tiu Simila, Charlotte Caffrey & Ralph Pannell

Information about diving in the polar regions