We are very pleased to introduce for 2010 this expert led Diving, Wildlife & Marine Life voyage to Arctic Spitsbergen. Amongst our leaders will be Aqua-Firma Marine Scientist, Charlotte Caffrey, who has become a familiar face at British diving events with talks about diving in the Arctic and Antarctica. Her dive team will also include the former dive leader for the British Antarctic base of Rothera.

Diving

We have chosen mid June for this voyage - a time of the year when life is returning in force to the Arctic yet plankton levels remain lower, so visibility can often be better than later in the summer.

With so little of the Arctic explored underwater, there is always an exploratory feel to diving so far north. For the experienced drysuit diver, the submarine ecosystems here 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 creates an 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, huge spider crabs, soft corals, anemones, peacock worms and dogfish. Macro life is particularly interesting including sea angels and winged sea butterflies (Limacina), a predatory sea snail.  You will also be able to observe a variety of Arctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jellyfish and sea hedgehogs.

Seals are frequently observed on the ice and on shore, and if out of range beneath the water you can still hear their 'seal songs' - a phenomenon not limited to whales! It is the ice specialist bearded and harp seals who make most use of underwater vocalizations as a means of commuciation.

Where there are seals there are often polar bears predating them - a wonderful mammal who we always keep an eye for, both for the thrill of seeing them, but also to avoid when in the water. Walruses are similarly interesting, but a healthy respect and distance is needed as they can be aggressive.

Wildlife, Marine Life & the Arctic Wilderness

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 in early summer and chance encounters with walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes, ringed and bearded seals and hopefully polar bears. We are always on the lookout for whales, of which we might hope to see fin whales, minke whales and the ghostly white beluga. Less frequently, humpback whales, bowhead whales and sei whales have been seen on these voyages.

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.

Diving notes

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.

Dates 2010: 14th - 21st June 2010 Price £2,550 p/p triple en suite cabin £3,190 p/p twin en suite cabin £3,530 p/p superior cabin Diving supplement: £525 pp Dates 2011: 22nd - 29th June 2011 Price £2,620 p/p triple en suite cabin £3,290 p/p twin en suite cabin £3,620 p/p superior cabin Diving supplement: £290 pp   These prices are per person sharing. 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  Included Accommodation and voyage Diving equipment included is the hire of tanks, air fills and weight belts unless otherwise stated. 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. Excluded Flights Fuel surcharge of £9 per night of voyage. Pre and post land arrangements. Transfers to and from the vessel Cancellation and personal insurance. Passports and visas. Arrival and departure tax. Meals ashore 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.

Arctic dive- Spitsbergen- Expedition Cruise - Responsible Travel - Carbon Climate Neutral - Svalbard - Arctic Voyage - Ice Diving - North Spitsbergen