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| Arctic Private Polar Diving Charters | ||||
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Aqua-Firma is pleased to be able to offer for private charter two vessels - the sisterships M/S Stockholm & M/S Origo both superbly equipped for diving and exploration of the fjords, glaciers and icebergs of the High-Arctic. Stockholm & Origo each carry a maximum of 12 and 24 guests respectively and both are ideal for private dive groups looking for an experience totally different to joining a traditional liveaboard group. We can provide you with or without an experienced dive team to guide you underwater. 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. M/S Stockholm The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 at Finnboda shipyard in Stockholm for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable and ice-strengthened passenger ship. Like her sister Origo she is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and oregon pine decks and is loved by many. With a party of 12 on board it is like travelling on a private yacht and it offers an entirely different experience and perspective to that of a larger and more conventional vessel. The ship is ideal for private dive groups that wish to explore the Spitsbergen archipelago underwater. The Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in outside twin cabins, all with private facilities.
M/S Origo The M/S Origo is the sistership of the M/S Stockholm. She was built in 1955 at Finnboda shipyard in Stockholm for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1991 she started her career as passenger ship and has been cruising in the Arctic waters of Svalbard every summer since. The Origo carries a maximum of 24 passengers in outside twin and superior cabins. All cabins except for the superior cabin have upper and lower berths. The superior cabin and two cabins on the main and lower deck have private bath, all other cabins on lower deck have shared facilities.
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.
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