RUSSIA ICE DIVING Dive the White Sea above the Arctic Circle

Dive below the sea ice of the White Sea in Russia 6th-16th March 2020

Welcome aboard the Oceandivers Russian Arctic Diving Adventure 2020 This will be our fifth journey to the frozen north to experience a very different world of Diving. If you have not yet experienced diving below the frozen surface of the White Sea then perhaps it's time to consider expanding your experiential range and join us on our next Arctic adventure. For those of you who have been there and experienced the frozen north over and under the ice, welcome back, it's great to have experienced arctic divers in the group.  

March 2020 will take us from Dublin to St. Petersburg, on to Murmansk then overland to Chuppa and finally Nilmoguba the home of the Arctic Circle Dive Centre ACDC. On our outward journey we will overnight in St. Petersburg continuing our journey to the far north early the next day. 

The preliminary schedule details (TBC) are set out below along with details of the estimate package cost and equipment requirements based on current prices. As all dives are made in dry suits, it is essential that everyone is an Advanced diver and has a dry suit with over twenty dry suit dives logged before departure. The water temperature is between -1 and -2C. Typical daytime air temperatures between -20 and + 5. On our last trips, 2018, we experienced the coldest weather reaching -30 on a couple of days but most days it was clear and dry with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around -10C. We did of course have one or two blizzards but that’s what you expect in the Arctic. Whilst all diving is done out on the ice there are wooden huts on site with wood burning stoves for changing and having lunch etc. Our Accommodation is in a small fishing village with lovely modern log houses, plenty of excellent home cooked food and lashing of hot water.

For evening entertainment, besides the Aurora Borealis and the beautiful arctic night sky, there is a traditional Russian Banya, like a sauna but 10 times better and cold beers to be drunk whilst reflecting on the day's events. Apart from the diving, the experience of travelling to and being in the wilderness of the Russian Arctic is absolutely wonderful. The views out over the frozen White Sea stretch on forever in beautiful silence while the sky is constantly changing between blinding sunlight and pending blizzard driven white-outs. During the week there are a number of alternative activities available including a skidoo trip to an old Russian village that has no road access, it’s a peek into wild Russia and a fun journey overland by skidoo.

On the return leg, we spend two days and three nights in St. Petersburg taking in some of the sights and sounds as well as time for shopping and relaxing.

Itinerary March 2020

Mar-11

Cost Breakdown and Paperwork

What's Included in the package

Led trip including organisation and coordination. Overland transfers from Murmansk to Arctic Circle Dive Centre. Full board accommodation in ACDC (twin comfort room sharing) all meals, beverages, snacks etc. (excluding alcoholic drinks). PADI Ice Diver Specialty and certification

Ice diving package

Package price (A) €1850 (Already certified as an Ice Diver).

Package price (B) €1950 (Including PADI Ice Diver specialty) You must be certified as an Ice Diver to dive.

What's Not included in the package

Flights Dub- St Petersburg - Murmansk return. App cost €500 Russian Visa. €60 (Irish) Letter of invitation from ACDC for Russian visa and voucher €30 Optional excursions – Black River Village €65 (TBC) – Husky sledge tour - (POA) Outward and return accommodation in St. Petersburg approximately €75 p/p p/night sharing.

Payments by bank transfer to Oceandivers. Please note C/C payments to Oceandivers subject to 2.5% surcharge. No surcharge charge for Laser/Debit card or bank transfer.

* Above prices are based on current rates and are subject to change.

 Minimum group size 8 persons.

What to do to book your place 

1. Please contact us with your details and dive qualification. Your passport will need to be in date for 6 months after the end date of the trip. We will apply for tourist visa support letter and voucher from Arctic Circle Dive centre for each member of the trip once the group has been finalised.

2. A deposit payment of €250 will be required to confirm places and begin the visa requisition process.

3. Download official visa application from the Russian Embassy website. Read carefully the requirements. We will send you a copy of the official invitation that is required with your application. Once you have this, make an immediate application for single entry visa.

What to bring 

1. Dry suit with warm under suit, thermals and heavy socks
2. BCD
3. Cold water regulators x 2 DIN
4. Mask, fins
5. Belt or weight pouches
6. Computer, camera, torch
7. 7mm Diving mitts (preferred) or dry gloves,

Clothing

• Warm clothing with good windproof outer layer
• Plenty of thermal layers (Marino wool very good insulator)
• Warm waterproof footwear with good thermal socks (keeping toes and fingers warm is the key to comfort in cold climates)
• Warm hats, Gloves or mitts Camera

Like to know more?

Contact Brian or Susan on 01 2801083