Svalbard is a stunning Norwegian archipelago located north of the Arctic Circle. It is one of the furthest outposts of civilization in the Arctic region, and as such, is one of the main destinations for Arctic liveaboard travel. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the diving around Svalbard; specific destinations are typically determined by the company you travel with.
Diving With Whales
There are few destinations where diving with whales is possible; the waters around Norway’s Svalbard though, are home to a healthy whale population. Each year, orca safaris depart from Stromsholmen and head out to find the orcas. On occasion, pods of more than 50 individuals are located. While many people choose to simply watch the whales from the liveaboard, divers often enter the water to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Blue whales and belugas are frequently encountered around Svalbard, as are narwhales, fin whales, humpbacks, and others. Whale watching dive sites are usually chosen based on marine life activity rather than on location alone.
Spitzbergen Arctic Diving
Another popular stop on Svalbard diving adventures is Spitzbergen. Kelp beds in this area are shallow and well-lit, and as visibility is excellent throughout the region, you’ll feel as though you are in another world, surrounded by waving strands of kelp as the midnight sun pierces the water’s surface. Arctic cod, sea angels, winged snails, and brightly colored sea anemones are just a few of the creatures you’ll encounter when kelp diving in the Arctic.
Iceberg Diving
While large icebergs are rarely encountered around Svalbard, smaller masses of ice are seen with some frequency. These beautiful and ancient pieces of ice sometimes fizz and crack as you make your way around them; and as the fresh water melts into the sea’s saltwater, you’ll see swirling haloclines that shimmer in the sunlight. Touch the iceberg’s smooth, frozen surface, and you’ll realize that you are touching a piece of glacial ice that may have been formed as long as about 10,000 years ago. While not for the faint-hearted, iceberg diving is something you will not soon forget.
Additional Arctic Expedition Features
Liveaboards traveling to Svalbard and the surrounding area typically retain professional photographers and marine biologists who offer seminars and provide helpful tips about encountering and interacting with the many animals you’ll come into contact with. Kayaks and Zodiacs are often available so you can get closer to animals such as polar bears, walruses, and large seals without risk to life and limb. Trekking and cross-country skiing are sometimes included in expeditions.
Keep in mind that Polar expeditions are designed with experienced divers in mind. Most companies require participants to have at least 20 drysuit dives logged, and prior to departure, all participants are required to show internationally accepted diving certificates and other documents, usually including a recent health certificate. Some expeditions cater solely to divers, while others offer non-divers plenty of adventures as well. Planning a polar expedition to Svalbard and other nearby destinations should be undertaken with care; choose your travel firm well in advance, and be sure to take advantage of the services they offer. By doing this, you’ll enjoy an unforgettably unique diving adventure.