Ice Diving
The White Sea
Ice diving courses

Welcome to the World Ice Diving Capital

We run an annual ice diving programs from mid February to mid April. Our dive center is the only place in Europe and one of the best place in the world where you could enjoy the marine ice diving. Clear water, the severe natural beauty of the Russian North, the wonderful underwater world, the proximity of the North Polar Circle, a well-found base and experienced instructors, make “Polar Circle” the world ice diving capital.

Diving Techniques

Diving is conducted in dry suits. The ice-diving technique we use is as following: Divers penetrate under ice through sawed rectangular holes. Divers go down in buddy teams. A safety rope is tied to the waist of each diver, and the divers hold the rope in the right hand. A tender person on the surface holds the rope, and the end is fixed by an ice-screw. Totally there are at least 6 people involved in the diving process: two divers, two tenders, and two people providing general help.

Dives Per Day

We plan to offer experienced dry suit divers at least two dive per day. Three dives is possible, but only if the weather is fine. The diving is the major attraction but the scenery wildlife and time spent trekking on snowmobiles and aero-boats are just as memorable. We believe that White Sea and Russian North has so much more to offer.

Marine Life

Bottom life in the White Sea is a peculiar mixture of temperate and arctic species. Cod, wolf-fish, sea perch and butter fish may be encountered along with bright sea anemones, various star fishes and huge basket stars. Plankton forms such as “sea angel” mollusk or big flickering comb jellies are unique for this sea.

Safety Considerations

Ice diving is no more dangerous than conventional Scuba diving as long as you remember one important rule: Safety First. Our Center do not cater to divers seeking thrills or danger. We'll start off with a check dive so all divers can acclimatize to the cold water and the special North conditions. Before every dive, there will be a detailed briefing and the whole diving procedure will be discussed with the group.

Ice Diving Cites

The main problem is that there are so many great places to dive that it's hard to know just which ones are the best!

Participant requirements

Team members are expected to already have a PADI Ice-diving certificate and be proficient in dry suit use. For those who do not have PADI ice diving certificate we provide this course on the Center. Special pre-trip training can be arranged individually, for those people who have not had prior experience with dry suits and for anyone requiring additional certification (at additional participant expense).