🇷🇺Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Russia

Arctic Ocean

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Baltic Sea

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Barentsz Sea

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Bering Sea

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Black Sea

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Chukchi Sea

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East Siberian Sea

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Gulf of Finland

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Japan Sea

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Kara Sea

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Laptev Sea

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North Pacific Ocean

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Sea of Azov

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Sea of Okhotsk

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White Sea

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Arctic

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Black Sea

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Cold Temperate Northwest Pacific

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Northern European Seas

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Baltic Sea

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Black Sea

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Chukchi Sea

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East Siberian Sea

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Eastern Bering Sea

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Kamchatka Shelf and Coast

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Kara Sea

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Laptev Sea

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North and East Barents Sea

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Northern Norway and Finnmark

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Oyashio Current

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Sea of Japan/East Sea

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Sea of Okhotsk

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White Sea

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A30 - Deep Water Pool

The A30 - Deep Water Pool is located at coordinates 59.994800, 30.678200 and is recognized as the first and only deep water training pool in Russia, as well as the fourth deepest in Europe. This facility features multiple depth levels suitable for divers of all experience levels, ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 meters for beginners, with additional training depths at 6.5 meters, 11 meters, 16 meters, and a maximum depth of 30 meters. The pool is devoid of marine life, ensuring a controlled environment for training, with only SSI certified instructors present to guide divers.

59.9948, 30.6782

Aktash sinkhole

Aktash sinkhole is situated at the outskirts of Kaleikino village. The sinkhole has a diameter of approximately 50 meters and reaches a depth of 25 meters. On its northern side, divers can find a silted entrance leading into a cavern. Freshwater fish juveniles are occasionally introduced into the sinkhole; however, due to limited light and food resources, there is no established breeding population of these fish.

54.9150, 52.1481

Apnea Arena, Автотор-арена

Apnea Arena, located at the AVTOTOR Arena Sports Palace, is a significant indoor facility for freediving training in Russia and Europe. The complex spans over 42,000 square meters and was inaugurated in late 2020. It serves as a venue for classes, training sessions, and competitions, making it an ideal environment for maintaining fitness during winter months. The site is accessible via shore entry, providing a convenient access point for divers.

54.7218, 20.3561

Boksitogorsk Quarry/ Бокситогорский карьер

Boksitogorsk Quarry is a freshwater dive site characterized by good visibility and a range of depths reaching up to 40 meters. This site is suitable for various training dives, including deep diving courses, as well as recreational diving. The aquatic environment is typical of north-western freshwater ecosystems, featuring species such as pike, European roach, perch, and tench.

59.4550, 33.8855

Cape Ayran

Cape Ayran is situated near the exit of the protected Kamga Bay and serves as a notable landmark. Divers must obtain a special permit from the Altai Nature Reserve before visiting. The underwater environment is home to various fish species, including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be observed among the local mammal population.

51.7529, 87.6654

Cape Nyanskotch

Cape Nyanskotch is situated near the Nyanskotch cape, featuring an underwater wall that extends to a maximum depth of 65 meters. At the cape's tip, divers can find a notable heart-shaped stone known as 'The Stone of Love' at a depth of 33 meters. The site is home to various fish species, including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be observed among the local mammals.

51.7404, 87.5428

Helicopter cave

Helicopter Cave is situated at the base of a karst sinkhole, with its entrance located in a lake. The nearby guesthouse offers services for filling gas cylinders and renting equipment. Within the explored sections of the cave, no underwater life has been observed. However, during the summer months, snakes may be present in the lake and around the sinkhole's bottom.

54.2361, 55.9885

Kabukhta Dive Site

Kabukhta Dive Site is situated on the northern protected shoreline of Lake Teletskoye, adjacent to the village of Yaylyu. Access is exclusively by boat, and divers must obtain a special permit from the Altai Nature Reserve. The site features a wall that descends to depths of up to 50 meters. Underwater, divers can encounter various fish species including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be observed among the local mammal population.

51.7616, 87.5677

Koldor Dive Site

The Koldor Dive Site is situated on the southern shore of Lake Teletskoye, near the Coldor cordon and opposite the village of Yailu. The dive begins just 10-15 meters from the shoreline, where the depth quickly descends to between 40 and 50 meters. This site does not require a special permit from the Altai Nature Reserve for diving activities. Underwater, divers can encounter various fish species, including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be observed among the local mammal population.

51.7312, 87.5603

Krapivinskaya hydroelectric power station

The Krapivinskaya hydroelectric power station is an unfinished facility that has remained incomplete since 1989. It features a reservoir that is not connected to the Tom River, comprising two distinct bowls—one large and one small—divided by a dam. The site is characterized by its freshwater ecosystem, which includes species such as perch, pike, bream, and carp, along with crayfish. The area is also home to various types of freshwater green and brown algae, as well as freshwater sponges, known locally as bodyag.

55.0186, 87.0247

Lake Glubokoe

Lake Glubokoe is a small freshwater lake situated approximately 40 minutes by car from Novosibirsk. The lake features depths reaching up to 11-12 meters, with visibility varying between 2 to 8 meters depending on the season. The lakebed consists of mud and is home to a submerged forest. The aquatic life includes species such as crayfish, pike, perch, and carp. The surrounding area is private and well-maintained, with regular fish releases into the lake.

55.1891, 82.7651

Lazurny Quarry

Lazurny Quarry is a gypsum quarry located in the Ural region of Russia. The maximum depth reaches 69 meters, and the water surface area exceeds 1 square kilometer. The water temperature begins at 4°C, and visibility can extend up to 30 meters, providing clear conditions for divers. The quarry hosts freshwater fish and larvae, though aquatic plant life is minimal. The surrounding environment features pines and fir trees that are often covered in silt, contributing to the unique water transparency.

57.7130, 60.1994

Listvyagi Quarry/Листвяги

Listvyagi Quarry is accessible from the shore and is suitable for various types of diving, including training dives. The site offers visibility ranging from 10 to 15 meters, which can vary with the seasons. The maximum depth reaches 49 meters, and the bottom is characterized by a variety of rocks in different sizes and shapes, providing interesting features for divers to explore. Typical aquatic life includes perch, roach, burbot, and various species of seaweed, along with other endemic organisms native to the region.

53.6153, 86.8968

Love Island

Love Island is situated adjacent to the protected northern coastline, requiring permission from the Altai Nature Reserve for diving activities. This small island serves as a reference point for divers, with dives typically conducted along a wall that descends to depths exceeding 100 meters. The underwater environment is home to various fish species, including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be observed among the local mammal population.

51.7451, 87.5153

Manganese Quarry/Марганец

Manganese Quarry is a former mining site that has been transformed into a freshwater dive location. The quarry reaches a maximum depth of 30 meters and offers clear water with visibility up to 15 meters. It is situated approximately 180 kilometers west of Novosibirsk. The aquatic life includes species typical to the area, such as Perch, Roach, and Burbot, along with various types of seaweed and other endemic organisms.

54.5973, 85.3012

Maximus apnoea

Maximus apnoea is located within the Miras sports complex in Almetyevsk, specifically at 55 Shevchenko St. This training pool has a depth of 2.2 meters and features a length of 50 meters with 10 lanes available. The facility utilizes a water purification system that does not involve chlorine, making it suitable for various training activities. Freediving sessions conducted here include disciplines such as crawl, breaststroke, dolphin, and static hold, providing a comprehensive environment for skill development.

54.8980, 52.2542

Orda Cave

Orda Cave is a large underwater gypsum cave located beneath the Ural Mountains, featuring galleries that extend over 5 kilometers. Divers can explore ancient stalactites estimated to be 10,000 years old in waters with visibility up to 50 meters, although the temperature is around 4 degrees Celsius.

57.1814, 56.8884

Sea Angels: Amerievsky dolomite quarry

The Sea Angels dive site is located in the Amerievsky dolomite quarry near Shchelkovo, specifically on the south bank east of the Church of the Sign. Divers can access the water from a small descent at a tent camp. The depth at this site reaches between 10 to 12 meters, with a predominantly silty bottom interspersed with areas of submerged forest. Seasonal visibility ranges from 1 to 3 meters. The aquatic life includes various freshwater species typical of such environments, including perch, roach, crayfish, and catfish.

55.9180, 38.0472

Shchyolkovo Dolomite Pit

Shchyolkovo Dolomite Pit is a dive site located 22 km from Moscow, accessible via the Shchelkovsky highway. Dive depths range from 3 to 12 meters with average visibility at 10 meters. Marine life includes catfish, pikes, trout, carp, and perch, along with submerged tree structures from a flooded forest.

55.9210, 38.0469

SInyavino Kenig

Sinyavino Kenig is a freshwater dive site characterized by a shallow beach entry, making it suitable for novice divers. The site is situated in a well-developed tourist area. The water is typically warm and hosts common freshwater species, including spikes and perches, along with the presence of dive instructors. This location is ideal for introductory dives and training courses.

54.8794, 19.9441

Spas-Kamensky quarry

Spas-Kamensky quarry is a flooded site resulting from black clay extraction, reaching a maximum depth of 24 meters. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 3 to 7 meters. The underwater environment includes a submerged forest and remnants of a pumping station. Access to the site is via the shore, and there is a diving center nearby that offers accommodation. The location is situated approximately 25 kilometers from the Moscow Ring Road.

56.1429, 37.4671

Temir-Tau Quarry

Temir-Tau Quarry is an altitude dive site located at 344 meters above sea level. It offers a maximum depth of 126 meters, with visibility varying by season; reaching up to 30 meters in winter and averaging 15 meters in summer. The site is accessible from the shore and features a sunken truck near the entry point. Typical aquatic life includes perch, roach, burbot, various types of seaweed, and other endemic species.

53.1216, 87.3558

Tver Sand Quarry / Tverskoy / Konstantinovsky quarry

Tver Sand Quarry, also known as Tverskoy or Konstantinovsky quarry, is a flooded sand quarry located at coordinates 56.850200, 36.016000. The site offers good visibility and features several sunken wrecks placed by diving enthusiasts, making it suitable for various training programs including Try Scuba, Open Water Diver (OWD), Dry Suit, and Ice diving. The surrounding area showcases typical regional flora and fauna, providing an interesting backdrop due to the clear water and pleasant environment.

56.8502, 36.0160

Yailu Old Peer

Yailu Old Peer is an altitude diving site situated at 434 meters above sea level. The lake spans 78 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 325 meters. Visibility in the lake varies seasonally, ranging from 6 to 15 meters. The site is notable for its endemic species, including the Teletskoye herring (Pravdina whitefish), along with a variety of other valuable aquatic fauna.

51.7684, 87.6045

Yaylyu - Drunk Pine

Yaylyu, also known as Drunk Pine, is situated near the entrance of Kamga Bay. The dive site features a gradual depth increase, reaching depths of 60 to 70 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. Underwater, divers can encounter various fish species including taimen, Teletsky grayling, Uksuch (lenok), Teletsky whitefish, perch, burbot, and pike. Additionally, the common beaver can be spotted among the local mammals.

51.7622, 87.6511

Zapadniy Most / Western Bridge

Zapadniy Most, also known as Western Bridge, is located along the drainage channel of the Moscow River. This site is characterized by a maximum depth of 4 meters and visibility that can reach up to 3 meters. Dives are conducted from the shore, and directly beneath the bridge, there is an area that lacks natural light. The canal is home to typical flora and fauna found in the upper reaches of the Moscow River, including a significant population of filter-feeding mollusks known as dressena.

55.8367, 37.4388

Бассейн “Луч“

Бассейн “Луч“ is an indoor training facility featuring a rectangular pool measuring 25 meters in length and 14 meters in width. The pool has a depth gradient, with the shallow end reaching 2 meters and the deep end extending to 5 meters. The water temperature ranges from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the water is treated using hypochlorite. This site is primarily used for closed water training, buoyancy testing, and equipment testing.

55.7595, 37.7718

Голубое оз. /Blue lake

Blue Lake is a karst lake with a maximum depth of 21 meters. Historically, there was a cave entrance located in the northern section of the lake at a depth of 27 meters, but this entrance is currently blocked. The cave system that was accessible led to a gallery descending to 42 meters, which has been explored for 150 meters, with the first 50 meters having a laid passage.

53.9123, 51.4877

Люберецкий карьер

Lyuberetsky Quarry is located near the Tomilinsky Forest Park and the Gornyak farm. The site features a notable Stone Island, which was once a peninsula but has become an island due to increased water levels. Divers can encounter various species such as pike, crayfish, and perch. The underwater landscape includes a flooded forest and a stone pile near the Stone Island that is covered in algae.

55.6398, 37.8849

Мраморный карьер/Marble Quarry

Marble Quarry is an artificial freshwater dive site that was formerly a marble extraction location. It features interesting stone walls, although the flora and fauna are limited. The site accommodates a variety of dive activities, ranging from open water diver courses to full cave dives. Certified divers are welcome to explore this unique underwater environment.

61.9478, 30.5803

МФЦК Бассейн “Формула Воды“

МФЦК Бассейн “Формула Воды“ is an outdoor swimming pool located in Moscow, featuring warm water maintained at a temperature of 30 °C. The pool has a variable depth ranging from 1.4 meters to 5 meters, providing a range of options for different activities. Access to the pool is available from both the sides and through a tunnel from the indoor area. The pool measures 25 meters in length, making it suitable for various training and recreational purposes.

55.7879, 37.7309

Подводный клуб ЦСК ВМФ

Подводный клуб ЦСК ВМФ features a 50x25 meter pool designed for diving practice. The shallow section of the pool reaches a depth of 2 meters, while the deeper area extends to 5 meters. This facility is equipped with all necessary diving gear, making it suitable for training purposes. There are no wild marine animals present, as the dives occur exclusively in the pool environment, providing a controlled setting for divers to prepare for open water experiences.

55.8273, 37.4784

Семиозерье ProDiving Base

Семиозерье ProDiving Base serves as a training dive location in the Saint Petersburg area, featuring a diverse underwater environment. The site is characterized by typical North-Western lake fauna, including species such as pike, European roach, perch, clay fish, and tench. Divers may encounter freedivers at various depths. The base is equipped with essential facilities including a compressor, rental services, a hostel, a saloon, and a sauna, providing a comfortable experience for divers.

60.2989, 29.2953

Спец-бассейн «Альтернатива»

Спец-бассейн «Альтернатива» is a specialized training facility located in Moscow, featuring a pool with a variable depth ranging from 1.2 to 3 meters. The pool measures 12x6 meters and maintains a water temperature of 30°C. The water is treated using modern technologies, ensuring clarity and cleanliness, which supports scuba training without interference from other aquatic activities. This site is also recognized as the first studio in Moscow dedicated to underwater photography, video, and film production.

55.7479, 37.7156