Diving in Arctic

Cold Temperate Northwest AtlanticGulf of St. Lawrence - Eastern Scotian Shelf

Carriere Kahnawake

Carriere Kahnawake is a freshwater quarry located in the Montreal area, offering divers the opportunity to reach depths of up to 100 feet. The site is accessible for diving on Tuesday evenings and during the day on weekends, with a cash-only access fee of $20 payable upon arrival. While the quarry does not host a diverse range of marine life, divers may encounter small schooling tetras and the occasional bass during their dives.

D/S Martha Heinrich Fisser

The D/S Martha Heinrich Fisser is located at a depth of 28 meters near Stråssa. The wreck has had its superstructures removed, similar to other cargo ships in the Narvik port area, but it still offers various points of interest for divers. Notably, the stern features a large four-bladed spare propeller, which is affixed to the wreck's deck. The engine room is a significant highlight of the site and is highly recommended for exploration.

D/S Romanby

The D/S Romanby, a British steamship, sank in Narvik harbour after being struck by a torpedo from a British destroyer during the second naval battle on April 10, 1940. The wreck is situated upright on its keel at depths ranging from 14 to 28 meters. Significant damage from the torpedo is visible on the port side of the vessel, providing an interesting point of exploration for divers. The site is accessible by boat.

Donnier 26

Donnier 26 is the wreck of a German seaplane that lies flat on the seabed. The structure is somewhat fragmented, yet many of its features remain intact. Notably, the left wing is positioned atop the main body of the aircraft, which may initially cause some confusion for divers. Surrounding the wreck, there are various details that enhance the dive experience, providing points of interest for exploration.

Hekkingen middle

Hekkingen middle is accessible by boat, located approximately 4 km from the base, requiring a 15-minute journey. Divers can explore the cliffside, where crabs can be found hiding among the rocks. The site features laminaria, and divers may encounter various marine species including saithe, cod, catfish, pinagora, and flounder.

Hidden Lake Boat Launch

Hidden Lake Boat Launch offers an easy shore entry into a lake characterized by a rocky bottom. The visibility typically reaches around 20 feet, and the lake has a maximum depth of 70 feet. Divers can encounter various species of fish, including all five species of salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, sculpin, and three-spine sticklebacks. The area is also known for the presence of bears, so caution is advised while diving.

HNoMS Odin

The HNoMS Odin is a wreck located off the coast of Narvik, where it sank on April 9, 1940, after being struck by German artillery. The wreck is positioned upright on the seabed and serves as a historical site from World War II. Divers can explore various details of the wreck during their dive, which provides a unique opportunity to observe the remnants of the ship. The site is accessible by boat.

Kasitsna Bay Laboratory

Kasitsna Bay Laboratory is a shore dive site located at coordinates 59.467700, -151.552100. The average depth at this site is approximately 25 feet. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including numerous starfish. Additionally, otters and seals are frequently observed in the bay, often coming close to the shoreline. The site features a dock with active boats, which may affect the diving experience.

Cold Temperate Northwest AtlanticGulf of St. Lawrence - Eastern Scotian Shelf

Lac Morgan

Lac Morgan is accessed from the shore, requiring a surface or underwater swim of approximately 400 meters to reach a cliff that descends to about 30 meters. Divers should carry a light source as visibility decreases rapidly in the lake. Caution is advised due to numerous submerged trees scattered throughout the area. The lake is home to various Canadian fish species, including trout, perch, bass, lake whitefish, and potentially catfish.

Longmere Lake

Longmere Lake features a shallow entry point with a grassy boat launch. The average visibility is approximately 15 feet. Divers should be aware of the active lake environment, which includes boat traffic and float planes, and a dive flag is required. The lake is home to native vegetation extending to a depth of 15 feet. Alaska Fish and Game has stocked the lake with Dolly Varden, Coho (Silver) Salmon, and most recently, Rainbow Trout in 2021.

M/S Neuenfels

The M/S Neuenfels, a German ore carrier, is located in Narvik harbour and is the largest wreck in the area, measuring 143 meters in length and 18 meters in width. Divers can explore the wreck at depths ranging from 14 to 28 meters, allowing for extended exploration time. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including numerous Cod, as well as sea urchins and starfish that can be found throughout the wreck.

M/S Stråssa

The M/S Stråssa is located at a depth of approximately 26 meters, with the wreck rising to about 14 meters. Divers can explore various features, including the bridge's gullies and the engine room, where two large diesel engines are visible. The wreck is home to a diverse array of marine life, including large cod, jellyfish, and numerous sea urchins that can be found throughout the structure.

Cold Temperate Northwest AtlanticGulf of St. Lawrence - Eastern Scotian Shelf

Parc Sous Marin Saint-Zotique

Parc Sous Marin Saint-Zotique features four notable wrecks: the Fédéral 11, The Teddy W, The Anne-Marie G, and the Fédéral 4. Divers can navigate the site using multiple anchors connected by cables, which help prevent disorientation. The underwater park is home to various freshwater fish species typical of Canadian lakes, including trout, perch, bass, and lake whitefish, with potential sightings of catfish as well.

PetroStar Cove

PetroStar Cove is located between the city pier and the PetroStar mooring dock, serving as a winter training site for Test The Waters Dive Center. Divers can access the cove from the kayak launch situated on the right side. The cove is characterized by a rounded rock bowl shape and experiences significant tidal influences. The nearby city pier supports a coldwater reef ecosystem, providing a habitat for various marine life.

Cold Temperate Northwest AtlanticGulf of St. Lawrence - Eastern Scotian Shelf

Pointe aux Cascades

Pointe aux Cascades is situated near Parc des Ancres and offers ample parking facilities. The site is primarily used for training purposes, featuring a calm water environment protected by surrounding mounts. The maximum depth at this location is 7 meters, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. In the early spring, divers may encounter great salamanders as they search for mates, while the basin is home to numerous small fish.

PS Norge

PS Norge is a notable wreck dive site located at coordinates 68.424300, 17.401200. The vessel sank on April 9, 1940, after being struck by artillery fire during a naval engagement in the Ofoten fjord. The ship went down rapidly, in less than a minute, with its propellers still in motion. The wreck is characterized by intricate details both on the structure and the seabed surrounding it. Diving on PS Norge was restricted until 2021, allowing for a unique exploration of the wreck's condition and marine life that has since begun to inhabit the site.

Cold Temperate Northwest PacificSea of Okhotsk

Sea Of Okhotsk

The Sea of Okhotsk reaches a maximum depth of 3,916 meters, with diving opportunities in near-freezing waters from January to mid-March. Ice divers explore various depths and marine life, including fish and unique formations. Entry is typically from shore due to the site location on the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Northern European SeasSouth and West Iceland

Silfra

Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering a dive depth of up to 18 meters. The water is crystal clear due to natural filtration through lava rock, allowing visibility that often exceeds 100 meters. Divers can observe unique geological formations and various freshwater species.

Summit Lake

Summit Lake is situated at an elevation of 3300 feet on the southern slope of the Alaska Range, between mile markers 192 and 196 along the Richardson Highway. This lake is not artificially stocked, but there are reports of some fish present. It is important to note that the area is inhabited by bears, so caution is advised while diving.

Valdez City Pool

Valdez City Pool is a well-maintained indoor facility located at coordinates 61.138300, -146.359100. The site features clean locker rooms and a friendly staff. The pool area includes a water slide and a warm kiddy pool, which is beneficial for divers looking to warm up after training sessions. As an indoor pool, it does not host any natural marine life, ensuring a clean swimming environment without debris or wildlife.

White Sea

White Sea diving requires an ice diving certification and proficiency in dry suit diving. Divers descend to depths featuring rock walls, ice formations, and various marine life. Essential gear includes a dry suit, neoprene hood, gloves, full face mask, tank, fins, and weights.

ArcticWhite Sea

White Sea

ArcticWhite Sea

Wilhelm Heidkamp, Anton Schmitt, Diether von Roeder

The dive site features three German WWII destroyers: Z21 Wilhelm Heidkamp, Z22 Anton Schmitt, and Z17 Diether von Roeder. These vessels were relocated to this area post-war for harbor clearance. Heidkamp is positioned upright, while Schmidt lies on its side. Diether is approximately 20 meters away from Heidkamp. Divers can observe numerous details on the wrecks, but caution is advised during penetration dives due to potential hazards.

Z12 Erich Giese

The Z12 Erich Giese is a notable wreck dive site located at coordinates 68.427700, 17.338500. This vessel participated in several significant battles during World War II, particularly during the invasion of Norway in April 1940. It was ultimately sunk on April 9, 1940, by British and Norwegian forces off the coast of Narvik, resulting in the survival of only a few crew members. The wreck is of interest to divers and military historians alike due to its historical significance. Entry to the site is by boat, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its remains and learn about its past.

Z19 Herrman Kunne

The Z19 Herrman Kunne wreck lies submerged from the surface down to a depth of 50 meters. Originally disabled during its first battle, the ship was repaired and participated in a second battle until it ran out of ammunition, after which it was scuttled to avoid capture. Divers can explore various details of the wreck, which is accessible by boat.

Z2 Georg Thiele

The Z2 Georg Thiele wreck lies in the Rombak fjord, having participated in the battles of Narvik in April 1940. The wreck is partially visible at the surface, with the stern resting at a depth of 52 meters. Divers can explore the wreck by starting at the deeper sections and ascending along its structure. Visibility tends to be very good below 20 meters, allowing for detailed observation of the wreck's features.