Orca Safari - Liveaboard

DIVING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Diving experience

You do not need to hold a diving certificate to join the safari, as snorkeling is the only practical way to interact with the Killer Whales. Scuba diving will be offered to certified divers in the evenings, varying between wrecks and shore dives. The amount of daylight is limited at this time of the year so a good torch is essential.

Diving conditions

The visibility in October/November will vary depending on the weather conditions, reaching a staggering 40+ metres, with an average of 10-15 metres. The water temperature will be 6-8°C.

Weather conditions

From November to March the 24-hour average air temperature is 2-4°C, rarely dropping below -10°C.

Recommended equipment

Most Norwegians dive with dry suits all year round, and for winter diving/snorkeling this is the only option.

The most important recommendations are:

• dry suit
• good thermal clothing (e.g. thinsulate)
• good quality gloves (3 fingers, 5-7mm) or dry gloves
• environmental sealed regulators (first and second stage)
• good torch

Service and spare parts

There are limited facilities available for servicing your diving equipment. You should consider bringing the following spare parts:

• backup mask and/or mask strap
• fin strap
• knife strap
• mouth piece (for the regulators)

To service/maintain your equipment during the trip you should consider bringing:

• anti-fog solution
• talcum powder
• zipper lubricant or paraffin wax (not beeswax during winter time)
• any specialised tools needed to service/maintain your equipment

Equipment rental

To use diving equipment that you are familiar with is important for a safe and relaxed holiday. Unfortunately, most dive centres tend to have fairly basic rental equipment and you have no guarantee that suits and stab jackets fit you.

The best solution is to bring your own equipment, but in case you need to rent we would strongly recommend you do so at your local dive shop. This way you can test it and make sure everything fits and works before you start your trip.

However, if you prefer to rent equipment at the destination, please contact us for availability and rates.