Divers who are intrigued by the “Polar plunge” or ice dives are willing to push the limits of their bodies to experience the beauty of underwater diving. Beautiful icebergs and macro life make for unique diving experiences. If you anticipate a cold icy dive, take these steps to ensure you don’t develop hypothermia, frostbite, or other cold-related conditions.
Find a Dry Suit versus a Wet Suit
If you are diving in waters 50 degrees F or below, you will need a high-quality dry suit. Drysuits allow you to stay warm and layer clothing underneath using a thin layer of air around the body. High-quality zippers, seals, and valve openings allow you to dive without the threat of allowing water to seep in. Latex suits are a more customizable seal. Neoprene is also a high-quality material. By the Shore SCUBA Instruction offers high-quality wet suits for purchase.
Build Up Your Resistance to the Cold
The best way to build up resistance to the cold is by keeping the temperature in your home lower than the summer temperatures. This way the body will start to develop an equilibrium between inside and outside. You can also try to take cold showers. The cold water on your skin will equate to a polar dive with a dry suit. Put on a wet suit and go for a swim in a pool if you can. You will want your inside somewhat warmer than the outside. Just avoid toasty temperatures as much as possible before your dive. Start gradually and work your way up to swimming in that freezing pool. Ask your dive instructor for advice on how to approach a polar dive.
Buy High-quality Fitted Drysuits
High-quality stitching, neoprene, and appropriate fit make for the perfect drysuit. Suits need tight seals around the limbs and neck with fluidity around the legs. High-quality drysuits will make room for the wetsuits or drysuit undergarments you choose to layer under the drysuit. Look for terms such as “seal” or “self-donning zipper”. A drysuit needs to be easy for you to get into without letting in the water.
An example of trustworthy drysuits is Pinnacle dive suits.
They offer self-donning front zippers and tight valve seals. Pinnacle sells a traditional drysuit with a valve and a military-approved suit with latex groin bands for flexibility. Both are made with high-quality neoprene and have a front zipper made with Aquaseal. These suits resist scraping and cutting with their heavy-duty outer membrane exterior.
If you are interested in finding the right drysuit or developing resistance to cold water, feel free to reach out to Kevin Alexander at By the Shore SCUBA Instruction.
Have you ever fantasized about diving below the surface of the Arctic Ocean or swimming amongst the icebergs? The open ocean seems vast, mysterious, and dangerous. Diving in Polar regions seems impossible, and the dark waters seem lifeless once macro life has passed through. However, macro life is not the only form that passes through the sea. There are Polar Regions that have incredible micro life beneath the sea. If the open Polar ocean intimidates you, many frozen lakes offer a more controlled environment. Here are some of the most breathtaking, Polar regions where you can dive around the ice. You may need a dry suit before you go.
Antarctica
Even though you need to be a scientist to stay in Antarctica, there are voyages available to the public. These start around 7000 for the ship and 500 for diving. Antarctica includes beautiful macro life, surprisingly stunning icebergs, and surprisingly a vivid micro life in the ocean. The macro life alone is a reason to embark on this unforgettable journey. You will only find the emperor penguin in Antarctica. These birds are unique to the region. Here you will get to experience them in their natural habitat, diving for fish. Also unique to Antarctica is the leopard seal which preys on the emperor penguin. You may find them sometimes visiting New Zealand. The likelihood of finding them there though is relatively low. These are the primary apex predators of the ocean. They are aggressive but very curious. They rarely see divers and will be inquisitive when you enter the water. Other macro life includes the minke whale, humpback whale, and occasionally orcas will pass through. They are Apex predators but, they do not settle down in Antarctica like Leopard seals. Another unique aspect of diving in Antarctica is there are no sharks. The stunning icebergs create burrows of beauty in the colder months. However, it is micro life that surprises new divers. Fish inhabiting the Circumpolar current survive by producing a natural anti-freeze in their body. No fish pass through the Circumpolar current so, these fish can never leave this environment. Beneath the Arctic sea, you will find large, bright, and red starfish that feed off lipids, beautiful shiny spiral-shaped snail shells, and lots of bright red krill. Lichen grows among the rocks near the coast. Microlife in Antarctica is more fertile and diverse than expected. Down here, you will find a diverse ecosystem that has adapted to subzero temperatures over the years. It is surprisingly warmer in the water than on land. Along with the underwater magic, you will find the mysterious Norwegian vessel, Guvernøren. This shipwreck and icy glaciers, add to an unforgettable scenic drive.
Lake Huron
If you love shipwreck diving in a more secure environment, Lake Huron in Tobermory, Canada, offers an exciting excursion to explore the 119-foot wide Sweepstakes schooner sunk in 20 feet of water. By March, the water has frozen most of the way. You can walk or sled over to the dive site. You may even be able to swim into icy caverns. It is worth considering a charter with a group into the icy waters. Alongside diving into the deep caverns, you may stop and walk into the icy caves alongside the lake where pools of water have frozen, and there are beautiful ice crystals.
For deep water dive enthusiasts, this calm environment offers a soothing suspension deep below the icy waters.
Baffin Island, Canada
Baffin Island, Canada, is convenient for those who want to visit the Arctic circle. This location, referred to as the Arctic Kingdom, is one of the few places you will find the elusive narwhal. Narwhals are the most mysterious sea mammal since they dive deep below the ocean, are terrified of humans, and cannot survive in captivity. Baffin, Canada, is rich in these mammals due to its almost nonexistent human population. Environmental enthusiasts are drawn here as the Polar Bear population thrives in the icy waters. Towers of mountains, cliffs, and glaciers offer scenic thrills for divers who brave the Bay. Prices to stay in Baffin start at just above $2000. Dives start above $18,000 for seven days. For an Arctic dive, this price is relatively low since Arctic expeditions begin at $35,000. You may be able to chart your trip to Baffin, Canada if you find a Master diver that offers excursions to the water from a different outlet. Baffin, Canada will be one of the few locations you will be able to dive with narwhals.
White Sea, Russia
Unlike Baffin Island, the White Sea is less expensive and one of the few places to ice dive. The immense ice is layered in large blocks above the surface. This dive is one of the coldest dives (below 20 degrees) and the thick ice shuts out most of the light creating a dark green atmosphere. Divers pull off large chunks of ice. This dive is not for the faint of heart. There is not a lot of space to immerge from the icy water. There are strategically placed, ice holes that allow divers to immerge from the small spaces. The macro life includes the lovable Beluga whale and Harp Seal. Your best bet is diving near the Solovetsky islands if you want to find a Beluga.
Lake Sassol, Switzerland
If you love icebergs then this place is for you. Even though Lake Sassol is a lake, the formations come from snow and ice rolling off the mountainside and packing into icebergs. Polar enthusiasts love swimming through the various icebergs. The icebergs hold ice caves that divers can enjoy. Even though the formations are tall, 6,900 ft, the lake is relatively shallow.
The only road to Lake Sassol is closed during the winter months. So you will need to visit in Early Spring before the icebergs melt.
Lake Baikal, Russia
Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater in Asia full of biodiversity. The unique micro life includes krill, spiny amphipods, reefs, and fish. With over 2,500 species of animals and 1,000 species of plants, this lake is full of biodiversity. The hardened reefs offer a spooky, yet lovely scenic view underwater. For animal lovers, the adorable Nerpa seal can be found. These furry seals are the only exclusively freshwater seals. Along with the cute wildlife, Lake Baikal is a wreck divers paradise.
Diving in the North Pole? Can it be done?
If you are curious about diving in the North Pole, there are occasional diving charters to dive there. Reserving a seat on a voyage to the North Pole costs about $35,000 or more per person. For this reason, many people do not dive here. People disembark from Helsinki. Diving here, you have the chance to see polar bears, narwhals, walruses, Weddell seals, and much more macro life. You will experience the Adelie penguins diving for food in the complex ecosystem. The ice is filled with caverns, small holes, and tunnels. Individuals can experience what it is like hiding as a seal from a polar bear.
If this dive is a dream of yours, save up for the experience and regularly check excursions.
Ice divers need to proceed with caution. The freezing temperatures can challenge even the fittest diver.
You will need a drysuit to embark on your frozen quest. If you are interested in finding the right drysuit, By the Shore SCUBA Instruction can help you find all the materials you need.
Freediving immerses you into the underwater world without a tank or scuba gear. Freedivers, such as Marina Kazankova, known for breath-holding, Guillaume Néry from the short film One Breath Around the World, and Herbert Nitsch with the deepest dive depth, are well known by National Geographic and aquatic sports audiences around the world. Guillaume mystified audiences in his short film when he drifted above sharks and suspended himself in the body of the sea with Sperm whales. The experience of being able to dive freely is natural and relieving for many. The amount of time one can hold their breath depends on preparation and bodily capability. If you are wondering whether or not you need SCUBA diving classes to free dive, consider all angles. Then emerge into professional or amateur free diving.
There is an immense difference between freediving and SCUBA diving. SCUBA diving has its certification so that someone can safely operate and use the equipment. The freediving certification, NAUI, helps year learn how to dive with your body. Make sure that your instructor is NAUI certified. Ensure they have not had their certification stripped. One wrong move can render a blackout in shallow water. You need to be able to trust the instructor. SCUBA diving could enhance your free dive experience.
Many argue you don’t even need a freediving certification because there are no rentals required. Freedive seems relatively natural. Observe the spearfishermen from Indonesia who start underwater fishing in their youth. The sea nomad community has been practicing this art for thousands of years. For most of us, our ancestors did not develop or pass on these traits. As seen with the record holders, you don’t need to grow up fishing underwater to free dive for minutes. Your body will need to adjust and adapt to this physically intensive sport. For safety and equipment management, a Freedive certification will be beneficial. Here is how SCUBA diving could help you with freediving. SCUBA diving teaches you how to use a variety of equipment needed to sustain yourself for long periods. The equipment you learn to use is tanks, wetsuits, buoyancy control devices, diving masks, fins, regulator, depth gauge, dive computer, and submersible pressure gauge. When you learn to use tanks, you will gain experience conserving your air. You will get used to a solitary source of oxygen. The same is true for your body when you free dive. With freediving, you will have to learn to capture as much oxygen as possible and maintain it within your body. After you complete a SCUBA certification, you can complete add-on certifications such as cave-diving, shipwreck dives, and Nitrox rich air dives. Breathing Nitrox air allows divers to stay underwater longer. Learning to use Nitrox air will help you with or without equipment. Breathing Nitrox air before entering the water can deliver the oxygen-rich air a diver needs before going underwater for extended periods. Some freedivers breathe Nitrox air before entering the water. Nitrox is not allowed for freediving competitions. There are plans to hold a Nitrox enriched free dive record competition. Having Nitrox ahead of time will likely help keep your blood oxygen and nitrogen-rich and decrease the likelihood of freediver complications over time.
Over time more courses will emerge for free diving. Taking a SCUBA course allows you to get used to the feel of freediving. You learn how to use equipment, and you enable yourself to get used to the various pressures of the water.
If you are interested in taking a SCUBA course or have questions about freediving, ask Kevin Alexander our Senior PADI instructor for advice.
An orca swims below the surface as a ship cuts through the ice nearby.
Experience the Magic of Swimming with Killer Whales in the Wild
Diving with marine life is a dream for many adventurers. SCUBA diving allows us to explore the ocean’s wonders, from vibrant coral reefs to encounters with some of the most incredible sea creatures on the planet. While some divers seek the thrill of swimming with sharks, others are fascinated by the gentle nature of dolphins and whales.
Among the most awe-inspiring marine encounters is diving with orcas, also known as killer whales. These powerful yet intelligent creatures are among the ocean’s top predators, using echolocation to navigate and communicate with their pods. Despite their large size—growing up to 10,000 pounds with dorsal fins reaching 6 feet—orcas pose no known threat to humans in the wild.
For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there are select destinations around the world where divers can safely observe orcas in their natural habitat. If you dream of diving or swimming with orcas, here are the best locations where you can experience these majestic creatures up close.
Best Places to Dive or Swim with Orcas
Norwegian Fjords – A Thrilling Cold-Water Dive with Orcas
📍 Best Time to Visit: Late October to Mid-January
The Norwegian fjords are one of the best places in the world to dive with orcas. Each winter, these waters fill with migrating herring, attracting pods of orcas hunting in coordinated groups. Divers who venture into the Arctic’s freezing waters can witness orcas displaying extraordinary teamwork, using tail slaps and bubble nets to catch their prey.
Apart from orcas, divers may also encounter WWII shipwrecks, spiny dogfish, wild salmon, seals, kelp forests, and nudibranchs. The aurora borealis (northern lights) adds an unforgettable glow to the experience, making this one of the most magical dive locations for wildlife enthusiasts.
British Columbia & Strait of Georgia, Canada – The Ultimate Orca Watching Experience
📍 Best Time to Visit: April to October
Canada is home to one of the largest populations of orcas in the world. The Strait of Georgia and British Columbia’s coastal waters provide an excellent opportunity to observe breaching orcas up close. Here, diving charters take visitors to key locations where orcas pass through during their seasonal migrations.
Although direct diving with orcas is uncommon in Canada, snorkeling and surface encounters allow visitors to witness orcas swimming alongside their pods. With its rugged coastline and breathtaking marine life, British Columbia is a must-visit destination for orca lovers.
If you prefer warmer waters, Poor Knights Island in New Zealand is an ideal destination to see orcas in a tropical setting. During the summer months (December through February), orcas migrate through this region, with pods of 6-12 whales frequently spotted near Kaikoura and Wellington Harbour.
New Zealand’s warm climate and crystal-clear waters make it an excellent location for SCUBA divers of all experience levels. Additionally, the abundance of diving charters in the area ensures that divers have access to well-guided experiences.
Costa Rica
📍 Best Time to Visit: September
Costa Rica may not be the first place that comes to mind for orca encounters, but Isle de Coco, Cabo Blanco Marine Reserve, and Cahuita National Park offer some of the best chances to spot these majestic creatures. Tambor Bay, Cabuya Island, and Tortuga Island are also popular SCUBA diving destinations where divers can get up close with marine life, including orcas.
For those interested in free diving with orcas, the waters around Coco Island in September provide an excellent opportunity to witness migrating pods. The rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s marine ecosystems makes this an unforgettable SCUBA diving and wildlife experience.
Other Ways to Encounter Orcas Without SCUBA Diving
Not a certified SCUBA diver? No worries! You can still experience orcas in their natural habitat through other thrilling adventures.
Free Diving with Orcas
Norwegian fjords offer some of the best free diving experiences with orcas.
Cold-water diving gear is necessary to withstand the Arctic temperatures.
Swimming with Orcas
Swimming with orcas is illegal in most countries, but Coco, Costa Rica, and Norway allow limited encounters.
Snorkeling and surface interactions provide a thrilling experience.
Kayaking with Orcas
Seattle, Washington (Puget Sound) is a popular kayaking spot for safe and eco-friendly orca encounters.
Kayakers can observe orcas from a safe and respectful distance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to swim with orcas?
Yes! There are no recorded attacks on humans by wild orcas. They use echolocation to recognize their surroundings and do not mistake humans for prey.
2. Where is the best place to dive with orcas?
The Norwegian fjords are considered the best location due to their high orca population during herring migrations.
3. Can I swim with orcas without SCUBA diving?
Yes, free diving and snorkeling with orcas are possible in locations like Costa Rica and Norway where it is legally permitted.
Ready for Your Next Dive Adventure?
Swimming or diving with orcas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you choose to dive in the Arctic, free dive in Costa Rica, or kayak in Seattle, encountering these magnificent creatures will leave you in awe.
Call us at 919-247-0356 to learn more about SCUBA diving trips & charters.
