Ever thought of going diving in Siberia? Sounds crazy? Now you can!

Baikal is a beautiful lake located in the South-Eastern part of Siberia. It is the deepest freshwater lake on the earth and the largest reservoir of fresh surface water. Imagine very clear cold water and amazing landscapes. Baikal is famous for the unique clarity of its waters and diversity of flora and fauna. The lake is so huge that locals call it a sea. This “sea” is growing with the average speed of 2 cm per year and in several million years there will be a new great ocean in the area!

Best Dive Sites in Baikal Lake

There are a number of itiniraries (4 – 9 day safaris) to choose from depending on your specific requirements. Safari route, schedule, and dive sites are not fixed and depend on weather conditions and clients’ desires. The trip includes 15 liter, steel tanks with one or two gates and weight belts. A guide/instructor will join each trip. Full meal (traditional Siberian cuisine) service is included. You can also opt to stay longer at a hotel in Listvyanka or in Irkutsk, and you can change the route to your liking. Here is an overview of the different options Baikal diving has on offer:

4-day safari – “Where the Angara begins…”

This safari is held on the route: Listvyanka – Bolshie Koty – old railway – Listvyanka.

7 day safari “Olhonian”

This safari is following the route Listvyanka – western shore of Baikal – eastern Olkhon – Maloe Sea (western Olkhon) – Olkhon gates – western shore of Baikal – old railway – Listvyanka.

9 day safari – “Following nerpa”

Nine-day safari is following the route Listvyanka – western shore of Baikal – eastern Olkhon –Isles Ushkani- “shore of black bears”- Maloe Sea (western Olkhon) – Olkhon gates – western shore of Baikal – old railway – Listvyanka.
Several other routes to choose from are:

“Chasing the ice” – This safari can be held only once a year, in May, when the ice is melting and floating to the north. Duration is minimum 9 days.

“Far-far north” – This safari to the farthest north point of Baikal. The north part is much more beautiful and attractive than the South Baikal. There are huge mountains that are always covered by snow and untouched nature, with very few people around. This trip takes 12 days, starting in Listvyanka. Starting points from settlement MRS (Sahurte) on the Maloe Sea, about 300 km from Irkutsk, are also available.

“Deep south” – This safari goes along the old railway which is an excpectional work of engineering. It was built in the beginning of 20th century with the help of talented Russian engineers and workers and it is still in use today. Some of the most beautiful underwater sights can be found here. This trip takes a minimum of 3 days.

“Winter extreme” – This safari is held in November or December on the standard routes or to the Chivyrkuiskii bay to see nerpa. During this time there are extremely low temperatures and the water is very clear