Marine life
This vast territory of Northern Europe is bordered both by the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea. The formidable Norwegian coasts stretch over a distance of more than 2,500 km, punctuated by hundreds of fjords, a multitude of small desert islands, mountains and glaciers falling in the blue and cold waters. If you want to discover all the treasures Norway reserves you, a minimum stay of a week is highly recommended. Norway seduces by the variety of aquatic experiences it propose. Whether it is to swim with orcas, dive wonderfull wrecks or explore the underwater village of the Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet, you will love scuba diving in Norway.
When to go diving in Norway?
The best period to discover the diving in Morway is probably between june and august.
If you want to swim with orcas, the best moment will be between November and April.
One more thing, in Norway you may want to encounter the Spiny Dogfish, in that case better go diving there between October and February.
Scuba diving conditions
Visibility in the Norwegian waters varies a lot. Generally you will enjoy scuba diving in clear water with 15 to 40 meters visibility.
Underwater current are not strong and won’t affect your dives.
Level required : the dive sites in Norway are accessible for all kind of divers, from beginners to super experienced but you will need to know or to learn how to use a dry suit. Dive spot are not difficult, with your advanced open water or second star CMAS you will be able to appreciate your diving trip.
Water temperatures will never exceed 11° Celsius, dry suit are mandatory.
What can you see while diving or snorkeling?
Swimming and diving with killer whales
This Norwegian must-see attraction takes place every winter, from November to February in the Lofoten area. School of millions of herring are gathering in the fjords leading to the largest concentration of orcas in the world. Those majestic and imposing mammals, about 9 meters long, can be observed without fear while snorkeling. You have nothing to fear, no fatal encounter has been recorded in the wild. Some liveaboard and some day trips are organized every days during this period.
Norwegian ship wreck
The majority of the wrecks come from the Second World War. Numerous German destroyers are near Gulen and Narvik, the most famous being Georg Thiele wreck, Erich Giese wreck, Bernd von Arnim wreck, Wilhelm Heidkampf wreck and Hermann Künne wreck. Other defense vessels such as the ORP Grom wreck, PS Norge wreck, and the Strassa and Odin cargo vessels attracts a lot of divers.
Marine life
The Norwegian seabed contains a wide variety of fauna and flora. There are many marine predators and the most famous is of course the orca or killer whale. Others less known deserve also your interest, like the spiny dogfish anguillat. This small shark, one meter long, often hunts in groups. The other star of Norwegian waters is undoubtedly the Arctic salmon that we observed many time during our immersions. If you are lucky some time you will even meet seal hunting them for their delicious flesh. Finally, macro lovers will admire and photograph one of the 90 different species colorful nudibranchs.
So, if cold water does not scare you and you have the heart of an adventurer, Norway is waiting for you.
