M.Y. Valeria

Amongst insiders, Lake Baikal is no longer a personal tip, but still Lake Baikal as a diving destination is yet up and coming among European cold-water fans. Convince yourself of Lake Baikal’s fascination and underwater charms! The liveaboard of our Russian partner Baikal Tec has been refurnished and modernised in 2014. Only if you approach the mysterious lake by ship or as a diver you truly grasp the true grandeur and spell of the “Pearl of Siberia”.

The ship has a length of 27 meters and is 7 meters wide. It is plain but practical and accommodates 16 guests in eight double cabins (bunk beds) with sinks. Passengers share four showers/toilets. A sauna is available to get warm after a chilly dive. Space aboard is limited so make sure to pack your suitcase efficiently!

The lounge is small but cosy and doubles as a bar and living area. The crew is warmhearted and caring and has been operating on the lake since 1988. You will meet with an eager willingness to help and a tremendous amount of experience. Language barriers are overcome with a lot of laughter and cordiality. Meals are prepared in typically Russian tradition and include a lot of fish, caviar, and stews.

The diving equipment is state-of-the-art and complies with international safety standards. Both 12- and 15-litre tanks are available. Diving takes place directly from the ship. Most of the time, the ship “anchors” close to the shore – you may skip a dive in favour of some shore leave. But please beware of brown bears – especially along the northern shores of the lake, bears are quite common and mother bears fiercely defend their young ones!

Lake Baikal radiates a special fascination with its crystal clear waters, a mild, greenish light, large steep walls and countless gammarus shrimp. Water temperatures average six degrees Celsius; the waters of the “Little Sea” close to Olchon Island may rise up to 17 degrees Celsius in summer. 

Due to the low water temperatures, most divers do not do more than a maximum of 2 to 3 dives a day. The rest of the day is best used for photo walks and nature hikes – summer nights are lightish and short and there is enough light to take wonderful pictures. During our summer trips the martagon lily is in full bloom and the whole nature is awakening in a blast of spring.