Diving in the Siberian Federal District
The province of Siberia occupies 25% of Russia’s landmass and encompasses most of Northern Asia. Lowland Western Siberia, highland Eastern Siberia, and mountainous Southern Siberia make up this vast landscape. Believe it or not, but amidst this icy tundra, there are plenty of opportunities to go scuba diving in Siberia; however, diving here is not for the faint of heart. Those adventurous enough to travel to this cold environment will need experience in ice diving and using a dry suit.
The most popular dive site in Siberia is Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest and deepest lake, containing 19% of the planet’s fresh lake water, and is affectionately known as the Pearl of Siberia. Diving Lake Baikal usually occurs via ice diving and regularly offers 40 meters of crystal-clear visibility.
Diving in Lake Baikal, you will experience an underwater world like nowhere else. Massive green sponge colonies cover the rocky bottom where the unique-looking endemic acanthogammaridae crustaceans thrive along with shrimp, bullheads, and schooling graylings. Lucky divers will encounter the endemic Baikal seal or nerpa. This adorable, small seal is the only freshwater pinniped species and offers divers a memorable Russian diving experience.