Join award winning professional photographer Franco Banfi on an expedition to the White Sea, one of the best places in the world for sea ice diving. Part of northern Russia’s inland sea the White Sea belongs to the Arctic Ocean basin and is the only sea in Europe to freeze every year. Nature here is untouched by man and the wildlife is rich and unique. We experience this on an exciting husky safari on our way to the lodge. Every winter Greenland seals make their rookeries in the northern part of the White Sea and their calves are born there. The sea is also home to white beluga whales. “The beluga swam up to me and turned just before touching me. He did this several times before stopping right in front of me, giving me the chance to take some pictures. Most of the time he was just investigating the new visitor” Franco Banfi, your expert guide on the White Sea photography expedition.

The White Sea

The underwater world of the White Sea boasts a magnificent sea life and excellent scenery with fantastic underwater ice formations, caverns and fissures. The underwater environment is exquisite with soft corals, sponges, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, sea urchins, shrimps and sea anemones. Underwater rocks provide dwelling places for cod, wolf fish, sea perch, butterfish and flounders. In winter lancet fish, tomcod, flounder and pinogor will allow you to approach very closely. There are seals and beluga whales and you may even catch sight of the incredible aurora borealis. Sample Itinerary

Day 1 At Kuusamo airport you are met by Franco Banfi, your photo guide, who will accompany you on this ice diving expedition to the White Sea. Overnight in the region of Ruka. Day 2 In the morning there is an exciting husky dog sledge tour in the beautiful region of Ruka. After lunch, we drive to the Arctic Lodge, arriving in the evening. Day 3 - 7 Days 3 – 7 Ice diving programme with daily trips to the ice camp for two dives a day. Dive or snorkel experience with the Beluga whales. In the evening relax in the Russian banya (steambath) and enjoy Franco’s photo workshops. Day 8 Early morning departure to Kuusamo airport for the flight to Helsinki and onward.