{"id":18210,"date":"2014-11-02T10:00:43","date_gmt":"2014-11-02T10:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=18210"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:30:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T15:30:07","slug":"ice-diving-finland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/ice-diving-finland\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Ice Diving in Finland."},"content":{"rendered":"

*Updated for 2025*<\/em><\/p>\n

Finland<\/a> is the perfect place for diving due to the fantastic conditions of the waters. No doubt if you are an experienced diver then ice diving is top of your list of things to do. Alternatively, perhaps you\u2019re just seeking a new thrill. Taking a swim in the icy cold waters has long been a way to kick start the mornings for the older generation. If you\u2019re looking for an energy boost, this is the perfect trend to take up! Whatever your reason for taking to the waters, here\u2019s a rundown on ice diving in Finland.<\/p>\n

\"IcePhoto by: nudiblue\/Fotolia<\/span><\/p>\n

What is ice diving?<\/h3>\n

Dive into a body of water which has been covered with a layer of ice. Then, use a snow shovel to clear excess snow\/ice from the chosen diving spot. When cutting an entry hole, use an ice saw or chainsaw. Sounds easy, doesn\u2019t it!<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need a surface crew to monitor your progress. A line tender feeds your safety line into the water as you descend and be prepared to reel the line back in if there\u2019s an emergency. A secondary diver must be on-hand to jump into the water to assist if necessary.<\/p>\n

Why is Finland good for ice diving?<\/h3>\n

With more than 60,000 islands off the shores of Finland ripe for exploration, there are plenty of places to try ice diving in Finland. The salinity of the Baltic water is low and there are no strong currents.<\/p>\n

Scuba diving is very popular due to the thousands of shipwrecks just waiting to be discovered. Be aware that, wrecks older than 100 years are covered by a protected status and so cannot be touched. Ensure that you inform the Finnish Coast Guard before making a wreck dive.<\/p>\n

There are more than 180 ice diving clubs in operation, largely because it has been a pastime in Finland for more than 20 years. Contact one of these clubs before your trip and they should be able to offer advice, lessons, hire equipment, and a necessary guide. Sites such as SeaSafety<\/a> will help your planning, (but you\u2019ll need to install Google Translate first!).<\/p>\n

Ice diving in Finland usually takes place between late January \u2013 late March. It\u2019s recommended that divers who are new to the sport go early in the season where the ice is the thinnest and therefore easier to break in an emergency.<\/p>\n

Where can I go ice diving in Finland?<\/h3>\n

Lake P\u00e4ij\u00e4nne<\/a> in Lehmonk\u00e4rki is the second largest lake in Finland. It\u2019s 120km in length, has 1886 islands, lakeside villas, and drinkable water. If you\u2019re looking to ice dive here, the Lehmonk\u00e4rki villas<\/a> are the best to stay in. With a much-needed sauna conveniently positioned next to the lake, you\u2019ll be able to warm up in no time.<\/p>\n

The Rokua Geopark<\/a> near Oulu<\/a> and Kajaani<\/a> is another good place to consider. It is a geopark UNESCO protected area which has one or more geological features of special interest to conservation and sustainability. It has glacial ridges, small ponds, and kettle holes to explore besides the main body of water.<\/p>\n

Oulu Dive Centre<\/a> is the only dive centre in Northern Finland which also happens to be Scuba Schools International (SSI) registered. If you are certified as an open water diver, are aged over 18 and are in good health, you can arrange to take the Ice Diving Certification through them. Learn more about ice diving, including how to safely use all the equipment needed and enacting emergency procedures.<\/p>\n

\"IcePhoto by: nudiblue\/Fotolia<\/span><\/p>\n

What equipment do I need?<\/h3>\n

A surface crew! You should never go ice diving alone.<\/p>\n

On the surface, dress in layers as the temperatures will be cold (hopefully, this isn\u2019t a surprise!) For diving, you\u2019ll need a dry suit complete with hood, gloves, and socks\/boots. Your hood, socks\/boots, and gloves should be 5mm versions and the gloves should be three-fingers or semi-dry.<\/p>\n

Use double tanks and make sure that all regulators are well-serviced and certified for use in cold water conditions. This ensures they won\u2019t freeze in the icy conditions and air will flow freely.<\/p>\n

Have your hire car heated up nearby, a heated shelter or hot sauna ready to run into as soon as you exit the water.<\/p>\n

Rent a car with Zest for your next getaway!<\/h3>\n

Take the stress out of car rental with Zest. We keep you protected during your rental with excess protection included with every booking. We also have an industry-leading Top-up insurance available as an added extra.<\/p>\n

So, what are you waiting for? Put something in the calendar today and join thousands of other travellers using Zest!<\/p>\n

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