Dive Review of
Oceanwide Expeditions/M/V Aleksey Maryshev in
Other Locations/Antarctica

Tahiti, Cocos, Galapagos and Bahamas

Dive Conditions

60' depth limit was strongly suggested, no diving under ice and no diving
near most ice bergs.  

Diving was from zodiacs.  Fresh water rinse was available on the main ship.
 Most divers had underwater digital systems and were very helpful.  

Overall Rating

This was strictly dry suit diving.  The air and water were both at 32
degrees F.  Inexperienced dry suit divers need as much experience with a
dry suit as possible, especially with bouyancy in shallow water.  The
highlight of each day was finding Leopard seals to snorkle with and
penguins(Gentoo,Adelie and Chinstrap).  Minke whales were often in the area
but remained out of sight while underwater.   A giant jelly fish paid a
visit (3 meters +/-) while circumnavigating an iceberg with no overhang.
     The M/V Aleksey Maryshev is a former Russian research vessel, built in
1990 and operated by a Dutch Company.  The crew was Russian.  The ship is
66 meters long, with a draft of 3.5 meters. It has a top cruising speed of
12.5 knots.  There were 47 passengers and 10 of us were divers.  Nine dives
were conducted and land tours several times a day.  We dove below the
Antarctic circle at approximately 66deg./51 min. S at Detaille Island.  The
food was adequate, not gourmet.
     I was the lone Yank diver with one diver from Holland and eight divers
from Turkey.The dive leader was Mike Murphy from Great Britain and he was
assisted by Rupert Krapp from Germany/Norway.  Mike was exceptional.
     Underwater was interesting, similar to the North Atlantic,without as
much color and fish life.  Topside, it was breathtaking.  In addition to
Penguins, we saw Albatross, Petrels,Skuas, Gulls, Terns and the Antarctic
Fulmar.  Fin whales, Minke whales and Humpback whales visited our
expedition.  In addition to Leopard Seals, we saw Weddell, Crabeater and
Antarctic Fur Seals.  Hourglass Dolphins escorted us much of the way.
     The Drake Passage and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current were kind to
us during our cruise South and our return North to Ushuaia, Argentina.
     This was a great way to enjoy a toast of champaign while crossing the
Antarctic Circle and a great way to enjoy Russian Vodka, on ice, standing
on the Antarctic continent. 

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