Norway
Country Name: Kingdom of Norway
Capital City: Oslo
Population: Approximately 5.5 million (2024 est.)
Official Language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk); Sami is also recognized as a minority language.
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
Diving Overview
Norway offers unique diving experiences, characterized by its cold waters, abundant marine life, and dramatic underwater landscapes. The country’s extensive coastline and fjords provide diverse dive sites, including wrecks, kelp forests, and rich marine biodiversity.
- Number of Dive Sites: Over 100. Numerous dive sites along the extensive coastline and fjords.
- Types of Diving: Wreck, reef, kelp forest, and cold-water diving.
- Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Sea anemones, kelp forests, cold-water corals, various species of fish, crabs, lobsters, and occasionally whales and seals.
- Average Water Temperatures: 4-15°C (39-59°F)
- Visibility Range: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)
Important Information
Optimal Dive Seasons
The best diving conditions are typically from May to September, when the waters are warmer and visibility is high.
Major Airports
Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Bergen Flesland Airport, Stavanger Airport, Trondheim Airport
The Travel Tip
A dry suit is recommended for diving in Norway due to the cold water temperatures, even in summer.
Weather Patterns
Norway has a diverse climate with coastal areas experiencing mild winters and cool summers due to the Gulf Stream, while inland areas have colder winters and warmer summers.
Internal Transportation
Options include an extensive network of domestic flights, trains, buses, ferries, and a well-maintained road system.
Attractions
Major attractions include the fjords of Western Norway, the Northern Lights in Tromsø, the historic city of Bergen, the cultural and modern capital Oslo, and the scenic railway journeys like the Flåm Railway.
Top Dive Regions
Norway offers some of the most unique and thrilling diving experiences in the world, with its cold, clear waters and diverse underwater landscapes. The Lofoten Islands are renowned for their dramatic underwater scenery, including kelp forests, rocky reefs, and a rich variety of marine life, making them a favorite among divers. Narvik is famous for its historical World War II wrecks, providing a fascinating glimpse into history for wreck diving enthusiasts. Saltstraumen, known for having one of the strongest tidal currents globally, offers exhilarating drift dives and a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with life. Lastly, the Oslofjord provides easily accessible dive sites, including wrecks and kelp forests, making it a popular destination for both local and visiting divers year-round. These locations collectively highlight the diverse and rich underwater environments that Norway has to offer.
Lofoten Islands
Known for their dramatic underwater landscapes, abundant marine life, and excellent visibility.
Narvik
Famous for its historical World War II wrecks, providing unique underwater exploration opportunities.
Saltstraumen
Renowned for having one of the strongest tidal currents in the world, offering thrilling drift dives and a rich marine ecosystem.
Oslofjord
Offers a variety of dive sites including wrecks and kelp forests, accessible year-round.
Marine Life
Norway’s cold and nutrient-rich waters are home to a remarkable diversity of marine life, offering unique experiences for divers and marine enthusiasts. The coastal waters and fjords are teeming with various species of fish, such as cod, haddock, and mackerel, which thrive in these environments. The kelp forests provide habitats for numerous invertebrates, including sea urchins, starfish, and crabs. Cold-water corals, such as Lophelia pertusa, can be found in deeper waters, forming complex reef structures that support a variety of marine organisms. Marine mammals, including seals, porpoises, and occasionally orcas and whales, are also commonly spotted along the coast. In addition, Norway’s waters are home to unique species such as the wolffish and the elusive Greenland shark, adding to the rich biodiversity that makes Norway a fascinating destination for underwater exploration.
Common Species: Cod, haddock, mackerel, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, Lophelia pertusa (cold-water coral), seals, porpoises, orcas, whales, wolffish, and Greenland sharks.
Seasonal Highlights: Orcas and humpback whales are commonly seen during their winter migration (November to January), while spring and summer (May to August) offer the best conditions for encountering a variety of fish species and vibrant kelp forests.
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Overview of Narvik
Introduction Overview Narvik, situated in northern Norway, holds a special place in the hearts of diving enthusiasts worldwide. This Arctic gem is renowned for its rich history, pristine diving conditions, and unique underwater treasures. Nestled amidst the dramatic fjords and…
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Dive sites in Narvik
Introduction Nestled in the fjords of northern Norway, the town of Narvik is a haven for history enthusiasts and avid divers alike, renowned for its rich maritime heritage and fascinating underwater landscapes. Situated on the shores of the Ofotfjord, Narvik…
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Best time to dive in Narvik
Diving in Narvik offers a unique underwater adventure surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Norway. The location is renowned for its intriguing wreck dives, cold-water marine life, and crystal-clear visibility. Choosing the right time to dive is crucial to…
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Overview of Lofoten Islands
Introduction Overview Nestled above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a captivating archipelago in Norway, renowned for their dramatic landscapes, rugged peaks, sheltered bays, and picturesque villages. This unique locale is a gem for diving enthusiasts from around the…
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Best time to dive in Lofoten Islands
Diving in the Lofoten Islands is an extraordinary experience that draws enthusiasts from around the world. Nestled in the Arctic Circle, this remote archipelago offers breathtaking underwater landscapes, including towering kelp forests, majestic orcas, and vibrant coral walls. Choosing the…
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Best time to dive in Saltstraumen
Diving in Saltstraumen is an exhilarating experience that promises a blend of stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life. Known for having one of the strongest tidal currents in the world, Saltstraumen offers unique challenges and rewards for avid divers.…
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Dive sites in Saltstraumen
Dive Sites in Saltstraumen Introduction Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Norway lies Saltstraumen, a destination renowned among scuba diving enthusiasts for its exhilarating dive sites. What makes Saltstraumen exceptionally unique is its status as the site of one of…
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Overview of Saltstraumen
Introduction Overview Saltstraumen, located in Norway, is world-renowned for having one of the strongest tidal currents. This exceptional phenomenon creates a unique underwater landscape, captivating both novice and professional divers alike. Saltstraumen is situated near the Arctic Circle, offering not…
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Dive sites in Layang-Layang – Malaysia
Located in the heart of the South China Sea, Layang-Layang or “Swallow Reef” is a paradise for divers due to its under water beauty and secluded nature. This small atoll which forms part of Malaysia’s Spratly Islands boasts immaculate coral…