Focus on the diving experience – and let the professionals take care of the rest

You will stay comfortably and have breakfast, lunch and dinner served. All that is required of you is to enjoy the diving sessions and the scenery.

"The Åland archipelago is unique and we offer a complete experience which is really special", says Christian Ekström. "There are great shipwrecks here, great diving - and the possibility to moor near a small archipelago island in the evening."

Shipwreck diving with island living

Christian and Johanna arrange diving trips according to their customer's wishes. Normally these trips are 2-3 days long.

"We try to have time for 2-3 dives a day; Plus, Skiftet and Nederland are three examples of three fine shipwrecks", Christian says. In between Mariehamn and Rödhamn there are many shipwrecks and we spend a lot of time in that area. By the evening we go ashore at Kobba Klintar, Rödhamn, Nyhamn or any other island with a fine natural harbour.

All gear is available aboard, even a compressor. Most choose to bring their own diving equipment, but it is also possible to rent. The conveniences aboard include shower and toilet. "And at the island Rödhamn we can book the sauna."

Christian is a diving instructor in NAUI. Many take the opportunity to continue their training while aboard, for example by booking a Nitrox course. Nitrox is oxygen enriched air which makes it possible to prolong diving time.

With friends or as a family holiday
Apart from a circle of friends who go diving for one weekend, it is becoming increasingly more common that families book and stay in the diving vessel.

"Often one person in the family already knows how to dive and then the rest of the family follows along and stays aboard the boat", Christian explains.

But it does not mean that people who are not interested in diving must be inactive. "Thanks to our cooperation with Friluftsentreprenörerna S.G.U and Larssons Vattensport, we also offer paddling, fishing and other fun water activities. It is great that it works so well - each do what they want to during the day and then we all come together for dinner and talk about our different experiences. It is a relaxed concept; all you need is available and you will spend time with your family in peace and quiet."

This set-up creates understanding for the family's diving enthusiast when the rest of the family can share the experience, "And for those who are curious we of course also offer hands on diving."

Long season

Christian offers diving trips year round, as long as the sea is ice-free. "Winter diving is very special but is becoming more and more common. Over the last five years new dry suit materials which are better insulated have been developed and this means longer diving sessions. If it is really cold we do not live on the boat, but stay in a youth hostel."