Lake Baikal, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Russia,” is not only the world’s deepest freshwater lake but also one of the most ecologically diverse bodies of water on the planet. It holds unique ecosystems, home to species that exist nowhere else in the world, including the famous Baikal seal (nerpa) and numerous endemic fish species. One of the most fascinating ways to experience the mysterious and pristine waters of Lake Baikal is through boat tours with underwater viewing, where you can get a glimpse of the lake’s depths without diving in.
These specialized boat tours allow you to experience the underwater world of Lake Baikal in a comfortable and safe way, offering a unique perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage site. In this guide, we will explore the best underwater viewing boat tours on Lake Baikal, what you can expect from the experience, and the best ways to capture the magic of the lake’s deep waters.
1. Overview of Underwater Viewing Tours
The Experience
Underwater viewing boat tours on Lake Baikal are designed to allow you to observe the lake’s unique underwater ecosystems through specially designed boats with large viewing windows or glass-bottomed boats. These tours offer a fascinating opportunity to view the clear waters of Lake Baikal, home to submerged rocks, aquatic plants, and schools of fish, without getting wet. Some boats are equipped with modern technology, such as cameras or remotely operated vehicles, to capture underwater footage, providing a deeper understanding of the lake’s mysteries.
What You’ll See
- Baikal’s Deep Waters: With a depth of over 1,600 meters (5,200 feet), Lake Baikal’s waters are home to ancient aquatic life that has evolved over millions of years. During an underwater viewing boat tour, you can observe a variety of species in their natural habitat.
- Endemic Species: Baikal is home to unique species such as the Baikal seal (nerpa), the Baikal omul (a type of freshwater fish), and various species of endemic crayfish. The underwater viewing experience offers a rare glimpse of these species in the lake’s depths.
- Underwater Landscape: The lake’s bottom features a unique and diverse landscape with submerged rocks, cliffs, and underwater ridges. These formations create an interesting environment for fish and other wildlife.
2. Popular Boat Tours with Underwater Viewing on Lake Baikal
1. Baikal Underwater Viewing Tours from Listvyanka
Overview: One of the most popular departure points for boat tours around Lake Baikal is the village of Listvyanka, located on the western shore. From here, you can take boat tours with underwater viewing that explore the northern and southern parts of the lake. These tours often include a glass-bottomed boat or boats with large viewing windows.
Key Highlights:
- Glass-Bottomed Boats: Several operators in Listvyanka offer boat tours with glass-bottomed boats. These boats are equipped with large, transparent windows that allow passengers to see the lake’s submerged world while remaining dry.
- Baikal’s Wildlife: You can expect to see Baikal seals swimming gracefully through the water, as well as fish species like the Baikal omul, which is found only in the lake. The guides often provide commentary on the species and ecosystems.
- View of the Southern Shore: Depending on the tour, you may travel along the southern shores of Lake Baikal, with views of scenic cliffs, beaches, and forests, in addition to the underwater sights.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to September): The best time to book these tours is during the warmer months, when boat services are frequent, and the weather is favorable for a comfortable experience.
Duration:
- Tour Length: Tours usually last between 1.5 to 2 hours, with options for longer trips depending on the itinerary.
2. Boat Tours from Irkutsk
Overview: While Listvyanka is the most common base for boat tours, you can also find boat tours with underwater viewing that depart from Irkutsk, the largest city near Lake Baikal. From here, boat tours travel to the southern shores of the lake, where you can enjoy stunning views and underwater sightings.
Key Highlights:
- Extended Boat Tours: Tours from Irkutsk are often longer and may include a combination of sightseeing on the lake’s shores and underwater viewing. These tours might head toward the Circum-Baikal Railway route or other scenic spots along the southern shore.
- Wildlife and Scenic Beauty: Along with underwater viewing, these tours may offer opportunities to spot Baikal seals and birds, while also providing opportunities for photography of the lake’s dramatic cliffs, forests, and islands.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to September): The boats operate most frequently during the warmer months when access to the lake is easier, and the weather is more predictable.
Duration:
- Tour Length: Depending on the route, tours from Irkutsk typically last between 3 to 5 hours, with options for longer excursions.
3. Olkhon Island and Ushkan Islands Tours with Underwater Viewing
Overview: If you’re looking for an adventurous tour to one of Lake Baikal’s most famous islands, consider booking a boat tour to Olkhon Island or the Ushkan Islands, both of which offer opportunities for underwater viewing and wildlife encounters.
Key Highlights:
- Ushkan Islands: A remote group of islands, known for being home to large populations of Baikal seals, the Ushkan Islands are a fantastic destination for boat tours with underwater viewing. You can witness seals up close as they swim or sunbathe along the shores, and the underwater views reveal the lake’s clear waters and rocky beds.
- Olkhon Island: Olkhon, the largest island on Lake Baikal, is a sacred and cultural landmark. Boat tours to Olkhon from Listvyanka include not only spectacular views of the island’s landscapes but also the chance to experience the underwater world of Lake Baikal through specially designed boats.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer (June to September): These boat tours are available during the warmer months when the weather is calm, and the water is clearer for better underwater visibility.
Duration:
- Tour Length: Depending on your departure point and route, these tours can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours or more, with some tours offering overnight stays on the islands.
3. Underwater Viewing Technologies and Boat Types
Glass-Bottomed Boats
Glass-bottomed boats are the most popular type for underwater viewing tours on Lake Baikal. These boats feature large, clear windows in the hull of the boat, allowing passengers to peer directly into the lake’s depths without getting wet. Glass-bottomed boats are typically smaller and more intimate, making them ideal for wildlife watching and photography.
Submarine Tours (Specialized)
In addition to glass-bottomed boats, there are also some specialized underwater experiences, such as submarine tours, available on Lake Baikal. These tours use small submarines or semi-submersible vessels to explore deeper parts of the lake, offering a more immersive experience. Submarine tours allow passengers to see Baikal’s underwater flora and fauna in their natural environment, providing a unique perspective of the lake’s ecosystem.
ROVs and Underwater Cameras
In some tours, especially longer or more specialized excursions, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or underwater cameras may be used to provide real-time video footage of the lake’s depths. These technologies allow passengers to view underwater life and geological formations from the comfort of the boat without having to dive into the cold waters themselves.
4. Photography Tips for Underwater Viewing Tours
Best Camera Settings for Underwater Photography
- Use a Fast Shutter Speed: To capture clear images of moving wildlife like Baikal seals, a fast shutter speed (around 1/500 to 1/1000) will help eliminate motion blur.
- Consider a Polarizing Filter: To reduce glare on the water’s surface and enhance underwater visibility, a polarizing filter can help improve your photos.
- Keep the ISO Low: To avoid grainy images, especially in low-light conditions, use a low ISO setting. If the water is clear and you have plenty of light, keep the ISO at 100-200.
- Shoot in RAW Format: If possible, shoot in RAW format to retain as much detail and flexibility as possible when editing the images later.
Framing and Composition
- Capture Movement: Baikal seals swimming through the water or fish moving in schools create dynamic subjects. Use a fast shutter speed to capture these animals in motion.
- Focus on Symmetry: The clear waters of Lake Baikal often produce beautiful symmetrical reflections in the water. Frame your shots to capture this natural symmetry.
Conclusion
Boat tours with underwater viewing on Lake Baikal offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the lake’s deep waters and discover its unique wildlife and underwater landscapes. Whether you’re taking a tour from Listvyanka, heading to the Ushkan Islands, or exploring the pristine waters around Olkhon Island, these tours allow you to experience the magic of Lake Baikal from a new perspective.
From wildlife encounters with Baikal seals to the mesmerizing underwater world below the lake’s surface, these boat tours provide unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve left the shores of this beautiful and mysterious lake. Plan your visit during the warmer months for the best visibility and weather conditions, and be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.
