Deep Ocean Expeditions

Dear Adventurer,

Chimneys of rock thirty feet high, colonies of ancient and otherworldly creatures, as alien as anything found on this earth. An ecosystem based upon sulphur, not sunlight. And at the heart of it all - black smokers, undersea geysers blasting out superheated water, minerals and the very stuff of life itself.

It is with great excitement that we announce Undersea Volcanoes of the Azores: A Deep Sea Journey to the Birthplace of a Planet, the latest expedition offered by Deep Ocean Expeditions. Designed to explore the "inner space" of our fascinating planet, Deep Ocean Expeditions provides travellers with the means to explore shipwrecks, marine life, and unusual geological formations using the latest available submersible technology and equipment.

Over the past 7 years Deep Ocean Expeditions in close association with the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences has offered travellers deep ocean dives to locations such as the wrecks of the RMS Titanic, the battleship Bismarck and this exciting Azores itinerary. We visited the "Rainbow Vents" for the first time in 1999 and are now offering you a second chance to participate in this special programme.

The Vents are located on the ocean floor near the Atlantic's Azores archipelago. A hotspot of volcanic activity, these hydrothermal vents offer a rare glimpse into the geological recipe that produces the earth's crust, as well as an opportunity to view fascinating life forms virtually unknown to man until just twenty years ago.

To begin the adventure, we will travel to the volcanic Azores. Here, we will explore three of their lush islands, each a natural and historic paradise. We arrive in São Miguel, where we will have time to study pristine crater lakes, spectacular geysers and bubbling hot springs. We will overnight in Pico, home to thick forests, more volcanic wonders and a rich whaling history. Come morning, we will ferry to the "Blue Island" of Faial for more volcanic excursions before heading home.

Over the past 7 years I had the opportunity to participate in over 15 dives on board the MIR submersibles. I can personally attest to their safety and sophistication. In fact, they offer enough room to lie down, sit down or even stand and stretch. Equipped with three viewports, exterior lights and an impressive array of instrumentation, they are incredibly strong and impeccably maintained by a dedicated crew of 22. Dr. Sagalevitch and our staff will prepare you for your incredible experience.

We are very grateful to The P.P. Shirshov Institute, the superb team of scientists, expert MIR pilots and technicians lead by Dr. Sagalevitch. Without the support and knowledge from this team DOE would not be able to offer you this exciting itinerary.

On days you are not diving you will be invited to enjoy and be educated by our on board specialist lecturers; Dr. Don Walsh, Dr. John McCosker and Azores geologist Dr. Victor Forzaz.

Perhaps more than anything, the MIRs offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to safely traverse an undersea landscape rich with geological and natural wonders: towering pillars of colourful cooled sediment, swarms of blind shrimps, slow-moving "dream fish" known as zoarcids, and wormy creatures capable of thriving in temperatures that reach 660°F (350°C).

For further information please contact: info@deepoceanexpeditions.com

We look forward to sharing with you this unique expedition to the bottom of the ocean.

Mike McDowell

azores.pdf ( 304Kb)