Freshwater diving in Northern Kazakhstan, Akmola region. Burabay.
In the pine forests and granite hills of the Burabay State National Park: calm lakes, good visibility on the best days, comfortable conditions for training and recreational diving, underwater terrain ranging from sandy and muddy areas to rocky coastal areas.
Location: Burabay State National Nature Park (Akmola Region, Kazakhstan). The area is known for the "Shchuchinsk-Borovoe resort area" and a system of lakes surrounded by pine forests and granite outcrops.
All diving takes place at altitudes ranging from 325 to 414 meters above sea level. It is the best place to obtain Altitude Diver certification.
Main diving areas:
Lake Shchuchye (Shortandy) is the coolest of the popular lakes in the resort area; it is suitable for training, navigation, Peak Performance Buoyancy, drysuit diving, and pre-planned dives. Literature suggests significantly higher maximum depth estimates, but for recreational routes and typical dives, the guideline is up to ~22 meters (within the planning based on group level/conditions).
Lake Bolshoe Chebachye (Ulken Shabakty / Ulken Shabakty) is a large lake in the Burabay system, with a maximum depth of ~33 m and granite/rocky shorelines in places. Recreational dives typically plan profiles within certification limits, with a temperature and nitrogen reserve.
Bottom types and topography (typical for the dive zone):
Muddy: central and "quiet" areas where suspended sediment accumulates (finning techniques and buoyancy are important).
Sandy: isolated beach/coastal areas, suitable for training.
Rocky/granite: near capes and coastal outcrops, suitable for "landscape" dives and navigational reference points (in some areas).
Diving season: late March to late September.
The most comfortable weather is usually from May to September, with the warmest months being June to August. Average summer temperatures for the Burabay region are around 19°C to 21°C in July (on average), but daytime temperatures can be higher.
Water and air temperature (planning guidelines)
Air (Burabay/Shchuchinsk area):
May: around +19°C (daily average)
June: around +23…+24°C
July: around +24°C (daily average), with sources reporting a "regional average" of around +19…+21°C
August: around +22…+23°C
September: around +16…+17°C
In summer, the water in the resort area's lakes typically warms up to around +20°C during the "warm maximum."
Lake Shchuchye is noticeably cooler: some estimate that even in July the surface temperature can reach around +18°C.
For diving, a 7mm (or 2×5mm) suit is most often recommended, and at the beginning/end of the season, a drysuit is recommended, especially for long training sessions.
Lake Inhabitants of the Burabay State National Park (Freshwater Ecosystem)
Fish (Main Group)
Predatory Species
Pike (Esox lucius) — a key predator, often found near vegetation and in the coastal zone
Pike-perch (Sander lucioperca) — less common, in deep water and cooler water
Perch (Perca fluviatilis) — the most abundant and frequently observed species
Peaceful and Partially Peaceful
Ruff (Gymnocephalus cernua) — a bottom-dwelling, sedentary fish
Bream (Abramis brama)
Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Silver Crucian Carp (Carassius gibelio)
Golden Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) (less common)
Carp (Cyprinus carpio) (introduced, found locally)
Carp (carp forms, in some bodies of water)
Ide (Leuciscus idus)
Dace (Leuciscus leuciscus)
Gudgeon (Gobio gobio)
Invertebrates and Bottom Dwellers
Freshwater Crayfish (Astacus / Pontastacus sp.) - an important indicator of water purity, especially in Shchuchye Lake
Mollusks (bivalves and gastropods)
Insect Larvae
Dragonflies
Mayflies
Caddaflies
Vegetation (as part of the habitat)
Underwater and Coastal Macrophytes
Water Lilies, Pondweeds, Elodea
Coastal Reeds and Reeds (shelter for juveniles and predators)
Amphibians (observed during shore dives)
Marsh Frog
Common Frog
Common Toad
By car:
The road from Astana to Burabay National Park is approximately 252 km, usually taking about 2.5 hours (depending on road conditions).
By train to Borovoe Resort Station
Airports:
Capital Airport: Astana (Nur-Sultan) - then car/transfer towards Burabay.
Nearest airport: Kokshetau (KOV) - reportedly the closest to Burabay/the resort area; then transfer to Shchuchinsk/Burabay.
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