Diving in Iceland
Including Breiðavík, Eldey Island, and Garður. On the map.
The vibe
Descending into the tectonic fissures feels like swimming through the silent, submerged bones of the earth, surrounded by rock walls untouched by time in water of impossible clarity. The experience requires drysuit certification, and while you can descend into these crystal depths throughout the year, winter brings a stark, quiet beauty to the surface journey. You move in small, tightly managed squads led by specialized local guides who handle every logistical detail of the extreme cold.
park ticket
Breiðavík, Westfjords
Iceland
Johnk996 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Remote coastal diving along the rugged cliffs of the Westfjords, featuring cold-water reefs, rich kelp ecosystems, and occasional marine mammal encounters. The dramatic underwater topography mirrors the towering coastal bluffs above.
Access. Reached via rugged overland travel to the Westfjords, coordinating boat support with local adventure outfitters.
Notes. Very remote location with cold waters and limited dive infrastructure. Highly expeditionary.
Eldey Island, Reykjanes Peninsula
Iceland
Eldey — Wikipedia
Submerged rocky pinnacles and steep walls surrounded by Atlantic swells and thriving colonies of seabirds above water. Strong currents nourish dense kelp forests, wolfish dens, and dramatic underwater topography.
Access. Reachable via rigid inflatable boat (RIB) charters operating from Grindavík or nearby coastal harbors on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Notes. Open ocean conditions with frequent swells and variable currents. Advanced divers only.
Garður, Reykjanes Peninsula
Southern Peninsula
Petr Kraumann / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A famous shore dive site known for its shallow, nutrient-rich kelp gardens and abundant macro life. Divers frequently encounter lumpfish, colourful nudibranchs, crabs, and schooling juvenile fish among the basalt rock formations.
Access. Easily accessible as a shore dive from the old lighthouse parking area at Garður, with local dive centers providing tank rentals and fills.
Notes. Max depths around 10 to 18 meters. Great for underwater photography and relaxed cold-water exploration.
Grímsey Island, Arctic Circle
Northeastern Region
Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Remote diving right on the Arctic Circle featuring dramatic basalt cliffs, deep fissures, and cold, nutrient-dense waters teeming with marine life. Encounter impressive kelp forests and schools of pelagic fish in untouched northern waters.
Access. Accessible via ferry or domestic flight from Akureyri, followed by local boat support arranged in advance.
Notes. Extreme northern location with cold water, unpredictable weather, and remote conditions. Advanced experience required.
Silfra Fissure, Thingvellir National Park
Bláskógabyggð
cwi.aida / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial meltwater with visibility exceeding 100 meters. Divers experience weightlessness in an otherworldly, narrow volcanic canyon with electric blue hues.
Access. Bookings are made via dive operators based in Reykjavik, offering day trips with drysuit training included.
Notes. Water temperature is a constant 2°C to 4°C year-round. Drysuit certification or drysuit orientation is mandatory.
Strýtur Hydrothermal Vents, Eyjafjörður
Iceland
Eyglob / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore the world's only accessible underwater geothermal chimneys, rising from the fjord floor up to shallow depths. Warm mineral-rich water pumps continuously from these unique cones, supporting a thriving ecosystem of wolfish and nudibranchs.
Access. Day boat charters depart directly from Akureyri in northern Iceland during the summer months.
Notes. Depths range from 15 to 70 meters. Advanced certification and cold-water/drysuit experience required.