Snorkeling in Iceland
Including Bjarnarfjörður, Bárðarlaug, and Grímsey Island. On the map.
The vibe
Drifting through the glacial runoff here feels like flying in thin air, suspended in water so crystalline it defies reality as you peer down through absolute blue into deep volcanic chasms. Midsummer offers the most manageable air temperatures for changing into thick drysuits, though the water temperature remains fiercely cold year-round. It is a remarkably orderly operation where you suit up in specialized gear alongside small guided groups before sliding into the current.
park ticket
Bjarnarfjörður, Strandir
Iceland
Spike / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore the remote coastal waters of the Strandir region, where geothermal submarine springs warm the shallow shore areas. Snorkelers can experience a blend of cold fjord waters and localized warm thermal vents.
Access. Shore entry from the remote Westfjords coastline, best reached by car along route 643.
Notes. Very remote area with limited local infrastructure; check tides and weather carefully.
Bárðarlaug, Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsbær
Chmee2 / Valtameri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A deep volcanic crater lake near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offering crystal-clear fresh water steeped in local folklore. Snorkelers can explore the submerged volcanic rock formations and striking water clarity in a dramatic crater setting.
Access. Short hike from the nearby road parking area on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Independent shore entry.
Notes. Water is cold; appropriate thermal exposure suits are necessary.
Grímsey Island
Northeastern Region
Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Snorkel in sub-arctic coastal waters crossing the Arctic Circle, encountering rich kelp forests and cold-water marine life. The clear northern waters host diverse seabird activity and rugged sub-polar rock formations.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Akureyri or domestic flight to Grímsey Island, followed by local arrangements.
Notes. Exclusively for experienced cold-water snorkelers with thick wetsuits or drysuits.
Silfra Fissure, Thingvellir National Park
Bláskógabyggð
Laura Paredis · Pexels
Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in glacial meltwater filtered through underground lava fields for over a century. The visibility here is legendary, often exceeding 100 meters, creating a stunning floating sensation in crystal-clear blue depths.
Access. Accessible via guided snorkeling tours from Reykjavik or directly at the Thingvellir National Park site. Drysuits are mandatory due to near-freezing water temperatures (2-4°C).
Notes. Drysuit certification or a drysuit briefing is required before entering. Strict conservation rules apply to protect the pristine ecosystem.
Strútur, Highland Hot Springs
Rangárþing ytra
PeterRYV / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Snorkel in a geothermal warm water spring nestled in the remote Icelandic interior highlands. The underwater spring pumps warm, mineral-rich water into a clear lagoon with unique subaquatic geothermal chimneys.
Access. Highly remote; accessible by 4x4 superjeep tours from the south coast or interior highland routes during the summer months.
Notes. Only accessible during summer when highland roads are open. Weather can change rapidly.