Scuba Diving in Iceland: A Full Guide for Beginners & Experts

Why Scuba Dive in Iceland?

Iceland is famous for scuba diving because of its unique characteristics. You can dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, glide through freshwater with visibility reaching up to 100 meters, and explore geothermal wonders like hydrothermal chimneys. The cold-water diving here is unlike anywhere else, combining Arctic conditions with stunning underwater geology.

Divers of all levels can enjoy Iceland. If you are a beginner, you can take courses at local dive shops, and if you're experienced, you will love the challenging sites. Plus, diving fits perfectly with Iceland’s other attractions—like seeing the Northern Lights or soaking in a hot spring—making it a great addition to any trip.

Best Diving Spots in Iceland

Iceland has incredible dive spots, from freshwater fissures to ocean waters teeming with life. Here are the best places to dive:

Silfra Fissure

The Silfra Fissure, located in Thingvellir National Park, is famous worldwide. Just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, it allows you to dive between tectonic plates. The water, filtered through lava rocks from glaciers, is so clear that you can see up to 100 meters. You’ll glide through areas like Silfra Hall, surrounded by stunning rock formations, although marine life is limited—only some green algae and tiny fish.

After your dive, Thingvellir National Park has plenty to see. Walk along the rift where the plates split, check out the spot where Iceland’s first parliament met, or see waterfalls like Öxarárfoss. Hiking or horseback riding here is a great way to enjoy the area’s history and nature after diving. If you don't want to go all the way, you can always snorkel, which is also pretty cool. We just partnered up with Dive.is, so if you book your tour through this link, you'll get a nice 10% discount.

Davíðsgjá

Near Silfra in Lake Thingvallavatn, Davíðsgjá is a quieter option. It offers the same tectonic plate experience and crystal-clear visibility but with fewer crowds. You might spot a trout or two from the lake, making it a peaceful dive for those seeking calm.

Before or after diving, spend time at Lake Thingvallavatn—Iceland’s biggest natural lake. Fish or have a picnic by the water. You can also dive or snorkel nearby fissures like Bjarnagjá or Nesgjá. It’s close to Silfra, so you can visit both spots in a day or just drive around the lake to relax.

Strytan

Strytan, in North Iceland’s Eyjafjörður fjord, is a treat for adventurous divers. It’s home to hydrothermal chimneys—towers built by mineral-rich hot springs. Fish like cod and wolffish swim around, and colorful invertebrates cling to the structures. It’s a longer trip from Reykjavík, so it makes more sense to start your day from Akureyri. Otherwise, you’ll be to enjoy the dive properly.

After diving, explore Akureyri, which is the biggest city in North Iceland. Visit the botanical garden, take a picture at the cool Akureyri Church, or go whale watching from the harbor. The city is just a short drive away from must-visit places like Goðafoss waterfall or the Mývatn area, with hot springs and volcanic sights. It’s actually worth it to spend a couple of days in the region and do the whole Diamond Circle, which adds cool stops like Dettifoss, the Ásbyrgi Canyon, or Húsavik.

Garður

Garður, on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavík Airport, is an easy ocean dive. Its kelp forests and rocky reefs are full of life—starfish, urchins, cod, and even a friendly wolffish named Tommy. It’s close to Reykjavík, perfect for a quick dive if you don't have time to spare.

After diving, the Reykjanes Peninsula has cool places to see. Relax at the Blue Lagoon hot springs, walk the Bridge Between Continents over the tectonic plates, or check out the steamy Gunnuhver hot springs. It’s an easy route to do with a car since a stone's throw away from Reykjavik, and the attractions are very close to each other.

Kleifarvatn Lake

Kleifarvatn Lake, south of Reykjavík, adds a quirky twist with underwater hot springs. Bubbles rise from the lake bed, and warm spots mix with the cold water. The silty floor has craters, but fish are rare. It’s an easy day trip from the city with a car.

Before or after diving, see more of the Reykjanes Peninsula near Kleifarvatn. Stop by the Krýsuvík area with colorful hot springs and mud pots, or visit Seltún’s steaming vents. Driving the peninsula’s coastal roads past cliffs and lighthouses is a fun way to finish your trip.

SS El Grillo

The SS El Grillo, in Seyðisfjörður fjord on Iceland’s east coast, is one of the country’s most famous shipwrecks. This British oil tanker from World War II sank in 1944 after a German air raid and now sits upright at 22 to 45 meters deep. You can explore its deck and steering house, surrounded by wolf-fish, crabs, and sponges. It’s a bit of a trek from Reykjavík—about a 9-hour drive—so it's better to go there during your time in East Iceland.

After diving, Seyðisfjörður has plenty of nice things to do. You can relax at the Vök Baths, a geothermal spa with hot pools overlooking the fjord (and one of my favorites), or grab an El Grillo beer at Kaffi Lara El Grillo Bar and learn more about the wreck’s story. Walk around the village’s bright streets with old wooden houses, or drive to Petra’s Stone Collection, a cool museum of local rocks. It’s a great way to relax and see more of East Iceland.

*It's important to note that you need to have Advanced certification to be allowed to do this dive due to the depth of the wreck.

When to Dive: Picking the Perfect Season

Diving in Iceland works year-round, with each season offering something special.

• Summer (May to September): Warmer air, long days, and calm conditions make summer the top choice. The water stays cold, but the visibility is amazing, especially in Silfra.
• Winter (October to April): Fewer divers visit in winter, and you might see the Northern Lights after a dive. The water doesn’t change much, but cold air and shorter days are challenging.
• Spring and Fall are quieter seasons, which means fewer tourists and a more personal dive. Because weather can shift fast, pack layers.

Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, so bring warm clothes no matter the time of year. Spring and fall also mean less crowded roads, making car rentals easier to book.

Getting Ready: Certifications and Gear to Scuba in Iceland

To dive in Iceland, you need the right skills and equipment.

• Certifications: A PADI Open Water certification (or similar) is required. Most sites, like Silfra, also need a Dry Suit Diver certification or proof of 10 dry suit dives. If you’ve never done a dry suit dive before but really want to try out Silfra, you can get certified in Reykjavik before going. You'll need the Advanced certification for the SS Grillo shipwreck.
• Gear: Tours include dry suits, masks, fins, and tanks—everything you need for cold-water diving. To stay warm under the suit, bring your own thermal layers, such as fleece or wool. Dive shops rarely rent gear separately, so stick with guided tours.
• Safety: Cold water means extra care. Follow your guide, check your gear, and stay with your buddy. Operators prioritize safety with briefings and small groups.

What You’ll See Underwater

Iceland’s underwater sights vary by site.

• Freshwater Dives (Silfra and Davíðsgjá): Expect stunning geology—rock walls, rifts, and clear blue water. There’s little life beyond algae and rare fish, but the clarity and tectonic plates are hard to beat.
• Ocean Dives (Garður and Strytan): These spots burst with marine life. See cod, wolffish, starfish, and nudibranchs among kelp forests or near hydrothermal vents. Seals or whales might appear, though it’s uncommon.

Underwater photography is a must here. Rent a waterproof camera from us to capture the magic.

Costs: Budgeting for Your Dive

Diving in Iceland isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it.

• Day Tours: A Silfra dive costs around $230–$300, including gear and a guide. Strytan trips, with boat access, are closer to $450–$500.
• Courses: A Dry-Suit Diver course costs about $400. If you know you want to do a dry-suit dive, I recommend you take it before coming to Iceland. You'll save money and time.
• Extras: Add $50–$100 for transport from Reykjavík if not driving.

Pair diving with sights like the Golden Circle to make the most of your budget. Book early for deals, especially in summer, and we’ll help you plan.

Travel Made Easy: Logistics and Stays

Getting to Iceland and its dive sites is straightforward, but requires some planning.

• Arrival: You’ll land at Keflavík Airport, 50 kilometers from Reykjavík. Rent a car from us to reach Silfra (45 minutes) or Garður (20 minutes).
• Bases: Stay in Reykjavík for southern dives—plenty of hotels and guesthouses are available. For Strytan, Akureyri serves as your northern hub with comfortable options.
• Tours vs. Cars: Many tours offer pick-up, but a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, and more.

Insider Tips from Your Icelandic Rental Experts

Our local knowledge can boost your trip:

• Pack Smart: Bring layers for cold water and a thermos for hot drinks after diving.
• Mix It Up: After diving, drive the Golden Circle or visit the Blue Lagoon. A car from us makes it easy.
• Ask Us: Need help with routes or rentals? Contact our team for personalized tips.

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Ready to Take the Plunge?

Scuba diving in Iceland is an adventure you’ll never forget—swimming between continents, exploring underwater vents, and discovering marine life in the Atlantic Ocean. Book your dive, rent a car from us, and immerse yourself in this unique world.