Óttarsstaðir & Kleifarvatn – Ocean and Geothermal Diving
From the Atlantic Ocean to an underwater geothermal landscape.
Experience two completely different underwater worlds in a single day on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Begin with a dive in the North Atlantic at Óttarsstaðir, among volcanic rock formations and marine life, then travel inland to Kleifarvatn, a volcanic lake known for its underwater geothermal features.
Few diving days offer such a striking contrast between ocean and fresh water.
85,000 ISK per person · 2 guided dives · Full day, up to 8 hours · Pickup in the capital area
All dive equipment, including the dry suit, is included.
Dive 1 – Óttarsstaðir: Iceland’s Volcanic Coast
Our first dive explores the Atlantic coastline at Óttarsstaðir, where ancient lava flows extend beneath the sea. Volcanic rock, boulders and a kelp forest create habitats for crabs, sea urchins, starfish and small fish, on a gentle slope down to around 18 metres.
It is a chance to see Iceland’s marine life away from the better-known freshwater sites. Read more about the Óttarsstaðir dive site.
Dive 2 – Kleifarvatn: Underwater Geothermal Activity
After the ocean dive we head inland to Kleifarvatn, a lake surrounded by volcanic mountains and lava fields. In the lake’s geothermal area, bubbles rise from the lakebed where hot springs release mineral-rich water into the cold lake, and pale mineral deposits create an unusual landscape. Recreational dives stay on the shallower geothermal fields.
Unlike the ocean dive earlier in the day, Kleifarvatn is fresh water with a character of its own. Read more about the Kleifarvatn dive site.
Why this tour
- Ocean and freshwater diving in one day
- Volcanic coastal formations and marine life
- The underwater geothermal area of Kleifarvatn
- Bubbles, mineral deposits and volcanic geology
- A distinctive alternative to the classic Silfra dive
How the day works
Tours usually start in the morning, and we agree the pickup time with you when you book. We pick you up at your hotel anywhere in the capital area and drive you to the Reykjanes Peninsula. You dive Óttarsstaðir first and then Kleifarvatn, and we take you back to your hotel at the end of the day. The tour is a full day of up to 8 hours.
Pickup outside the capital area can be arranged by agreement, depending on the distance.
What is included
- Two guided dives, at Óttarsstaðir and in Kleifarvatn
- All dive equipment, including a dry suit, BCD, regulator, weights, hood, gloves, mask and fins
- Cylinders and air fills
- A dive briefing and help preparing your equipment
- An experienced local dive guide
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in the capital area
- Transportation between the dive sites
Price
85,000 ISK per person. A minimum of two divers is required per departure, and solo divers can join an existing departure. Discounts for bringing your own dry suit or driving to the dive site yourself, and prices for private departures, are listed under prices and discounts.
Who can join
- Open Water certification or equivalent
- A dry suit certification, or at least 10 logged dry suit dives confirmed by an instructor
- Minimum age 17
- Good health and fitness for cold-water diving: you carry heavy dive equipment a short distance
- A medical form, which you sign on site before diving
Not dry suit certified yet? See our diving courses.
What to bring
We provide all scuba equipment. Bring long thermal underwear (wool or synthetic, not cotton), thick wool socks, a towel, your certification card and warm clothes for before and after the dive. See the full what to bring list.
Weather and conditions
Diving is always subject to conditions. Access to the geothermal area and the choice of dive sites depend on weather, sea and lake conditions and safety. If we have to cancel a dive because of the weather, we rebook you when that is possible, and otherwise refund you.
More ways to dive Reykjanes
Prefer two ocean dives? Óttarsstaðir & Garður pairs two kelp forests on the Reykjanes Peninsula, also for 85,000 ISK per person. See all our dive tours in Iceland.
Book Óttarsstaðir & Kleifarvatn
Bookings are made by email for now. Tell us your preferred date, the number of divers and your certification, and we will confirm your booking. Write to us at icedive@icedive.is.