Research, Exploration & Commercial Diving in Iceland
Exploration. Research. Professional diving support.
Iceland offers some of the world’s most extraordinary underwater environments, from submerged volcanic caves and crystal-clear freshwater fissures to geothermal springs, offshore hydrothermal formations and remote highland lakes. At Icedive, we go beyond recreational diving.
We provide specialist diving services, expedition logistics and underwater field support for scientists, research institutions, explorers, filmmakers and organisations working in Iceland’s challenging underwater environments. Led by experienced diver and instructor Sigurður Jóhann Haraldsson, Icedive combines extensive local knowledge with technical diving expertise, underwater exploration experience and practical expedition management.
Whether you are planning a scientific research project, an underwater exploration expedition or a specialised commercial diving assignment, we can help turn your project into a successful field operation.
Our Services
Scientific Diving & Research Support
We work with universities, scientists and research institutions conducting underwater fieldwork in Iceland.
Our services include underwater sampling, assistance with scientific measurements, diving operations, photographic documentation and logistical support for research projects.
From coastal groundwater discharge to geothermal activity and submerged freshwater springs, we help researchers access and investigate Iceland’s unique underwater environments.
Expedition Planning & Logistics
Organising an expedition in Iceland requires local knowledge, equipment, transportation, experienced divers and careful operational planning.
Icedive provides in-country expedition coordination, including logistics, dive team organisation, site access planning and management of diving operations. We support both short research projects and complex multi-day expeditions involving international teams.
Underwater Exploration & Cave Diving
Iceland’s volcanic landscape contains submerged caves, lava tunnels, deep fissures and underwater geological formations that remain largely unexplored.
Icedive has participated in specialised cave diving and underwater exploration projects involving surveying, mapping, photographic documentation and scientific sampling. We support suitably qualified exploration teams with local knowledge, technical diving experience and expedition logistics.
Commercial Diving Services
Icedive also provides commercial diving services for specialised underwater assignments. Siggi is an HSE commercial diver.
Our experience in demanding Icelandic diving conditions allows us to support projects requiring professional underwater work, inspection, documentation and operational assistance. Contact us to discuss project requirements, scope and availability.
Underwater Photography & Filming
Underwater photography and filming are important parts of scientific research, exploration and documentary production.
Icedive provides underwater photographic documentation and support for film crews working in Iceland’s freshwater, marine and cave environments.
Selected Research & Exploration Projects
2026 – Hydrochemical Exploration of Iceland’s Submerged Springs
In collaboration with Professor M. Bayani Cardenas, University of Texas at Austin
An eight-day scientific research expedition investigating submerged freshwater springs, groundwater discharge and geothermal environments across Iceland.
The expedition included research at Óttarsstaðir, Bjarnagjá, Baðstofan, Kleifarvatn, Silfra, Arnarnesstrýtan, Strýtan, Nesgjá and Keldunes.
Icedive coordinated expedition logistics, organised diving operations, provided local guidance and assisted directly with underwater sampling and scientific measurements.
2025 – Explorers Club Flag Expedition: Iceland’s Underwater Caves
Expedition leader: Bernie Chowdhury
An international underwater cave exploration and scientific research expedition continuing the pioneering work of the 1997 Explorers Club Flag Expedition. The expedition combined underwater cave exploration with biological sampling led by scientist Dr. Nasreen Haque.
Icedive was responsible for all local expedition logistics and preparations in Iceland, organising the diving team and directing diving operations. Siggi Haraldsson also participated directly in biological sample collection and underwater photographic documentation.
2024 – Under the Lava Expedition
Underwater cave exploration in Iceland
An exploration expedition investigating submerged lava caves and underground water passages in southern Iceland.
The team explored and documented previously uncharted sections of an underwater cave system, extending the known passages and identifying additional underground chambers. The expedition involved technical cave diving, underwater surveying, exploration and photographic documentation in challenging volcanic environments.
2023 – Icelandic Highlands Underwater Exploration
Exploring remote volcanic waters
An underwater exploration project investigating unusual diving environments in Iceland’s remote highlands.
The expedition included diving in volcanic craters, freshwater lakes and the Tear of Odin (Tár Óðins), exploring underwater landscapes shaped by Iceland’s volcanic and geological history. The project combined diving exploration, site investigation and underwater documentation in remote locations.
Your Partner for Underwater Projects in Iceland
Successful underwater research and exploration depend on more than diving expertise. They require careful planning, reliable logistics, knowledge of local conditions and the ability to adapt to challenging environments.
Icedive offers a practical, experienced local partner for international research teams, exploration groups and professional underwater projects. From initial planning to field operations, we can help organise the people, equipment and diving support your project requires.
Planning a Project in Iceland?
Get in touch to discuss scientific diving, exploration, commercial diving services or expedition support. Write to us at icedive@icedive.is.