Technical Dive Sites in Iceland – Extraordinary Adventures Below the Surface

These are our technical dive sites in Iceland: a deep volcanic lake near Reykjavík, underwater chimneys in a northern fjord, a remote highland lake, Hvalvatn and a Second World War wreck on the east coast, access to which has been restricted in recent years. Iceland offers an incredible variety of opportunities for technical diving, whether you dive on CCR, sidemount or with a twinset.

What sets these sites apart from our recreational dive sites is depth: Kleifarvatn reaches 92 metres and the Strýtur lie at around 65 metres. Hvalvatn is remote, and a trip there is a journey into the wilderness. Kleifarvatn, Strýtan and El Grillo appear on both lists, and on the recreational list we describe the shallower dives at Kleifarvatn and Strýtan. Technical trips are tailored to each group and priced on request. See our technical dive tours and, if you want to build on your training first, our technical diving courses.

Kleifarvatn

A volcanic lake a short drive from Reykjavík, Kleifarvatn is one of Iceland’s deepest dive sites and reaches 92 metres. In the shallow geothermal fields, hot springs send bubbles up through the lakebed, and deeper down lie rock formations and dramatic fissures. Read more about Kleifarvatn.

Diver over the lakebed at Kleifarvatn with sunlight breaking through the surface
Diver above the top of the Strýtan chimney in Eyjafjörður

Strýtan

In Eyjafjörður in the north of Iceland, rare underwater chimneys known as the Strýtur rise like giant towers from the seabed. They lie at a depth of around 65 metres and stretch towards the surface, a must-see for any technical diver. Strýtan, a geothermal chimney built up over centuries by mineral-rich hot water, stands in the same fjord and rises into shallow water, where you can dive it as well. Read more about Strýtan.

Hvalvatn

Hvalvatn is a remote lake in the mountains above Hvalfjörður, one of the quiet highland lakes with crystal-clear freshwater that suit technical diving. The trip there is an adventure in itself, tailored to the group and priced on request. Read more about Hvalvatn.

Diver above the overgrown wreck of El Grillo in Seyðisfjörður

El Grillo

Please note that access to El Grillo has been restricted in recent years by decisions of the local port authorities. El Grillo was a 143-metre British oil tanker that sank in Seyðisfjörður on the east coast during the Second World War, and the wreck lies 45 metres underwater and is a popular destination for technical divers. The ship now teems with marine life, creating an eerie, historical atmosphere. Read more about El Grillo.

Book a technical dive in Iceland

Tell us which equipment you dive with, which sites you have in mind and when you are in Iceland, and we will come back with a tailored package and expert guidance. Technical trips are priced on request. Have a look at our technical dive tours, then write to us at icedive@icedive.is. We’d love to make your dream dives a reality!