About the country
Iceland is a stunning island, washed by the Atlantic. It would be a shame to focus only on diving, since it’s full of grand natural beauty.
A slightly “crazy” idea struck us, warm-water divers that we are : try cold-water diving (between 2 and 3 °C) and dive in a place unlike anywhere else in the world, the rift separating the Eurasian and North American continents : the legendary Silfra. The extreme conditions are worth it, it’s one of the most beautiful dives we’ve ever done.
Iceland does indeed offer unusual dives : in fissures, in lakes, or even in the ocean when conditions allow. The water in the fissures is demineralized and crystal clear, people come mainly for the beauty of the place and its topography.
Another advantage is that you can dive there year-round, since the water temperature barely changes, only the outside temperature can force dives to be cancelled or make them more grueling (ice, snow, freezing wind).
This type of diving requires a Padi Drysuit certification, or proof of 10 dives in a drysuit (open to Open Water divers). It can be done in a single day on site and combined with other packages afterwards.
Be careful though, some sites are more than 6 hours’ drive from Reykjavik, like the Strytan site. We did 3 fissures : Barney’s Crack, Silfra and David’s Crack, all stunningly beautiful !!!
Here’s a (probably non-exhaustive) description of possible dives in Iceland :
Our opinion
Difficulty
Visibility
Diversity
Atmosphere
Practical
In March 2019.
Dive IS offers several two-dive morning packages. By contacting them directly, they can also put together custom packages.
Dive IS provides gear in very good condition, along with warm jackets, you should also bring wool underlayers and two thick pairs of socks for your feet (the M drysuits have built-in booties, size 42-43).
The dive masters come from all over the world and are very friendly. The service is worthy of a 5-star hotel (even if changing at the back of the truck in a parking lot can be tough in freezing weather).
In March 2019.
There are various types of accommodation in Reykjavik, downtown is small, so just plan for an apartment rental, a guest house or a hotel reasonably close to a bus stop for excursions.
We enjoyed staying in Hreidar’s small, very functional apartment.
In March 2019.
Reykjavik is a small town you can go around quickly, but it has a few interesting attractions :
- Sundhöll pool and hot baths, very pleasant in cold weather.
- The National Museum of Iceland, quite well done and interesting.
- The Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak in hot water.
The rest of Iceland to explore (visited in 2006) : the Golden Circle, 45 min from Reykjavik, and the great South : Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón …