Near the active volcano
Lava & Wreck Dive Adventure
Salty and freshwater diving in Bjarnagjá fissure
If you can't decide between an ocean or freshwater dive...
just do both in the same dive
Since this dive site is located near an active volcano, the area is sometimes closed due to volcanic activity. If the area is closed we will dive in a different dive spot.
Bjarnagjá fissure is located in Reykjanes peninsula, only about one hour drive from Reykjavik.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, has been especially active, with eruptions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. These events are monumental, marking the first volcanic activity in the area in over 800 years. The peninsula is home to a divergent boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a hotbed of seismic and volcanic activity.
The recent eruptions have occurred in the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, creating spectacular lava flows that have transformed the landscape. Just 15 km from the Fagradalsfjall eruption sites, the fishing town of Grindavík has faced challenges from both volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. Although lava flows have not reached the town itself, the Icelandic government, in collaboration with local authorities, has taken precautionary steps to protect the community. A significant measure has been the construction of a series of defense walls, or “lava barriers,” around the town.
These walls are designed to redirect potential lava flows away from Grindavík should they approach. Made of gravel and basalt rocks, the walls create a physical barrier that slows and diverts lava in specific directions, minimizing the risk to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. This impressive engineering feat showcases Iceland’s proactive approach to living with the forces of nature, blending tradition and innovation to ensure safety without disrupting the flow of everyday life.
On this tour you will drive on a road built on new lava, there might even be smoke coming from the edge of the road. You will travel by the town of Grindavik so you will see these defence walls up close and witness the impressive scale of the new lava. You will also drive by the famous Blue Lagoon.
The dive itself, Bjarnagjá is an 18 m deep lava ravine on this very peninsula where the tectonic activity has caused Iceland to rise out of the ocean. The water in Bjarnagjá is mostly fresh groundwater but it is influenced by the salinity of the sea as the rift is only few hundred meters from the coast. So divers can spot wildlife in the fissure.
As an added bonus, a wreck has been placed in the bottom of the fissure, adding some drama to this already unusual dive site.
For those who have the appropriate level of training and diving experience this site offers dives in an overhead environment.
All divers on this Diving Tour must have dry suit diving certification OR 10 logged dry suit dives within two years of the Silfra tour date. These 10 dives must be confirmed with written proof signed by a diving instructor.
The structure of your Diving Tour
The Bjarnagja Diving Tour includes one dive which will take about 30-40 minutes each, with a maximum depth of 18 meters.
Your guide will give you a detailed briefing of the dive site and will then assist you in setting up our dive equipment. We use high quality BARE and Aqualung brand SCUBA equipment and APEX or Aqualung regulators.
After the tour, we will have hot coco and cookies before driving back to Reykjavik.
If you choose the pick up option, your private guide will pick you up and drop you off at your location in Reykjavík. During the one-hour drive, your guide will provide you with background information about the unique geology and cultural history of Iceland. You will drive through new lava, from the recent eruptions in the area. Your driver will make a couple of stops on the way to have a better look.
If you have your own transportation, you can meet us directly at Bjarnagjá fissure (meeting point will be provided in the confirmation e-mail).
We recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon after your tour. If you have booked transportation, we can drop you off there and you can book transportation back to Reykjavik.
Our Souvenirs can be purchased in your booking process by selecting them under "Extras". If the Souvenir you are looking for is not listed below please contact us or leave a comment in your booking and we will bring it on tour with us.
Photos from your tour can be purchased directly from your guide at Silfra for 3000 ISK.
Second time back with Dive.IS
This is our second dive trip back in Iceland. We loved silfra diving so much first time we asked if we could go to other dive sites. In total we did three other dive sites - David’s crack, the ocean dive, and another fissure near Grindavik. We want to thank the guides thomas, Silvia, and Rami for the great experience. We highly recommend the David’s crack. It’s right next to silfra but in my opinion much prettier than silfra. If you are a diving enthusiast and wants something different, you should definitely do this. Unfortunately on the second day the conditions for our ocean dive wasn’t great but we still saw some wildlife in the sea. Lots of starfish and kelps. The smaller fissure we visited after was really cool. It has a man made ship wreck and the water was very clear (though not as clear as silfra and David’s crack). All in all, Iceland has amazing diving sites not just silfra. Diving with company has always been great and we hope to come back next time.
Tour Details
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1 April - 30 September
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5 hours
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3 divers per dive instructor
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Minimum 2 divers, we will refund you in full if the minimum is not met
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Want to be more private? Check out our Private Bjarnagjá diving tour
Included
- Dive instructor
- 1 guided dive
- All necessary dive equipment
- Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the dive
Please bring
- Your SCUBA dive certification card (PADI Open Water or equivalent)
- Proof of dry suit diving certification OR written proof from a diving instructor of 10 logged dry suit dives within two years of tour date
- Long underwear
- Thick socks
- Suitable clothes for the weather of the day
If you wish to be more private, we offer this tour also as a private tour.
This tour is in the area of the volcanic eruptions in Reykjanes peninsula. In case of volcanic activity in the area, we will dive at another dive site.
Safety requirements
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be a certified diver at the level of PADI Open Water or equivalent
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have dry suit diving certification and a logged dry suit dive within two years of the tour date OR have at least 10 logged dry suit dives within two years of the tour date and be able to provide written proof from a diving instructor of these dry suit dives PDF
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have read, signed, and followed directions on our Diving Medical Statement PDF
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have our Diving Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older PDF
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sign our liability release form at the start of the diving tour PDF
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be at minimum 150cm / maximum 200cm
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be at minimum 45kg / maximum 120kg
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fit within our dry suit size chart PDF
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be at least 17 years of age (signature of legal guardian required for under 18 year old participants)
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be physically fit
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be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit
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be able to communicate in English
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not be pregnant
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eat well before the tour
Timeline of your tour
- Meet your driver at the selected pick-up location in Reykjavik
- Drive by new lava fields and defence walls.
- Arrival at the Bjarnagjá fissure
- Briefing and gear-up with your guide (∼1 hour total)
- Make your way to the entry point
- Weight check upon entering the water
- 30-45 minutes spent in the water
- Exit the water, take off equipment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies to warm up
- At this point, you will have time to chat with your guide, ask any questions you might have and take a look at the pics taken during the tour
- Your driver will drop you off at your location in Reykjavik
Bookable extras
Experience the tour
Guides on this tour
You will dive here
Frequently asked questions
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Are photos always taken on the Diving Day Tours?
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Our dive guides always bring along an underwater camera on the dives at the breathtaking Silfra and other marvelous dive sites. During these dives, our dive guides strive to capture as many splendid underwater photographs as possible. However, the safety of our divers is our utmost priority, and there may be occasions when the dive guide chooses to focus solely on dive safety during challenging conditions or with less confident divers. In such cases, it is possible that only a few or no photos are taken. We sincerely appreciate your understanding should this be the situation.
Typically, the photos from the dives are available for purchase after your incredible dive tour. For more information, please visit our our Souvenir page.
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How long are we in the water?
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During our snorkel tour, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to explore the underwater world for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The duration of the snorkeling session may vary depending on the group's pace and the amount of time they wish to spend exploring the beautiful lagoon at the end. So, get ready to dive in and enjoy every moment of this amazing adventure!
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I forgot my certification card. Is there any way to look my certification up online?
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If you are PADI or SSI certified, we can often look you up online. We need your full name (incl. middle name) and your birthdate, as it appears on your certification card before the tour starts. Please be aware that both PADI and SSI sometimes have glitches in their website/data input, which results in your records not being findable. If you are certified with any other organization, we are unfortunately unable to look you up. In either of these cases, you will not be able to participate. It is therefore best to always carry your dive cards or to sign up for PADI e-cards, which are stored on an App on your phone. If you have only recently certified, the temporary card that is emailed to you by your instructor is acceptable proof.
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Is dry suit experience a requirement to participate in your tours?
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Yes, all of our dives are dry suit dives. Some of the dives are deep and demanding so we require proof of a minimum of 10 logged dry suit dives OR a dry suit certification, as well as PADI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate on dives.
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What is the weather in Iceland like?
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During the summer months (June, July & August) it's sunny and warm(-ish) or overcast and wet, and often somewhere in between. The Icelandic weather famously changes at the drop of a woolly hat. So be prepared, bring your sun screen and shorts, as well as your all-weather gear. Even in the middle of summer the temperatures can get low (to below 10°C at night) so a good fleece - or better yet, Icelandic wool - will be essential, along with a hat and gloves.
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What sets DIVE.IS apart from other companies?
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First and foremost, we can safely say that we, by far, possess the most experience and expertise in conceiving and conducting dive tours and expeditions in Iceland. The company was founded by pioneers and field leaders in offering regular recreational dive tours in Iceland – since 1997 – and has, as such, set the standard for others to follow. The broad selection and diversity of dive tours and expeditions on offer ensures that everyone can find a diving adventure that suits their interests and passions, from the beginner to the seasoned explorer.
Through decades of careful research and scouting, we are able to conceive of itineraries and activities based on first-hand knowledge and experience to bring you the most unique opportunities and exciting nature encounters.
Last, but certainly not least, we place a high value on the human touch and social side of your travel experience. Therefore, we employ only the very best (and nicest) guides available. We hand-pick the most experienced and seasoned guides out of a sizeable pool of dive guides working locally (mostly for our affiliate company, DIVE.IS). Our extended tours and expeditions, in turn, are largely in the capable hands of our very own David Sigurthorsson (HYPERLINK), Iceland’s most experienced dive guide and expedition leader, whom many of you already know from your previous visits.
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