Near the active volcano
Ocean & Lava Wreck Diving combo
2-dive combo in Reykjanes
A unique diving combo
Since the Bjarnagjá 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.
Join us on an Ocean dive in the North Atlantic and a fissure dive in salty and fresh water in Bjarnagja. This diving combo might just be for you if you would like to try something completely different. Both dive sites are located in the Reykjanes peninsula, about an hour drive from downtown 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 structure of your tour depends on the tides and weater conditions that day. Our experienced guides will decide which dive spot you will first dive at shortly before your dive date.
Bjarnagjá fissure
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 boat has been placed in the bottom of the fissure.
Ocean dive
On the Ocean Diver Day Tour you will join the undersea inhabitants of the North Atlantic for a swim through Iceland’s cool coastal scene.
Our favorite local ocean dive site is Garður, which is a shore dive.
You will scuba dive in a kelp forest which offers a great habitat for a number of marine species, including lumpsuckers, nudibranches, and a wide variety of invertebrates. Colorful algae also flourish here off the coast of Iceland.
You will most likely notice pairs of eyes sticking out of the sandy patches of the ocean floor where the flounders live. Soft orange coral also intermittently decorates the sandy ocean floor. In the area of the kelp forests, a wolf fish might pay you an unexpected visit or stick its head out of a pile of rocks, looking a bit like a prehistoric creature.
Note that ocean dives in Iceland depend on the weather and it can happen that scheduled ocean dive trips have to be canceled due to unfortunate weather conditions.
If that is the case we usually have a plan B and can offer you other dive sites, such as Kleifarvatn, Davíðsgjá or Silfra that do not depend on the weather as much as the ocean.
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
This Diving Day Tour includes 2 dives which will take about 30-40 minutes each, with a maximum depth of 18 meters.
Your 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.
Your guide will give you a detailed briefing of each 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 each dive, you will be offered hot chocolate and cookies.
After the second tour we drive back to Reykjavik. We recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon after your tour. If you decide to go for this, 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.
Tour Details
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1 April - 30 September
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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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Approx. 3 hours at each dive site, about 8 hours total from pick up to drop off
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Want to be more private? Check out our Private Ocean and Bjarnagjá diving combo
Included
- Dive instructor
- 2 guided dives
- All necessary dive equipment
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the dive
- Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik
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
Participants must:-
be a certified diver at the level of PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent
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have dry suit diving certification and a logged dry suit dive within two years of the dive tour date OR have at least 10 logged dry suit dives within two years of the Silfra 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 dive 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 able to communicate in English
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be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit
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not be pregnant
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eat well before the tour
Timeline of your tour
- You will meet your driver at your preferred pick-up location in Reykjavik
- Arrival at the dive site at Bjarnagjá or Garður (which dive site depends on the tide)
- Briefing and gear-up with your guide (∼1 hour total)
- Once you are fully dressed, you will make your way to the entry point
- Weight check upon entering the water
- 30-45 minutes spent in the water
- Exit, 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
- Short drive to the next dive spot (∼20-30 minutes)
- 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
- Drop you off at your location in Reykjavik, or at the Blue Lagoon, depending on your plans for the rest of the day
Bookable extras
Experience the tour
Guides on this tour
You will dive here
Frequently asked questions
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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 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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When is the best time to dive in Iceland?
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Each season has its own pros and cons. Spring and fall are best for those who like to stay out of the crowds. While we dive in small groups, some of the on-land sites we visit are popular among your run-of-the-mill tourists and, frankly, can get a little crowded, although we do know of quite a few out-of-the-way gems. Late spring you'll see the vegetation come alive and the birds and the bees buzzing by with excitement. The autumn colors of the turning leaves are definitely something to behold, and the weather is often calm and the air crisp. Summer is the busiest season and for a good reason. It's the warmest and most lush time of the year with nature in full bloom.
For the diving tours, the main difference between the seasons is that in the summer (April-October), we have all the dive sites available, whereas in the winter (November-March) we only have the Silfra dive site available, and occasionally Daviðsgjá. All the other dive sites are sadly not available due to road closures (ice and snow), and the water is frozen over or unsafe conditions.
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Why are there limitations to the diving?
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Silfra is located in the National Park and as such it is subject to restrictions put in place by Icelandic law, which require all divers to be a minimum of 17 years old, hold at least an Open Water Certification (stating you can autonomously dive to at least 18m) or higher and have either a dry suit certificate or experience. It is also forbidden to enter into any overhead environment, regardless of training, or to dive deeper than 18m. Our other sites are subject to the minimum age limit by law, and we require dry suit experience for them because they are fragile aquatic environments and have slightly harder conditions than many other dive sites around the world.
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