Dive sites in Iceland

Strýtan consists of underwater chimneys built from mineral deposits left by hot geothermal water venting from the seafloor. The main cone rises approximately 55 metres from a depth of 70 metres, with its summit at around 15 metres. These structures formed over approximately 11,000 years as dissolved minerals in the 72-degree vent water precipitated upon contact with cold seawater. They are the only known shallow-water hydrothermal cones in the world, as similar formations elsewhere occur at extreme ocean depths.

The summit of the main Strýtan cone at 15 metres is accessible to Advanced Open Water divers with drysuit experience. However, exploring the base of the cone at 70 metres requires full technical diving certification with trimix capability. Most recreational divers visit the summit and upper sections, which offer the most dramatic venting activity. A smaller cone called Arnarnesstrýtan is located closer to shore at depths of 15 to 25 metres and is more accessible for recreational divers.

Strýtan is a protected nature reserve, and diving is only permitted through the sole authorised operator, Strytan Divecenter, run by Erlendur Bogason in the village of Hjalteyri near Akureyri. Advance booking is essential as the number of dives permitted per day is limited to protect the fragile formations. The divecenter provides all necessary equipment including drysuits. Akureyri, northern Iceland's largest town, is served by domestic flights from Reykjavik.

A drysuit is absolutely essential for diving at Gardur. The North Atlantic water temperature ranges from 4 degrees Celsius in winter to about 12 degrees in summer, and even near the geothermal vents the warming effect is localised and does not raise the ambient temperature significantly. You will need a drysuit with adequate thermal undergarments, a hood, dry gloves or thick wet gloves, and boots. Most Icelandic dive operators provide full drysuit rental including undergarments. If you have not dived in a drysuit before, you should complete a drysuit specialty course before attempting this dive.

Gardur is located on the northwestern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometres from Reykjavik and only 15 minutes' drive from Keflavik International Airport. The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately 45 minutes. Several dive operators based in Reykjavik and Keflavik offer guided dives at Gardur, though it is less commercially popular than Silfra. The entry point is accessible from the old harbour area, and the site has parking and basic facilities. Self-guided diving is possible for experienced divers with drysuit qualifications.