Eyjafjörður dive sites

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.