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.

Located in Reykjanes peninsula, only about one hour drive from Reykjavik, Bjarnagjá fissure might be one of the coolest dive spots in Iceland.

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.

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.

Our private tours include a private guide, the diving tour and all necessary equipment for diving as well as hot coco and cookies after the tour.

All divers on this Private 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 Private Diving Day 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 have your own transportation, you can meet us directly at Bjarnagjá fissure (meeting point will be provided in the confirmation e-mail).

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.

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.