Diving East Iceland | Seyðisfjörður & the Fjords

About East Iceland – Seyðisfjörður & Fjords

East Iceland’s deep fjords hold some of the country’s best wreck and reef diving, anchored by the famous El Grillo tanker in Seyðisfjörður. This 94 m British oil tanker was bombed in 1944 and now rests upright at 25–45 m, its massive propeller and hull encrusted with anemones, cod and huge wolffish. Nearby Eskifjörður scatters Norwegian whaling and herring wrecks through the fjord, rich in nudibranchs and macro. Reyðarfjörður’s Pinnacle is a kelp-covered seamount with cod, pollock and the occasional minke whale passing, while Borgarfjörður Eystri offers puffin colonies, lava caves and clear shallow bays. Remote and rugged, East Iceland rewards divers with history, big fish and quiet, dramatic scenery.

Highlights

• ✓El Grillo: a 94 m WWII tanker wreck at 25–45 m
• ✓Eskifjörður Wrecks: whaling and herring vessels as reefs
• ✓Reyðarfjörður Pinnacle: a kelp seamount with cod and pollock
• ✓Borgarfjörður Eystri: puffins, lava caves and clear bays
• ✓Quiet, remote fjord diving away from the crowds

Getting There

Fly to Egilsstaðir (EGS) then drive to Seyðisfjörður (30 min) or the other fjords. The Smyril Line ferry from Denmark docks at Seyðisfjörður. Boat dives launch from each fjord harbour with local operators.