Dalvík | North Iceland Whale Fjord Dives

Site Overview

Dalvík sits in a steep-sided fjord in North Iceland that is famous for whales at the surface, and its underwater world is just as compelling. The dive sites feature steep walls and kelp forests loaded with scallops and abundant cod, plus wolffish and urchins in the rocks. While humpbacks and other whales are sometimes seen at the surface, they are not encountered underwater with scuba—the focus stays on the rich cold-water reef. Water is 3 to 10°C and a drysuit is mandatory, with mild current and swell the main considerations. A short boat ride from Dalvík harbour reaches the walls, and a local operator times the trip to the calmest window. For travellers combining whale watching with diving, Dalvík offers a productive, scenic North Icelandic reef experience with a guide. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment.