Hvítá | Golden Circle Glacial Pools

Site Overview

The Hvítá river’s summer plunge pools offer crystal-clear glacial water for shallow scuba training and snorkelling, mainly in the calmest summer conditions. The river is famous for Gullfoss and the Golden Circle, and a few clear pools allow a taste of glacial diving, though strong currents mean scuba is limited to the calmest, most sheltered spots. Water is 2 to 6°C and a drysuit is mandatory, with excellent clarity but glacial flour that can silt quickly. The site is more snorkel than scuba, but for confident divers with a guide it is a novel, icy freshwater experience in a spectacular setting. For travellers on the Golden Circle, the Hvítá pools add an adventurous, cold-water dimension to the classic sightseeing route. 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. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment.