Laugarvatn | Iceland’s Geothermal Lake Dive

Site Overview

Laugarvatn is a warm geothermal lake in the Golden Circle that offers one of Iceland’s most surreal diving experiences. The water has distinct convection cells—warm upwellings mixing with cold lake water—and supports freshwater sponges and thermophilic algae that thrive in the temperature gradients. A drysuit is still needed because parts of the lake are near-freezing while others are surprisingly warm, creating a "hot-bath dive" feel unlike anywhere else. Visibility is 10 to 25 metres and the site is sheltered and accessible, making it a relaxing intermediate freshwater dive. For travellers on the Golden Circle, Laugarvatn is a unique, geothermally active alternative to the cold fissures, best enjoyed with a local guide who knows the warm and cold zones. 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.