Reykjanes Drift Dives | Living Atlantic Walls

Site Overview

The Reykjanes drift dives are current-swept channels on the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula where the North Atlantic meets geothermal land. Boats drop divers into moderate flows that carry them along walls thick with plumose anemones, sponges and soft corals, with cod, haddock and the occasional halibut holding in the current. The combination of strong tidal energy and rich cold-water life makes these among the most dynamic ocean dives in Iceland, and the exposed headland means dramatic scenery both above and below. Water is 4 to 11°C and a drysuit is mandatory, with boat cover and a skilled skipper essential for safety in the drift. For advanced divers who enjoy flying along a living wall, the Reykjanes drifts are a thrilling contrast to the still fissures and a showcase of Iceland’s productive Atlantic reefs. 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.