Stykkishólmur | Breiðafjörður Reefs
Site Overview
Stykkishólmur is the gateway to Breiðafjörður, one of Iceland’s richest marine bays, and its reefs are a cold-water treasure. The sites hold dense kelp forests, massive sea stars, king crabs, Atlantic wolffish and scallops, with seals and several 19th–20th century shipwrecks, including small coasters, scattered through the fjord. Water is 3 to 10°C and a drysuit is mandatory, with mild current and swell the main considerations. A short boat ride from Stykkishólmur harbour reaches the reefs, and the productivity of the bay makes this one of the best ocean dives in West Iceland. For divers who want abundant life, wrecks and a scenic fjord setting, Breiðafjörður delivers a satisfying, fishy cold-water experience with a local guide and easy logistics from the town. 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.
Dive Briefing
"Meet your operator at Stykkishólmur harbour and kit up on the boat. The short ride reaches the reef; descend onto the kelp and rock, controlling fins to avoid tangling. Search for king crabs, wolffish in the cracks, scallops and huge sea stars, and scan for seals. There is mild current, so swim into it on exit. The wrecks are an option for trained divers with the operator. Water is 3 to 10°C, so monitor warmth. Complete a safety stop and signal the boat. A local operator times the trip to the calmest window and knows the reef and wreck sites across the wide bay. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and ascend with a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and ascend with a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and ascend with a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
King crab
Lithodes maja
Best: Year-round
Atlantic wolffish
Anarhichas lupus
Best: Year-round
Scallop
Pecten maximus
Best: May, June, July
Sea star
Asterias rubens
Best: Year-round
Cod
Gadus morhua
Best: May, June, July
Safety & Hazards
- Cold water needs drysuit
- Wide bay; swell and rough crossings
- Mild current on the reefs
- Kelp can entangle careless divers
- Boat traffic in the fjord
- Weather changes fast
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Stykkishólmur suits intermediate drysuit divers who want rich ocean life, kelp and wrecks. It is great for macro and wide-angle photographers and for travellers based in West Iceland. The reefs are productive but exposed, so a guide is recommended for the crossing and swell. Less suited to beginners, though the life is rewarding for confident divers. It is one of the best all-round ocean dives in the region with a guide. It suits confident cold-water divers who value unique geology and pristine conditions over abundant tropical marine life. It suits confident cold-water divers who value unique geology and pristine conditions over abundant tropical marine life.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- West Iceland Dive
- Breiðafjörður Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Hótel Búðir
Snæfellsnes • 40km away
Stykkishólmur Harbour Hotel
Stykkishólmur • 10km away