Þorlákshöfn | The Kelp Cathedral

Site Overview

Þorlákshöfn’s Kelp Cathedral is a dense kelp forest growing on a sandy plateau on Iceland’s south coast, one of the most photogenic and accessible ocean dives in the region. The towering kelp forms a "cathedral" of stalks that hide huge flatfish, skates, lumpsuckers and the occasional seal, with cod moving through the canopy. Water is 4 to 11°C and a drysuit is mandatory, but the shallow profile makes it forgiving for newer drysuit divers and excellent for wide-angle photography. The exposed south coast means swell can build quickly, so diving with a local operator who watches the forecast is essential. For travellers driving the south coast, the Kelp Cathedral is a convenient, beautiful cold-water dive that showcases Iceland’s productive kelp ecosystems without depth or currents. 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.