Garður

Vibrant Icelandic dive with kelp forests and diverse marine life.

Shore Access
12m Avg Depth
18m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site is located at the end of the Reykjanes peninsula, approximately one hour’s drive south of Reykjavík. Divers can access the water via a shore entry or by descending a ladder from a pier. Garður, meaning 'garden' in Icelandic, boasts an impressive array of marine life, including over 42 species of algae – a vital and historically significant food source for Icelanders dating back over 1000 years. These vibrant algae contribute to the area’s unique ecosystem. Beyond the algal garden, you will explore extensive kelp forests providing habitat for numerous fish species such as wolf fish, scorpion fish, flatfish, and monkfish. A notable resident is Tommi the Wolffish, who resides in a hole within the pier structure. The seabed features sandy patches interspersed with coral formations, creating an interesting landscape where flatfish camouflage amongst the sand. Garður presents a fascinating combination of botanical diversity, marine life, and geological features offering a rewarding dive experience.

Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Famousness Well Known

Plan Your Visit

kelp forestshore divemacro photographybeginner friendlycold water

Marine Life

wolf fishscorpion fishflatfishmonkfishalgaecoral

Things to Note

Difficulty:

All levels

Easy shore/pier access and moderate depth make it accessible.

Hazards:
cold watercurrentboat traffic
Current Strength:

Moderate

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