By: Julian O'Neil
In: Blog
February 9, 2023

Brave the cold: ice diving in Tear of Odin

Ice diving in Tear of Odin in Iceland

Ice diving in Tear of Odin in Iceland

For the ultimate diving adventure, look no further than Tear of Odin in the highlands of Iceland. Our recent trip to this remote location was an unforgettable experience of ice diving.

Located about 5 hours away from Reykjavik, the Tear of Odin is a highland lake that is similar to Silfra, known for its crystal clear waters and incredible visibility. However, unlike Silfra, Tear of Odin is an ice cold lake and diving in it requires special gear and training. The lake is fed by underground glacial water which keeps the water at a freezing temperature year-round, however, the visibility can reach up to 200m.

The journey to the Tear of Odin was an adventure in itself. We made the long drive from Reykjavik through the rugged Icelandic landscape, passing by glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and frozen rivers. The scenery was breathtaking, and we couldn’t wait to see what was in store for us beneath the surface of the lake.

Once we arrived at the lake, we geared up with special drysuits and thermal undergarments to keep us warm in the freezing water. Jumping into the lake was a shock to the system, but once we were fully immersed, the sensation was invigorating. The visibility was nothing short of extraordinary, with visibility up to 200m. It was like diving in a giant aquarium. The water was crystal clear, which made it easy to spot the colorful rocks, volcanic formations and mineral deposit that lined the bottom of the lake.

It felt like we were exploring a whole new world

One of the highlights of the dive was swimming through an underwater cave system that was formed by volcanic activity. The caves were lined with colorful mineral deposits and were surrounded by a thick layer of ice. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

After an hour of diving, we reluctantly made our way back to the surface. The experience of ice diving in Tear of Odin was unforgettable. The combination of the crystal clear water, the freezing temperature and the stunning volcanic landscape made it one of the most memorable dive trips we’ve ever taken.

If you’re a fan of scuba diving and looking for an adventure that will truly test your limits, we highly recommend ice diving in Tear of Odin in the highlands of Iceland. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Please note that ice diving is a very technical and challenging activity and it should be attempted only by experienced divers with proper training and gear.