wreck

Log This Dive

GJAFAR

Forget what you think you know about Icelandic diving. Gjafar isn't some pristine reef, it’s a time capsule. We love how the story unfolds beneath the surface here. This trawler, beached in 1973 after a close call with Grindavik Harbour, lies broken but surprisingly intact in parts. Dropping down, the cold water bites, but the visibility – often 20 metres or more – lets the wreck reveal itself slowly. We usually find the bow section first, rising out of the sand like a skeletal finger. Our favourite moment is swimming through the wheelhouse; the controls are still there, corroded but recognisable, a poignant reminder of the crew's last moments. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 8 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. Look closely, and you'll spot small sculpins darting between the rusted plates, and sometimes a curious crab peeking from a dark corner. This site is perfect for those who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; it’s a dive that really makes you think.