Spearfishing Iceland and the Faroe Islands: Cold-Water Diving at the Edge of the Atlantic

Iceland and the Faroe Islands sit on the edge of the Arctic Circle, with cold-water diving conditions that test even experienced cold-water divers. Water temperatures rarely exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit and routinely run in the 35-45 degree range. Visibility can be exceptional - 60-100 feet on calm days. The species available are different from anything in temperate or tropical diving: large cod, Atlantic halibut, pollock, ling, and various other groundfish. For divers willing to commit to cold-water gear and the realities of high-latitude diving, both destinations offer experiences unavailable anywhere else.

This guide covers what spearfishing actually looks like in Iceland and the Faroes, the conditions, the species, and how to plan a trip to the North Atlantic's most extreme diving destinations.

Iceland: The Realities

Berufjörður fjord on Iceland's east coast. Iceland's diving is concentrated in protected fjords like this one, where the dramatic geology produces both shelter and excellent visibility on calm days.

• Surface water temperatures: 35-50°F year-round, with summer at the warmer end

• Visibility: often excellent (60-100+ feet), particularly in calm conditions

• Topography: dramatic underwater landscapes including the Silfra fissure (freshwater, not relevant to spearfishing)

• Coastal diving: focused on fjords and protected coastal waters

• Open-ocean diving rare for recreational spearfishing - the Atlantic outside fjords is too rough most of the year

Faroe Islands: The Realities

Sumba village and the Beinisvord sea cliffs on Suðuroy, the southernmost Faroese island. The Faroes' Atlantic exposure produces both dramatic landscapes and challenging dive conditions.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) - the iconic North Atlantic species. Cod populations in Icelandic and Faroese waters support some of the most established cold-water fisheries in the world.

• Slightly warmer than Iceland on average due to North Atlantic Current

• More open-ocean diving accessible due to sheltered bays between islands

• Strong traditional fishing community - local knowledge is invaluable

• Smaller dive operator infrastructure than Iceland

• Truly remote diving available at outer islands

Target Species

• Atlantic cod: large, abundant in suitable habitats, the iconic North Atlantic target

• Atlantic halibut: huge but rare and increasingly protected. Most areas have catch restrictions

• Pollock (saithe): aggressive predator, fights hard, excellent eating

• Ling: deep-water groundfish, less common in spearfishing reach but possible

• Wolffish: protected in some areas, fascinating fish

• Coalfish: similar to pollock, fishery-relevant

• Various wrasse species in shallower water

Gear Requirements

• Wetsuit: 7mm two-piece minimum; many divers go with 7mm + 3mm core (10mm effective)

• Drysuit recommended for serious cold-water work - allows longer bottom times

• 5mm or 7mm gloves with sealed seams

• 5mm or 7mm hood, no exposed skin

• Heavy-duty fins designed for cold conditions

• Speargun: 100-130 cm depending on conditions, robust mechanics

• Thermos with hot liquids for surface intervals - hypothermia is a real risk

• Backup gear and exposure protection always present

Safety Considerations

• Hypothermia risk is real - dive durations significantly shorter than temperate water

• Surface intervals require warm shelter or vehicle for warming

• Dive within a few hundred meters of shore unless on boat with experienced operator

• Medical facilities limited in outer regions

• Weather changes fast - storms develop within hours

• Plan dives around the very narrow weather windows that allow safe operation

Regulations

Iceland

• Recreational fishing requires no license in saltwater for non-commercial use

• Specific protected species (some halibut, certain catch sizes)

• Marine protected zones in some areas

• Confirm specific rules with local operators before any take

Faroe Islands

• Similar to Iceland but distinct local rules

• Whale and dolphin sensitivity in some areas - avoid pilot whale migration zones

• Customary fishing rights respected

Operators and Logistics

• Iceland has a few diving operators that offer spearfishing programs - confirm before booking

• Faroe Islands has limited dedicated operators - relationships with local fishers may produce better access

• Some Iceland operators are scuba-focused and may not offer spearfishing

• Reykjavik is the diving hub for Iceland; Tórshavn for the Faroes

• Plan accommodations close to dive sites - travel time costs precious dive windows

Best Time to Go

• June-August: warmest water, longest daylight, calmest conditions

• Aurora borealis season (September-March) for divers who want the visual experience

• Avoid winter months for serious diving unless you have extensive cold-water experience

Cost Range

• Iceland: $4,000-7,000 per person for a 7-10 day trip including diving

• Faroe Islands: similar or slightly higher due to logistics

• Significantly more expensive than tropical destinations due to cost of living and remoteness

What This Trip Is Really About

Iceland and the Faroes are not for divers chasing fish counts. They are for divers who want a high-latitude experience - cold water, dramatic geography, unique species, and conditions that test gear and skill. The fish are real and the diving can be excellent, but the trip itself is the point. Done well, it ranks among the most memorable experiences in serious diving, even if the bag at the end of the week is smaller than what a tropical trip would produce.

Photo credits: Berufjörður fjord by Jakub Hałun, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0). Atlantic cod by Genet, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sumba and Beinisvord, Faroe Islands by Eileen Sandá, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).