Grindavík
A lava reef by Grindavík lighthouse, on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Next to Grindavík lighthouse there's a lava reef with waves both ways that works at high tide. You get there by walking across a rock field, ideally in shoes. The wave builds fast and breaks quickly: the rights are easier than the lefts.
The Grindavík area has had recent volcanic activity: always check official access warnings before going.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | S, SW, SE |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NE, NW |
| Tide | High |
| Size | 1–2.5 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Grindavík
The water is around 5 °C in winter and 11 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Hardly anyone in the water.
Surfing style
Lava reef waves.
Hazards
Sharp lava, freezing water and access restrictions due to volcanic activity.
Map
Other spots nearby
Reykjanes
A black-sand beach at the tip of Reykjanes, with powerful waves and strong currents.
Reykjanesbær (Reykjanes)
A hamlet on Reykjanes' west coast with powerful rights and nearby reefs.
Suðurnesjabær (Reykjanes)
An easy reef by Garður lighthouse, at the northern tip of Reykjanes.
Seltjarnarnes (Reykjavík)
Reykjavík's reef, by Grótta lighthouse, which only works in big swell.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.