Grótta
Reykjavík's reef, by Grótta lighthouse, which only works in big swell.
Grótta is a reef at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, a few minutes from central Reykjavík. It only breaks with big westerly swells, from about 2.5 m, and then gives waves both ways after a 200–300 m paddle.
The lighthouse area is a bird reserve from May to late June: get in from the beach without crossing the protected area.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 2.5–5 m |
| Best season | Winter, during storms |
| 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 or step-up; a gun on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Grótta
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 AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
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
Reef waves in big swell.
Hazards
Rocks, a long paddle and freezing water.
Map
Other spots nearby
Suðurnesjabær (Reykjanes)
An easy reef by Garður lighthouse, at the northern tip of Reykjanes.
Reykjanesbær (Reykjanes)
A hamlet on Reykjanes' west coast with powerful rights and nearby reefs.
Reykjanes
A lava reef by Grindavík lighthouse, on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Ölfus (Suðurland)
Iceland's most famous wave: a powerful right by the harbour breakwater.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.