Gulen, Norway Diving Holiday

Diving the Fjords of Norway

Gulen, Norway, is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts, located on the western coast near the entrance to the Sognefjord. This pristine area offers a stunning array of underwater experiences, from dramatic drop-offs and vibrant kelp forests to fascinating marine life such as wolf fish, nudibranchs, and octopuses. Gulen is particularly famous for its World War II wrecks, preserved in cold, clear waters, making it a premier destination for wreck divers. The incredible visibility and rich biodiversity make diving in Gulen an unforgettable adventure for divers of all levels.

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Price

The typical price based on shared self-catering accommodation, return transfers from Bergen, 6 days shore diving with tank and weights £1,150pp.

Extras: Flights (approx £300), special trips such as boat dives to wrecks, food and drink and equipment hire.

This price is dependent on time of year and availability.

Norway is one of the worlds greatest cold water diving locations, and Bergen is home to some of the finest Fjord diving around! When not diving you can also take in the stunning scenery this location has to offer, and in the evening there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights.

Very close and convenient
Lots of different areas to explore, each quite unique
Easy and safe diving for all levels of diver
Easy entry/exit points
Range of dive sites from 0-40m
Great location for learning about photography
70+ species of nudbranchs, making it possibly the nudibranch capital of the world
Hope to a variety of other species including wolf fish and octopus

Apres diving includes a hot tub and warm waffles! As well as unlimited house reef diving there is the option to explore some of the nearby wrecks by boat. There is an additional cost for this!

Intinerary

Most of the planned diving will take place on the house reef as there is so much to explore, but here you can find details of the all of the dive sites around Bergen:

Diving in Bergen, Norway: Explore the Hidden Depths of the Fjords

Bergen, nestled between mountains and fjords on Norway’s western coast, is an excellent base for divers eager to explore the underwater world. Known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and deep cultural roots, Bergen also offers a variety of incredible dive sites for those seeking adventure below the surface. The region’s unique mix of cold, clear waters and abundant marine life, along with historical shipwrecks and fascinating underwater topography, make it a premier diving destination. Here are some of the best dive sites around Bergen and what you can expect to see.

Bergen House Reef

The Bergen Dive Resort is renowned not only for its excellent access to the diverse dive sites around Bergen but also for its exceptional house reef. Just steps from the resort, this house reef provides an accessible yet thrilling diving experience for divers of all skill levels. The reef offers a unique combination of underwater topography, vibrant marine life, and excellent visibility, making it an ideal location for both training dives and exploratory dives.

The house reef features a gradual slope that leads into deeper waters, offering something for every diver. Shallow areas are covered in rich kelp forests, home to smaller marine species like crabs, shrimp, and a variety of fish. As you descend deeper, you can explore rocky outcroppings and crevices where larger species such as cod, pollock, and the occasional wolf fish reside. The area’s cold, nutrient-rich waters ensure a thriving ecosystem, and you might even spot octopuses and colorful nudibranchs darting between the rocks.

One of the best aspects of diving on the Bergen Dive Resort house reef is the consistency of its conditions. With the sheltered nature of the bay, the waters here are often calm and clear, offering reliable visibility, even in colder months. This makes the house reef perfect for night dives, where bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal creatures like lobsters and eels add an extra layer of excitement. For divers staying at the resort, the house reef provides an excellent opportunity for multiple dives, offering a new experience with each visit as the tides and lighting conditions change.

1. Kvarven (WWII Wrecks and Historical Artifacts)

Kvarven is one of the most popular dive sites near Bergen, known for its historic significance. During World War II, German forces used this site as a defense point, and remnants from that period are still visible underwater. Divers can explore artillery placements and debris from wartime fortifications.

Additionally, Kvarven offers fantastic opportunities for wreck diving. In relatively shallow waters, you’ll find a sunken German patrol boat, which makes for an exciting dive. This wreck is home to various marine species, from large crabs and lobsters to schools of pollock. The combination of history and marine life makes Kvarven a must-visit dive site.

2. The Old Prison Wreck (Fjords & Marine Life)

Located near the fjords, the Old Prison Wreck is a fascinating dive site. The shipwreck here sits at a depth of around 30 meters (100 feet) and is believed to have been a former prison transport ship, adding an eerie, historical dimension to your dive. The cold, clear water helps preserve the wreck, and divers can explore its remains while observing how marine life has taken over.

The surrounding area is teeming with life, with colorful nudibranchs, starfish, and schools of cod and herring swimming through the kelp forests. The wreck’s structure has become an artificial reef, attracting an even greater variety of fish and invertebrates.

3. Bjorøy (Deep Caves and Fjord Diving)

For more experienced divers, Bjorøy offers an unforgettable challenge. This dive site features a series of deep underwater caves and walls that plunge into the fjord’s depths. Bjorøy is ideal for technical divers who want to explore caves and steep drop-offs.

The sheer rock walls of the fjord are adorned with cold-water corals, sponges, and anemones. You’ll often encounter larger fish, such as halibut, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a wolf fish hiding in the crevices. The fjord waters also provide excellent visibility, sometimes reaching 20-30 meters (65-100 feet), making it easier to appreciate the dramatic underwater landscape.

4. Herdla (Wreck and Natural Reserve)

Herdla, located just outside Bergen, is a favorite among wreck diving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This area is known for its abundance of World War II wrecks, most notably the JU 88, a German bomber that crashed into the sea. The wreck lies at a depth of about 30 meters (100 feet) and is incredibly well-preserved.

In addition to the wreck diving, Herdla is a natural reserve and offers a unique combination of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Herdla’s waters are home to schools of fish, lobsters, and crabs, while birdwatchers will appreciate the nearby bird sanctuary. The balance between wreck exploration and thriving marine ecosystems makes Herdla a fascinating dive site.

5. Gullmarsfjorden (Marine Life & Macro Diving)

For those who enjoy observing small and unique marine creatures, Gullmarsfjorden is a great choice. Known for its impressive biodiversity, this fjord is a paradise for macro photographers. Divers can find all kinds of small critters, including colorful nudibranchs, sea slugs, and different species of shrimp and crabs.

While diving in the fjord, you may also encounter cuttlefish, squid, and octopuses. Gullmarsfjorden’s calm waters and vibrant underwater life make it a rewarding site for divers of all skill levels.

Why Bergen is a Diver’s Dream

Bergen’s surrounding waters are not just about dramatic landscapes and deep fjords. The region’s cold, nutrient-rich waters attract a diverse array of marine species that make every dive an exploration of unique ecosystems. The wrecks scattered throughout the area offer a glimpse into Norway’s WWII history, adding a fascinating layer to the underwater experience.

The visibility in the region, particularly in the colder months, is often excellent, giving divers a clear view of the intricate underwater landscapes. Whether you are interested in wrecks, vibrant marine life, or deep-water challenges, Bergen has a dive site that suits your interest and skill level.

Best Time to Dive in Bergen

The best diving conditions in Bergen are generally from late spring to early autumn, though winter diving offers excellent visibility for those brave enough to face the colder temperatures. Winter also provides the opportunity to see some unique species, and the light conditions during this time create an otherworldly diving experience.

Conclusion

Bergen is more than just a gateway to Norway’s famous fjords; it’s also a diving paradise. The combination of WWII wrecks, pristine marine life, and the stunning underwater topography of the fjords make it a top diving destination. Whether you’re an experienced technical diver or a beginner looking to explore the underwater world, Bergen has something for everyone. Dive into the history, marine diversity, and breathtaking underwater vistas that this part of Norway has to offer—you won’t be disappointed.