Saltstraumen Maelstrom✓ data verified
Norway · Europe · Norwegian Sea
3.2
/ 5
★★★☆☆
Wall-and-reef diving with challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Level Advanced
Marine life
3.5
Visibility
3.0
Accessibility
3.2
Facilities
2.5
Pros
- Good visibility around 15 m
- 3 standout marine species
- Best conditions in Apr–Sep
Cons
- Strong currents — skilled divers only
Best for
Not for
Plan your trip
$$$$🛏️
Suggested stay
1–2 days
💸
Cost level
Relative cost $$$$ · ≈ $137/day
Very remote — few operators means higher cost and fewer choices.
🏨
Where to stay
Day-boat diving based at a dedicated dive resort or dive centre. A quiet, remote site — book lodging well in advance.
🧭
Real daily cost in Norway
Around $137/day per person · food $52 · hotel $118
Good to know
- Expect strong current — run drift dives with an experienced local guide.
- Conditions can be demanding; dive with an operator who knows the site.
- Built for experienced divers — an Advanced Open Water cert is a good idea.
- Prime season is Apr–Sep.
📷 No machine-readable author provided. Mprinke assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 2.5
Depth
5–35 m (16–115 ft)
Visibility
15 m (49 ft)
Water temp
4–14°C (39–57°F)
Current
Strong
Best season
Apr–Sep
Certification
Advanced
Dive shops
2
Why go
Saltstraumen Maelstrom sits in the Norwegian Sea off Norway, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 35 m with around 15 m visibility, strong currents and sea temperatures of 4–14°C. Marine highlights include kelp forest, wolf fish and cold water corals. Best season is Apr–Sep, typically reached by boat. Built for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Strong currents call for confident buoyancy.
Site type
DriftWall
Access
Boat
A highlight of the trip. I'll be back, and I'll bring my dive buddy.
Solid choice for experienced divers. With a range down to 35 m there's room to work without pushing boundaries.
Beautiful spot. Do respect the reef and keep your distance.