Diving in Silfra

Silfra fissure, Iceland

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Cheryl Neoh

Dives of between 30 and 45 minutes. Incredibly clear water for snorkeling and diving. Stunning underwater landscape. Touch both the American and Eurasian continents at once.

Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The Silfra fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. As it is located in a national park, you will need to join a dive tour operator.

Diving will be done in a dry suit as the water is very cold, ranging 35.6 F to 39 F year round. There are bathroom facilities you can use before donning the dry suit. If you get thirsty during your dive, you can simply drink the water while diving - it's that pristine!

The furthest you will dive in Silfra is 18 m (59 ft) deep, but you don't even need to venture that far for beautiful views. Visibility in Silfra is unparalleled, as the glacial water has been filtered through lava rock for decades. Essentially, you're diving through one giant Brita filter! As a result, underwater visibility is over 100 m (328 ft).

While fish are an uncommon sight in the Silfra fissure, the colorful algae and dark lava rock still make for a vibrant, highly photogenic environment. Though the initial dip may be a bit of a shock, the cold sensation will quickly be forgotten as you become mesmerized by the colors and fascinating geology.

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Diving
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Scenic

Diving in Silfra Reviews

As mentioned in the title it is an amazing experience especially considering where you are diving. It is though pretty pricey...

This is one of the coolest experiences (no pun intended) I came across in visiting Iceland. Everyone I've talked to absolutely loved it. You can't go wrong with either snorkeling or diving!

So, my boyfriend and I didn't dive, we just snorkeled but it was absolutely amazing (and cheaper). The water is crystal clear, freezing and beautiful. Be sure to bring a GoPro or waterproof housing for your camera because you're going to want to capture the clarity of the water. It was easily one of the best things we did while in Iceland (we went at the end of September).

Just like the title: extremely cold but worth it!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike through Þingvellir National Park

Hike Iceland's Tallest Waterfall: Glymur

Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Visit Kerið Crater Lake

Hike Mount Esja, Iceland

Explore the Lava Tunnel, Raufarhólshellir