Diving Silfra: Exploring the Crystal Clear Rift Between Continents in Iceland
Dive between two continents in Iceland’s Silfra fissure, where glacial waters offer unmatched clarity. Explore the tectonic plates’ underwater rift for a rare, cold-water adventure in Þingvellir National Park.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in thermal layers under your dry suit
Wear long underwear and thick wool socks to stay warm during the cold water dive.
Arrive early to complete check-in and briefing
Plan to get to the meeting point 15 minutes before your dive time for equipment fitting and safety instructions.
Confirm dry suit certification ahead of time
You must have dry suit diving certification and recent logged dives to participate safely.
Bring a change of warm clothes
Post-dive warmth is key—pack dry, insulated clothing to change into after the dive.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Silfra Hall’s vaulted cave offers spectacular light and rock formations rarely seen elsewhere
- •The nearby Öxarárfoss waterfall is a quiet spot worth exploring before or after your dive
Wildlife
- •Arctic char swim quietly in the fissure’s waters
- •Birds like the white wagtail frequent Þingvellir’s shores
Conservation Note
Dive operators strictly limit group sizes and use dry suits to minimize ecological impact on this fragile aquatic environment.
Þingvellir hosted Iceland’s parliament from 930 AD and marks the tectonic boundary visible both above and below water.
Photographer's Notes
- • Above-water views from the Silfra parking area
- • Öxarárfoss waterfall
- • The continental rift visible from the diving access points
What to Bring
Dry suit with warm undersuitEssential
Keeps you insulated and dry despite near-freezing water temperatures.
Thermal base layersEssential
Worn under the dry suit to maintain body heat during the dive.
Thick wool socksEssential
Protect your feet from the cold inside the dry suit's boots.
Waterproof bag
Use to store and transport dry clothes and valuables on your self-drive arrival and departure.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a certified diver to dive Silfra?
Yes, participants must have at least PADI Open Water certification or equivalent, plus dry suit diving certification.
How cold is the water in Silfra?
Water temperature remains between 2 to 4°C (36-39°F) year-round due to glacial melt.
Can beginners dive Silfra?
No, divers should be experienced and comfortable with cold water and dry suit diving techniques.
What is the visibility like underwater?
Visibility averages over 100 meters, making Silfra one of the clearest dive sites in the world.
Is equipment provided?
All necessary dive gear, including dry suits and thermal undersuits, are provided by the operator.
How do I get to the dive site?
You must self-drive to Þingvellir National Park and park at lot P5, then meet guides at the designated location.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours total (including briefing and dive)
Location
Thingvellir, Þingvellir
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
High level of fitness required; comfort swimming in cold water is essential
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