Silfra

Silfra, Iceland: Diving Between Continents

Silfra is one of the world's most extraordinary dive sites, offering the unique opportunity to dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Located within Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this glacial spring-fed fissure is renowned for having some of the clearest water on Earth.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

The maximum depth at Silfra is approximately 63 meters (207 feet), though most recreational dives stay within 18-25 meters (60-82 feet). The visibility is legendary—often exceeding 100 meters (330 feet), making it one of the clearest bodies of water on the planet. Water temperature remains a constant 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, as the water originates from Langjökull glacier and filters through porous lava rock for 30-100 years before emerging at Silfra.

Difficulty Level

Silfra requires dry suit certification due to the cold temperatures. Most operators require proof of dry suit experience with at least 10 logged dry suit dives, or Advanced Open Water certification with recent dry suit experience. The dive itself is relatively straightforward with minimal current, making it suitable for intermediate divers with proper cold-water training.

Marine Life

Silfra is not a destination for marine life enthusiasts—the water is too cold and pure to support significant aquatic life. However, this absence is part of its appeal. The crystal-clear water reveals stunning geological formations, vibrant green and yellow algae known as "troll hair," and the incredible blue-green hues of the fissure walls. The experience is more about the surreal, otherworldly environment than wildlife encounters.

Best Time to Visit

Silfra can be dived year-round, as water temperature and visibility remain constant. Summer months (June-August) offer longer daylight hours and more comfortable surface temperatures, making pre and post-dive more pleasant. Winter diving provides a magical experience with snow-covered landscapes, though shorter days require good planning. Many divers prefer the shoulder seasons of May or September for a balance of conditions.

What Makes It Special

The ability to touch two continental plates simultaneously is an experience found nowhere else on Earth. The exceptional visibility creates an almost zero-gravity sensation, with divers seemingly floating in space. The Silfra Cathedral section opens into a vast underwater hall, while Silfra Hall offers shallow waters perfect for free diving. The journey through Big Crack to Silfra Lagoon provides ever-changing scenery and colors.

Practical Tips

• Dry Suit Required: All operators require dry suit certification or dry suit experience—no exceptions due to the extreme cold.
• Book in Advance: Silfra is extremely popular and daily permits are limited. Book weeks or months ahead, especially for summer visits.
• Layer Up: Wear proper thermal undergarments. Most operators recommend wool or fleece base layers.
• No Currents: The dive follows a gentle current through the fissure, making navigation effortless.
• Camera Ready: The visibility is perfect for underwater photography—wide-angle lenses capture the scale beautifully.
• Snorkeling Option: If you're not a certified diver, Silfra snorkeling offers the same incredible visibility and views.