Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, but the Silfra Fissure is one of the world’s most remarkable underwater environments. Adventurers from all over the world come to this special location to dive or snorkel in the pristine seas that separate two continents.
The Silfra Fissure: An Unparalleled Diving and Snorkeling Experience in Iceland
Location of the Silfra Fissure
Situated within Þingvellir National Park, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik, the Silfra Fissure lies within the rift valley formed by the gradual separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Formation of the Silfra Fissure
The Silfra Fissure is a water-filled crack in the earth, created by the continuous movement of tectonic plates. These plates drift apart by roughly two centimeters per year, generating fissures that become flooded with exceptionally clear glacial water.
This pristine water originates from Langjökull, a nearby glacier, and takes between 30 and 100 years to travel through underground lava rock filtration systems before reaching Silfra. This natural purification process results in exceptional visibility exceeding 100 meters, making it one of the clearest underwater environments in the world.
Water Temperature in Silfra
With a steady temperature of 2-4°C year-round, the Silfra Fissure offers a consistent diving and snorkeling experience regardless of the season. Due to these chilly waters, wearing a dry suit is mandatory at all times.
However, the stunning underwater scenery—featuring deep crevices, vibrant blue hues, and the surreal sensation of floating between two continents—quickly makes the cold an afterthought.
Silfra Diving and Snorkeling Tours
A variety of tour operators offer guided diving and snorkeling excursions, led by certified professionals. One highly recommended provider is Dive.is, which receives high praise from visitors.
Participant Requirements
To take part in a Silfra tour, participants must meet specific physical and safety requirements. They should be comfortable in the water, physically fit, and able to communicate in English. Certified divers must either hold a dry suit certification or have at least ten recorded dives using a dry suit. Additionally, all participants must sign a medical declaration and liability waiver, ideally completed online before arrival.
Tour Itinerary
With Dive.is, participants can choose between two meeting times at Silfra: 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM. If opting for pickup from Reykjavik, the excursion begins 1.5 hours earlier to accommodate travel time.
Upon arrival at the meeting point, divers and snorkelers are grouped separately to receive specific equipment and safety briefings tailored to their chosen activity.
Equipment and Preparation
Tour operators provide participants with thick thermal undergarments, dry suits, gloves, and hoods. Visitors are only required to bring their own thermal underwear and thick socks. Depending on the chosen activity, the appropriate diving or snorkeling gear is distributed alongside a comprehensive briefing on the Silfra Fissure.
Group Sizes
To ensure a safe and personalized experience, diving groups consist of a maximum of three divers per guide, while snorkeling groups have up to six people per guide. A national park ranger is also present to manage spacing between groups, preventing congestion and preserving the tranquility of the experience.
The Diving and Snorkeling Route
The journey begins from a designated platform in the water, where participants can take a moment to acclimate. Some even take a sip of the crisp, glacier-filtered water.
The underwater route progresses through several distinct sections:
-
The Big Crack: The narrowest part of the fissure, where divers can physically touch both continental plates at the same time—an iconic spot for photos.
-
Silfra Hall: A spacious passageway with stunning visibility.
-
Silfra Cathedral: A deeper section offering breathtaking underwater views.
-
Silfra Lagoon: The final destination, where participants can leisurely explore the serene underwater world before resurfacing.
Dives typically reach a depth of 18 meters, though many sections are shallower. In certain areas, divers may need to swim along the surface to navigate around submerged rock formations. Thanks to a gentle current, the experience is incredibly relaxed, requiring minimal effort to move through the water.
Post-Dive Experience
Since the Silfra Fissure is a one-way route, participants exit at a designated point and walk approximately 250 meters back to the parking area. To ease this process, the Dive.is team assists by carrying divers’ weight belts if needed.
After changing into warm clothes, participants are treated to hot chocolate and biscuits—a perfect way to reflect on the adventure and share experiences with fellow divers. Additionally, professional underwater photos taken during the dive can be purchased for around 20 euros.
Pricing
-
Diving: 33,490 ISK (approximately 230 euros)
-
Snorkeling: 17,490 ISK (approximately 120 euros)
-
Optional Reykjavik Pickup: An additional 60 euros
While not the cheapest dive experience, Iceland is known for its high costs, and the Silfra Fissure offers an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Final Thoughts on Silfra Diving and Snorkeling
The Silfra Fissure is a geological marvel and a dream destination for divers and snorkelers alike. With its unmatched water clarity, striking underwater landscapes, and the rare chance to float between two continents, this adventure is a must for anyone seeking an extraordinary experience beneath the surface of Iceland.
Leave a comment