Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates

Bláskógabyggð, Reykjavik



Silfra is Iceland's most popular dive site, where you can dive right between the American and the European continents. You will dive in some of the clearest water on this planet (visibility 100m+).

Scuba Dive the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

This guided scuba diving tour at Silfra in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, suits certified divers wanting to explore clear waters between two continents.

Highlights

  • Swim in some of the clearest water on Earth with over 100 meters visibility
  • Dive in the only place where two tectonic plates meet above sea level
  • Observe deep earth cracks with visibility exceeding 100 meters
  • Dive year-round in 2°C water wearing a dry suit
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park

Description

Begin your scuba diving experience at the Silfra fissure inside Thingvellir National Park, part of Iceland's Golden Circle route. The site allows you to dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in exceptionally clear glacial water.

Start with hotel pickup in Reykjavik or meet your guide at Silfra. Group sizes are limited to six divers per guide. After a one-hour briefing and dry suit fitting, enter Silfra’s four sections for about 45 minutes underwater.

Float through Big Crack, Silfra's narrowest section, where the continental plates are within an arm’s length. Then swim into Silfra Hall to see vivid underwater colors and, from the right angle, visibility extends to Lake Thingvallavatn over 150 meters away.

Next, dive to Silfra Cathedral where depths reach 23 meters, followed by exploration of Silfra Lagoon with endless visibility. After the dive, walk approximately 250 meters back to the platform.

Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies while reviewing photos from your adventure and talking to your guide. If you chose hotel pickup, a shuttle will return you to Reykjavik when ready.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (optional)
  • Live guide and PADI instructor
  • Silfra entry fee
  • Full scuba diving equipment
  • Drysuit and thermal undersuit
  • Heated changing van
  • Hot chocolate and cookies after the dive

Excludes

  • Tips

Important Information

  • Participants must hold a PADI Open Water certification or equivalent
  • Minimum age is 17; those under 18 require a legal guardian’s signature

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Book in advance as spots fill quickly. Dress warmly under the dry suit and bring swimwear and a towel. The water temperature remains 2°C year-round, so prepare accordingly. Morning tours often have the clearest water conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Silfra is a fissure located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park near Reykjavik.
No, Silfra diving tours require certified scuba divers due to cold water and challenging conditions.
The water temperature at Silfra stays around 2°C year-round.
Silfra offers diving between two tectonic plates with visibility exceeding 100 meters in crystal-clear glacial water.
Silfra dive tours start near Reykjavik and take place in Thingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes away.
Yes, divers wear dry suits to stay warm in Silfra’s consistently cold water.
Diving at Silfra is possible year-round; check the operator's website for current availability.
Diving at Silfra primarily features geological formations; wildlife sightings are limited but may include some small fish.
Most tours provide all necessary diving gear including dry suits and tanks, but confirm with your tour provider.
A typical Silfra diving tour including transport and preparation lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again