Reykjavík: Silfra Fissure Diving with Optional Pickup

Thinking about exploring one of Iceland’s most extraordinary geological sites? You’ve come across a tour that offers a chance to snorkel or dive in Silfra Fissure, a spot renowned worldwide for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic setting. This experience, guided by Arctic Adventures, promises both adventure and a glimpse into a natural marvel that’s truly unlike anything else.

What draws many to this tour are the exceptional water clarity—over 150 meters of visibility—and the thrill of floating between two tectonic plates. We also like that it’s a small-group experience, which generally means more personalized attention and a safer, more relaxed atmosphere. On the flip side, it requires participants to have a valid dry suit diving certification, which might limit participation for some travelers. This seems best suited for certified divers looking for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Key Points

• Unique geological setting: Dive between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Spectacular visibility: Over 150 meters of crystal-clear water, making it almost like swimming in a fantasy.
• Guided by professionals: A PADI-certified Dive Master ensures safety and expert guidance.
• All equipment included: From dry suits to tanks, everything’s provided for a hassle-free adventure.
• Limited group size: Small groups mean more personalized attention.
• Pre-requisites: Certified dry suit divers only; medical and certification requirements apply.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Silfra Fissure Tour?

This tour takes you into a truly one-of-a-kind world—a crystal-clear water corridor carved by the shifting of continental plates. Located within Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Silfra is the only place on Earth where you can snorkel or dive directly between two tectonic plates. The experience is both visually stunning and geologically fascinating.

We loved the way the tour balances adventure and education—your guide will explain the significance of the geological features while you float through this surreal environment. The water’s clarity makes it feel like you’re gliding through a suspended glass tunnel, and many reviews mention how incredible it is to see such pristine conditions, often compared to swimming in a fantasy land.

How the Tour Is Structured

The tour lasts between 4 to 6 hours, including equipment setup, safety briefings, and the actual time in the water. You’ll meet at the designated parking area (or be picked up, if you opt for the shuttle), then gear up with all necessary equipment, such as dry suits, masks, fins, and gloves. Your guide, a PADI-certified professional, will lead the small group of no more than three participants, ensuring personalized attention.

Most you will find this relatively relaxed, especially those with experience in dry suit diving. If you’re new to diving but certified in dry suits, you should still be comfortable. For those without certification, this tour isn’t suitable—so be sure to check your credentials before booking.

What to Expect in the Water

Once in Silfra, you’ll float in the glacial water that’s been filtered for decades, creating the startlingly clear visibility. The sensation is almost surreal—you might feel like you’re drifting in a space between worlds. The experience is largely about the remarkable environment and peacefulness, rather than adrenaline.

Many reviews rave about the calmness of the water, with one saying, “I’ve never swam in cleaner water,” and the blue hues make it look like a fantasy land. Guides will help you navigate the fissure and ensure you’re comfortable throughout. The water temperature remains cold, so dry suits are necessary to stay warm and dry.

Equipment and Safety

All gear—including dry suits, tanks, masks, fins, gloves, and hoods—is supplied, so there’s no need to worry about bringing your own. The dry suits are a key part of the experience, allowing you to stay warm despite the cold water.

Guests are required to review the Diving Handbook before the tour and present a valid dry suit certification card or logbook showing at least 10 previous dry suit dives. This ensures everyone’s safety and that participants are prepared for the conditions.

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Meeting Point and Logistics

You can choose to meet at the parking lot (Thingvellir Parking P5) or opt for an optional pickup from Reykjavík. The meeting involves walking about 400 meters to the diving vans where your guide will be waiting. It’s worth arriving 15 minutes early to get ready and clarify any last-minute questions.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, making it straightforward to plan the rest of your day. If you need a break or want to explore further, the vicinity offers additional sights and hikes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for certified dry suit divers looking for a safe, guided adventure in a truly unique environment. It’s not suited for children, non-swimmers, or people with certain medical conditions, given the physical and certification requirements. The small group size enhances safety and comfort, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience.

People who love geological wonders, clear water, and a peaceful, almost magical environment will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s also a good pick for those wanting a memorable story to tell, as floating between two continents is seldom an everyday activity.

What Are the Downsides?

The main consideration is the requirement for certification—if you haven’t completed at least 10 dry suit dives or don’t have a dry suit certification card, you’ll need to find a different activity. Some might find the water cold even with dry suits, though the suits are designed to keep you warm.

Cost-wise, $278 per person is a fair price considering the gear, guides, and the experience itself, but it’s definitely a premium activity. For travelers on a tighter budget, this might feel a bit steep, especially if you’re not diving regularly.

Authentic Guest Feedback

From reviews, it’s clear many find this tour to be absolutely worth it. One guest said, “This was the coolest tourist type thing I have done. Christian was an amazing guide! Everything was just perfect.” Another highlighted how clean the water is, mentioning, “I’ve never swam in cleaner water,” which underscores just how pristine the environment is.

A common thread is appreciation for the guides—“very helpful and trustworthy”—and for the stunning visuals. Several reviewers emphasized how peaceful and almost unreal the experience felt, making it clear why this is among Iceland’s top-rated activities.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the Reykjavík: Silfra Fissure Diving with Optional Pickup offers a rare blend of geological marvel and underwater adventure. It’s best suited for certified divers seeking a memorable, safe, and guided exploration of one of Iceland’s most iconic natural features.

If you love clear waters, unique landscapes, and geological wonders, you’ll find this tour a highlight of any Iceland trip. The small-group format and expert guidance add peace of mind, and the stunning views will stay with you long after you leave.

However, keep in mind the certification requirement and the cold water—these are key to enjoying the full experience. For those who meet the criteria, this is an adventure you’ll likely never forget.

FAQ

Do I need special certification for this tour?
Yes. You must have a valid dry suit diving certification or a logbook showing at least 10 previous dry suit dives, as the tour is designed for certified divers.

Can I join if I’m not a certified diver?
No, this tour is only suitable for certified dry suit divers due to safety requirements.

What should I bring with me?
Bring warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, socks, your diving certification, a medical statement, and your dive log.

Is the water really that clear?
Absolutely. Many guests comment on the visibility exceeding 150 meters, making it look like they’re swimming through a transparent tunnel.

How cold is the water?
The water temperature is cold enough that dry suits are required. The suits help keep you warm and comfortable during the experience.

Can I opt for pickup in Reykjavík?
Yes, pickup from authorized downtown Reykjavik locations is optional, but you can also meet at the parking lot near Thingvellir.

How long does the tour last?
It runs between 4 and 6 hours, including gear setup, safety briefing, water time, and return.

Is this experience suitable for children or non-swimmers?
No. The tour is designed for certified divers, and participants should be comfortable in water. It’s not suitable for children or non-swimmers.

What is the group size?
Limited to 3 participants for a more personalized experience, ensuring safety and individual attention.

Is this a good value for the price?
Considering all gear, expert guides, and access to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many find the $278 price point fair, especially given the once-in-a-lifetime nature of the experience.

If you’re ready for a spectacular underwater adventure in one of Iceland’s most iconic spots, this tour is a fantastic choice—just make sure your certification is in order.

You can check availability for your dates here: