Dive the Divide: Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour | Meet at Thingvellir

Exploring the Underwater Beauty of Silfra: A Review of the Scuba Tour from Thingvellir

If you’re considering a trip to Iceland and eager to tick off a bucket list item, the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour might catch your eye. This experience is designed for certified divers ready to explore one of the most extraordinary underwater sites on the planet. While we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers and reviews to give you a clear picture of what this adventure entails.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the unmatched water clarity and the chance to swim between two tectonic plates—a visual and geological marvel. Plus, the small-group setup promises a more personalized experience, which can make a big difference in such a challenging environment. But, keep in mind that this isn’t for everyone; it demands a certain level of physical fitness, dry suit experience, and comfort with heavy gear.

This tour is best suited for PADI-certified divers with drysuit experience who are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines nature, geology, and a dash of adrenaline. If you’re comfortable in the water, prepared for the cold, and eager for something truly unique, you’ll likely find this tour well worth it.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Highly scenic underwater environment with incredible water clarity beyond 328 feet (100 meters)
• Limited to experienced divers with drysuit certification or recent drysuit dives
• Small-group experience with up to three divers ensures personalized attention
• Includes all necessary diving gear and a post-dive treat of hot chocolate and cookies
• Parking fee at your own expense and meet-up at the Silfra parking lot within Thingvellir National Park
• Water temperature and winter conditions may mean a single, longer dive in colder months

What Is the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour?

This tour offers an opportunity to explore the underwater world of Silfra—a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates located in Iceland’s famous Thingvellir National Park. It’s a rare chance to swim in water that’s so clear, visibility extends well beyond 328 feet (100 meters). That level of clarity means you’ll be able to see the intricate lava formations and the vibrant blue hues of the water as if they’re right in front of you.

The tour lasts roughly 4 hours, including preparation, the actual dive(s), and some relaxing moments afterward with hot chocolate and cookies. It’s geared mainly toward certified divers, with the expectation that you’re familiar with dry suit diving. Since the environment is demanding—heavy equipment, cold water, and confined spaces—you need to be in good shape and experienced.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The journey begins at the Silfra parking lot in Thingvellir Park, where you’ll meet your guide. Before getting into the water, there’s a detailed briefing covering park regulations, safety procedures, hand signals, and gear familiarization. This is essential because diving in Silfra isn’t like your average reef or quarry experience. It’s a challenging environment, and safety comes first.

You’ll receive all gear needed—dry suits, masks, fins, tanks, regulators, and thermal undersuits. Expect those to be heavy, especially when walking from the car to the water’s edge. Reviewers praise the organization here; many say the guides are attentive, helpful, and make the gear process smooth. One reviewer mentioned, “the organization, supervision, and diving were top-notch,” emphasizing the professionalism of the team.

Once suited up, you’ll walk to the water’s edge, descend a ladder onto a submerged platform, and stand waist-deep to acclimate. You might find the water’s temperature a bit shocking—it’s cold, but the dry suit keeps you warm enough for the allotted dive time. If you’re in Iceland during summer, you have the option of doing two 30-minute dives; in winter, the water can be below freezing, so your guide might opt for just one longer dive of about 45 minutes.

During the dive, you’ll follow your guide through Silfra Hall, Cathedral, and Lagoon—each with its own hypnotic beauty. The Silfra Deep Crack is the highlight, where the two continental plates are just meters apart, creating a narrow, breathtaking passage. Swimmers often comment on the electric blue of the water and the amazing visibility—many say it’s a “experience that can’t be had anywhere else.”

One reviewer described swimming through the crack as “unrushed and safe,” highlighting the importance of a patient, experienced guide. Another called it “a trip that made her trip,” emphasizing the emotional impact of witnessing such geological wonders.

After the underwater exploration, you’ll surface, remove your fins, and de-gear. The walk back to the parking lot is straightforward, giving you time to reflect on the experience. Then, it’s time to change out of the dry suit, relax with hot chocolate, and share stories about your underwater adventure.

Diving Conditions and Safety Considerations

Diving in Silfra is physically demanding—you’ll be carrying about 400 meters of gear, and the environment is cold and sometimes challenging. This means good physical fitness is a must, and you should be confident with dry suit diving. The requirement for dry suit certification (or recent dry suit dives logged) is strict, but necessary, given the conditions.

The water temperature in summer can be more forgiving, but in winter, temperatures often dip below freezing. That’s why the dry suits are essential—they keep you warm, but you need to be comfortable donning and using them properly.

Most reviewers agree that the guides are well-trained and attentive. They help with gear, safety checks, and navigating the underwater environment. “Theresa and team were amazing,” one reviewer mentioned, “attentive and reassuring for nervous divers.” The safety briefing and gear check are thorough, and guides are there to support even nervous swimmers.

However, it’s not a tour for people who dislike cold or heavy equipment, nor for those who aren’t comfortable in an open water environment. If you’re a novice diver, this isn’t the experience for you. It’s tailored to those with a certified dry suit background.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll get all the specialized diving equipment needed—dry suits, masks, fins, tanks, regulators, and weights. The small-group setup (up to three people) means more personalized attention and a better chance to ask questions and get comfortable.

Post-dive snacks—hot chocolate and cookies—are included, which many find a lovely way to warm up and unwind after the chilly experience. However, transportation from Reykjavik is not included, and you’ll need to pay parking fees at your own expense (around 500 ISK). The meeting point is straightforward, and guides send detailed instructions to ensure smooth arrival.

The tour costs approximately $279 USD per person, which is quite reasonable considering the uniqueness of the experience and the included equipment and guides. For water lovers and adventure seekers, this offers good value.

What Reviewers Say

Reviews highlight the professionalism and kindness of the guides, with many praising the knowledge, enthusiasm, and safety-first approach. Francesca, Gabriela, Yannis, and Weronika are among the guides frequently mentioned for their helpfulness and warmth.

Many travelers call this a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and a highlight of their Iceland trip. A common theme is the water clarity and overall stunning environment, often described as “hard to put into words.”

Some reviews mention the cold—understandably, as it’s part of the package—so being prepared with warm undergarments and dry suits is crucial. A few critics pointed out organizational hiccups, like late arrivals or miscommunications, but overall, the experience seems to be well-managed and worthwhile.

The Ideal Candidate for This Tour

This experience is best suited for certified dry suit divers who are comfortable in open water and physically fit. If you’re seeking a uniquely scenic, geology-focused adventure, and don’t mind the cold and the weight of heavy gear, this is a bucket list-worthy journey.

It’s not ideal for those who dislike cold water, have limited diving experience, or prefer relaxed, less demanding excursions. Plus, if you’re traveling in winter, be prepared for the possibility of just one long dive rather than two shorter ones due to safety considerations.

Final Thoughts

The Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour offers a rare glimpse into a geological wonder that few will ever experience. The water’s incredible clarity, the thrill of swimming between two continents, and the professional guidance make this a standout activity in Iceland.

While it’s a physically demanding experience that requires prior dry suit certification, many reviewers find it totally worth the effort. The small-group setting ensures that you’re well-supported, and the post-dive treats add a nice touch of comfort after the cold.

If you’re a seasoned diver craving something extraordinary, this tour can be a highlight of your Iceland trip. It’s a fantastic mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and educational value—perfect for those who want a memorable story to tell.

FAQs

Do I need to have previous dry suit diving experience?
Yes, you must have dry suit certification or recent dry suit dives logged. This is essential for your safety and comfort during the tour.

Can I book if I’m not a certified diver?
No, this tour is limited to PADI-certified divers with drysuit experience. Snorkeling or non-diving options are available elsewhere.

What should I wear underneath the dry suit?
Warm undergarments like fleece or wool are recommended, along with warm socks. Bring a change of clothes for after the dive as dry suits aren’t 100% guaranteed to stay dry.

Is the water really that clear?
Absolutely. Many describe the water’s visibility as extending beyond 328 feet (100 meters), making it an incredible visual experience.

How long is the actual dive?
In summer, you can opt for two 30-minute dives. In winter, the dive might be about 45 minutes due to water temperature and safety considerations.

What is included in the price?
All specialized dive equipment, a guided tour in Silfra, and post-dive snacks (hot chocolate and cookies).

How physically demanding is this experience?
It’s quite demanding because you carry heavy gear and navigate a challenging environment. Good physical fitness and comfort with an open water environment are necessary.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years old.

What about transportation and parking?
Transportation from Reykjavik isn’t included. You meet at the Silfra parking lot, and parking fees are at your own expense.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This snorkeling adventure in Silfra is not just about seeing gorgeous water—it’s about standing between two continents, feeling a part of Earth’s geological history. It’s perfect for experienced divers who want to push their boundaries and see something truly unique. Just make sure you’re prepared, understand the physical demands, and that your dry suit experience is current. Happy diving!