SILFRA ICELAND TOURS

Have you ever been diving between two continents? Do you want to go inside one of the most crystal clear waters of the world? Join one of the diving or snorkeling tours in Iceland and you will discover one of the best dive sites in the world. The Silfra Iceland tours take place in Silfra canyon, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates divided, a truly special place located in Thingvellir, a national park that is a UNESCO heritage and is part of the Golden Circle of Iceland.

What is Silfra and where is it?

Silfra is a fissure formed by the divergent tectonic drift of the Eurasian and North American plates. The rift was formed in 1789 and it is located in the Thingvellir National Park, around 1 hour by car from Reykjavík in the area known as the Golden Circle of Iceland. Silfra is spring fed by groundwater which began as meltwater from Langjökull, Iceland's second largest glacier, about fifty kilometres north of the Þingvallavatn Lake. The emerging, highly filtered groundwater is exceptionally clear, extremely pure and drinkable. With over 100m visibility underwater, it is one of the best places in the world to go diving and snorkelling. Due to the fact that is between the tectonic plates, the fissure is widening and it is constantly changing creating new caverns or tunnels.        

What is Thingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle?

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004 due to its historical and geological importance, the Thingvellir National Park is one of the main natural sites in Iceland. Here the first Icelandic Althing parliament was founded in the year 930 and here you can clearly see the division between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Together with Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, the Thingvellir National Park is part of the Golden Circle of Iceland, a circular tour that starts in Reykjavík and includes these fascinating natural landmarks that you can see in one day starting from the capital of Iceland. Some of the scenes from the popular tv serie Game of Thrones were filmed at Thingvellir National Park.

What kind of activities can I do in Silfra?

Diving and snorkeling in Silfra are a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Iceland but the area offers a lot of possibilities for those who want to make the most of the day. Apart from the diving in Silfra, you can see all the natural monuments of the Golden Circle in one day, like the impressive Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area and, of course, Thingvellir National Park, where the Silfra is located and where you can walk several hiking trails. Therefore, if some people from your group are into diving and others not, some can easily join the tour while others are discovering this beautiful national park on foot.  As it is only 1 hour by car from Reykjavík, you can also combine the diving with other activities at the capital or you can keep going through the Golden Circle and relax having a bath in a geothermal pool like Fontana or the Secret Lagoon.

What are the requirements to join one of the Silfra tours in Iceland?

If you want to do the diving Silfra tour, you need to have diving experience in a dry suit (dry suit certificate or a minimum of 10 drysuit dives recorded during the last 2 years). If you don't have it, you can always join the Snorkeling tour or do the whole 2 days diving course to be able to dive at Silfra. For the snorkeling tour it is only necessary to be physically fit, feel comfortable in the water and be able to swim. You should be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit and be able to communicate in English. All the requirements regarding age, weight and height, you can find them in the details of every tour by clicking above.  

From where do the Silfra Iceland tours depart? 
The are two types of Silfra Iceland tours, the ones which depart from Reykjavík, ideal for those who are staying at the capital of Iceland, and those which brgin directly at Silfra. For these ones you will need to rent a car and drive around 1 hour to the Thingvellir National Park. The meeting point is at the car park of Silfra ("Thingvellir Parking P5" on Google Maps). Then you just have to walk back around 400 metres and find your guide where all the dive and snorkel vans are located.

What is included in a Silfra tour in Iceland and what should I bring?  
All the necessary diving or snorkeling equipment is included in the tour, as well as of course an expert English speaking diver guide. Check out each tour to see what is also included and what is offered as an extra, like the photos from the tour or other souvenirs. You must bring long underwear, thick socks, clothing suitable for the weather of the day and contact lenses if you wear glasses. No matter which season it is, in Iceland you should always were trekking clothing such as waterproof pants, good trekking shoes, gloves, light hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water.  

Are the Silfra Iceland tours guided? 
Of course, all the tours are guided by an expert English speaking diver guide. The groups are small in order to have a safe and great experience, so you should book your place in advance as they sell out quickly.

When should I go on a diving or snorkeling tour in Iceland?
Good news, the diving and snorkeling tours in Silfra run all year round! At any time you come to Iceland, you will have the chance to join this amazing experience and dive between two continents!

 

Silfra is a freshwater fissure located in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. It is considered to be one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world due to its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater visibility.

There are many tour operators that offer Silfra tours, which typically include a guided snorkeling or diving experience in the fissure. The tours usually begin with a brief lesson on snorkeling or diving techniques and safety procedures, followed by a short hike to the fissure.

During the tour, visitors can swim or dive through the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the underwater rock formations, which are illuminated by sunlight filtering through the water. The fissure is also home to a variety of underwater plant and animal species, including bright green algae and schools of colorful fish.

Silfra tours are popular among both experienced divers and beginners, as the water is relatively calm and shallow. However, it's important to note that the water temperature in Silfra is very cold, ranging from 2-4 degrees Celsius year-round, so visitors are provided with specialized dry suits to keep them warm during the experience.

Overall, a Silfra tour is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors a chance to explore one of Iceland's most beautiful and unusual natural wonders.

 

Pictures from the Silfra tours in Iceland: