Dive the Divide: Silfra Fissure Dry‑Suit Scuba from Thingvellir National Park
Slip into near‑freezing, glacier‑filtered water and drift between two continents on a guided dry‑suit dive through Silfra. This small‑group, four‑hour tour out of Thingvellir rewards certified dry‑suit divers with unparalleled visibility, strict safety standards, and hot chocolate afterward.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring proof of dry‑suit experience
You must present a dry‑suit certification card or a logbook showing at least 10 dry‑suit dives in the last two years before boarding.
Dress for 2–4°C water and cold air
Wear warm wool or fleece undersuits and bring extra socks and a change of clothes for after the dive.
No glasses under the mask
Contact lenses are recommended; prescription mask lenses are allowed, but ordinary eyeglasses won’t seal under a dive mask.
Avoid flying within 24 hours
Decompression rules mean you should wait at least 24 hours after diving before boarding any aircraft.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Öxarárfoss waterfall viewpoint for quiet morning photos
- •Almannagjá gorge side trails that reveal dramatic rift walls away from main crowds
Wildlife
- •Arctic fox (rare, shy)
- •Migratory waders and plovers during spring and summer
Conservation Note
Silfra’s fragile underwater environment is strictly regulated: no touching the fissure floor, limited group sizes, and operators follow guidelines to prevent contamination.
Thingvellir hosted Iceland’s Alþingi since 930 AD, a gathering place where laws were recited on the continental rift.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the small dive parking lot for surface reflections
- • Öxarárfoss ridge to include falls and rift walls
- • On the water surface for wide‑angle shots of the fissure seam
What to Bring
Thermal dry‑suit undersuit (wool/fleece)Essential
Provides core insulation in 2–4°C water while wearing a dry suit.
Neoprene dive boots and warm socksEssential
Keeps your feet warm during entry and the gear carry across cold ground.
Dive computer with depth alarmEssential
Monitors depth and bottom time within the park’s 18‑meter limit.
Waterproof camera housing or compact underwater camera
Captures Silfra’s clarity—wide angle recommended for the fissure’s interior.
Common Questions
Do I need my own dry‑suit?
No, all specialized dry‑suit equipment is provided, but you must prove prior dry‑suit experience or certification.
Can beginners book this tour?
No; this is rated challenging and requires dry‑suit experience (minimum 10 dives within 2 years) and standard scuba certifications.
What happens if the temperature drops below 0°C?
In winter the operator may reduce the tour to a single dive for safety if conditions are too cold.
How far is the walk from the parking lot to the dive site?
Guests park at Thingvellir P5 and walk approximately 400 meters along the road to the smaller dive parking area.
Are there age restrictions?
Minimum age is 18 years old for this tour.
What post‑dive facilities are available?
Hot chocolate and biscuits are provided, and there are changing areas; bring a dry change of clothes and warm footwear.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Thingvellir, Southwest Iceland
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
You should be in good cardiovascular shape and able to carry heavy equipment up to 400m; comfortable with manual valve control and dry‑suit buoyancy.
Ready to Explore Thingvellir?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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