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

Dive the Divide: Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour offers an unforgettable underwater adventure in the heart of Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park. Certified divers can explore the stunning fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, immersed in crystal-clear glacial waters with unparalleled visibility. But there’s more to this experience than breathtaking scenery – the tour promises an opportunity to witness the forces that have shaped the island nation over millennia.

Key Points

• The Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, offers a unique opportunity to dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Participants must be PADI-certified divers with drysuit certification or experience, and meet minimum age and physical condition requirements.
• The dive locations include Silfra Deep Crack, Silfra Hall, and Silfra Cathedral, with visibility that can exceed 328 feet (100 meters).
• All necessary equipment is provided, and the tour includes post-dive refreshments and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event.
• The stunning natural setting of Thingvellir National Park enhances the diving experience, with depths ranging from 59 feet to 72 feet across the various dive sites.

Overview of the Dive Experience

The Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, offers a unique opportunity for certified divers to explore the crystal-clear glacier waters, underwater caverns, and the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

This 4-hour activity earns a 4.6/5 rating from 138 reviews and boasts a Badge of Excellence from Reykjavik.

Divers will enjoy an unforgettable experience, swimming between the two continental plates and discovering the breathtaking underwater landscape.

Dive Requirements and Restrictions

Participants must be PADI-certified divers with drysuit certification or experience to join the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour. The minimum age is 18 years old, and a strong physical condition is required.

The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or individuals with heart issues.

• Participants must have completed at least 10 logged drysuit dives.
• Divers must be capable of carrying heavy gear for up to 400 meters.
• The tour is limited to PADI-certified divers only.
• Participants must be physically fit and able to handle the demanding dives.
• Certain medical conditions may disqualify divers from the tour.

Dive Details and Itinerary

Divers meet at the Silfra car park in Thingvellir National Park, arriving 15 minutes early for the dive briefing.

The guide provides an overview of park regulations, diving procedures, and gear familiarization.

The dive takes place in several locations within the fissure, including the Silfra Deep Crack, Silfra Hall, and the deepest point, Silfra Cathedral, at 72 feet (22 meters).

Visibility can exceed 328 feet (100 meters), allowing divers to fully enjoy the crystal-clear glacial waters.

Dive duration varies, with two 30-minute dives in summer and a single 45-minute dive in winter, depending on water temperatures.

Equipment and Amenities

All necessary equipment, including a drysuit, mask, fins, thermal under-suit, tanks, weights, regulator, and second stage, is provided as part of the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour.

After the dive, participants can enjoy:

• Hot chocolate and cookies to warm up
• A small fee for parking in the national park
• Confirmation received at booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
• Recommendations to wear warm undergarments and bring a change of clothing
• A small-group experience with a certified PADI Divemaster.

Exploring the Silfra Fissure

The Silfra Fissure offers a truly unique underwater experience. Divers have the chance to explore the rugged terrain, crystal-clear glacial water, and the stark contrast between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visibility can exceed 328 feet, allowing adventurers to marvel at the striking geological formations.

Dive Location	Depth	Highlights
Silfra Deep Crack	Up to 59 feet	Narrow fissure between plates
Silfra Hall	Up to 59 feet	Expansive underwater cave system
Silfra Cathedral	Up to 72 feet	Deepest point of the dive site
Silfra Lagoon	Up to 59 feet	Emerald-hued glacial waters
Eurasian-North American Tectonic Plates	Up to 59 feet	Diving between continents

The Thingvellir National Park Setting

Although the Silfra Fissure is the main attraction, the Thingvellir National Park itself offers a stunning natural setting for this unique diving experience.

Situated in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the park features:

• Dramatic, rugged landscapes shaped by volcanic and glacial activity
• Lush, moss-covered cliffs and rolling hills
• Shimmering, clear glacial waters of Lake Thingvallavatn
• A rich cultural history as the site of Iceland’s first parliament
• Abundant wildlife, including Arctic char, moss, and roaming Icelandic horses

Diving amidst this breathtaking tableau adds to the magic of the Silfra Fissure experience.

Preparing for Your Dive Adventure

To make the most of your Silfra Fissure diving adventure, proper preparation is key. As a PADI-certified diver with drysuit experience, you’ll need to bring warm undergarments and a change of clothes. Arriving 15 minutes early at the Silfra car park ensures a smooth briefing covering park regulations, diving procedures, and gear familiarization.

Requirement	Justification	Importance
Physical Fitness	Rigorous dive conditions	High
Recent Diving Experience	Assure safe, confident diving	High
Proper Thermal Layering	Withstand cold water temperatures	High

This small-group tour with a certified PADI Divemaster provides an unforgettable experience swimming between two continental plates in Iceland’s crystal-clear glacial waters.

Booking and Additional Information

When booking the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour, travelers receive confirmation immediately. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the experience. The tour has a maximum of 3 travelers per booking, ensuring a small-group adventure led by a certified PADI Divemaster.

Additional considerations include:

• Wear warm undergarments and bring a change of clothing
• Ensure recent diving activity within the last two years
• Pay a small national park fee for parking (500 ISK for private cars)
• Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies after the dive

Booking the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour is straightforward, with clear guidelines and amenities provided to enhance the overall diving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Dive Experience?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled dive experience. Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel within this timeframe.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Booking Price?

There’s a small parking fee of 500 ISK for private cars charged by the national park. Otherwise, the booking price covers all necessary equipment and amenities for the dive experience.

Can I Bring My Own Dive Equipment Instead of Using the Provided Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own dive equipment, but it must meet the tour’s requirements. The provided gear is included in the booking price, so using your own gear won’t reduce the cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Dive Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the dive duration for an additional fee. Divers can request a longer dive time, subject to availability and approval from the dive operator.

Can I Request a Specific Time Slot or Do I Have to Accept the Available Schedule?

Customers can’t request a specific time slot for the Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour. They’ll need to accept the available schedule, which is typically two 30-minute dives in summer and one 45-minute dive in winter when temperatures are below freezing.

The Sum Up

Dive the Divide’s Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the striking geological features between tectonic plates in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park. With unparalleled visibility, certified divers can enjoy this breathtaking natural wonder, taking in the crystal-clear waters and unique formations. This exhilarating adventure promises an unforgettable diving experience amidst the park’s stunning landscapes.