Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates

Silfra, a renowned dive site in Iceland, offers a truly unique experience. Divers can explore the crystal-clear waters that separate the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, marveling at the stunning underwater landscapes. With a PADI Open Water certification, adventurers embark on a thrilling 30-minute journey through captivating sections, including the breathtaking Silfra Cathedral. Prepare to be amazed by the geological wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Key Points

• Silfra is a unique dive site located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering a rare opportunity to explore the meeting point of these plates.
• The crystal-clear waters of Silfra provide exceptional visibility, often exceeding 100 meters, allowing divers to fully enjoy the underwater landscapes.
• Silfra is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its diverse and stunning underwater features, including the Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon.
• Diving in Silfra requires specific certifications, such as PADI Open Water and dry suit diving, as well as a medical statement and liability release form.
• Silfra is a popular destination for divers, with high customer satisfaction ratings and praise for the professionalism and exceptional instruction provided by the staff and guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Silfra: Iceland’s Renowned Dive Site

Silfra is Iceland’s most popular dive site, situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Priced from $251.89 per person, the 3-hour guided tour includes a 30-minute dive in the crystal-clear waters.

Priced from $251.89 per person, the 3-hour guided tour includes a 30-minute dive in the crystal-clear waters.

Dive certifications and safety requirements must be met, and all equipment is provided.

Divers explore Silfra‘s four distinct sections – Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon – in small groups of up to 3 participants per guide.

With visibility exceeding 100 meters, divers marvel at the unique underwater landscapes and colors in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pricing and Booking Details

The dive experience starts at $251.89 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For added convenience, there’s a reserve now & pay later option, allowing you to book without immediate payment.

The 3-hour tour includes a 2.5-hour guided dive, exploring Silfra’s four mesmerizing sections.

Groups are limited to 3 participants per guide, ensuring personalized attention.

Certification requirements include PADI Open Water and dry suit diving certification with a logged dive within two years or 10 logged dry suit dives.

All necessary equipment is provided.

Exploring Silfra’s Underwater Wonders

Though the dive itself lasts only around 30 minutes, the journey through Silfra’s four captivating sections offers a singular underwater experience.

Divers will explore:

The dramatic Big Crack, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the spacious Silfra Hall, and the awe-inspiring Silfra Cathedral.

• The dramatic Big Crack, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet

• The spacious Silfra Hall, with its incredible visibility

• The awe-inspiring Silfra Cathedral, a cathedral-like underwater fissure

Winding through these stunning sections, divers are immersed in a world of vibrant colors, deep geological crevices, and crystal-clear glacial water originating from a nearby spring.

This once-in-a-lifetime dive showcases Iceland’s remarkable natural wonders.

Experience and Itinerary

To begin the diving adventure, participants meet at the Silfra dive site or opt for convenient hotel pickup from Reykjavik.

The full experience lasts 3 hours, including a 2.5-hour guided tour. Groups are kept small, with no more than 3 participants per guide.

Divers will explore Silfra’s four distinct sections – Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon – spending approximately 30 minutes submerged in the crystal-clear, 100-meter visibility waters.

After the dive, participants can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

Silfra offers a truly unique opportunity to dive between the American and European tectonic plates.

More Great Tours Nearby

Equipment and Certification Requirements

Participants must have a PADI Open Water certification or equivalent and a dry suit diving certification to take part in the Silfra diving experience.

Plus, divers must have a logged dry suit dive within two years or 10 logged dry suit dives. Prior to the dive, participants are required to sign a medical statement and liability release form.

The tour operator provides the necessary equipment, including:

• Drysuit

• Warm undersuit

• All scuba diving gear

Ensuring proper gear and certification allows for a safe and memorable experience exploring the unique underwater landscapes between the tectonic plates.

Diving Between Two Continents

Silfra’s underwater landscape offers a remarkable opportunity to dive between two of the Earth’s tectonic plates. This unique location is the only place on the planet where divers can explore the gap between the North American and Eurasian continental plates.

As they drift apart at a rate of 2 centimeters per year, the clear, glacial waters of Silfra provide unparalleled visibility, sometimes exceeding 100 meters.

Divers can enjoy the awe-inspiring Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon, marveling at the deep, geological crevices that separate the world’s major landmasses.

Unique Features of Silfra

One of the most captivating features of Silfra is its unparalleled water clarity. Visibility often exceeds 100 meters, making it one of the clearest bodies of water on the planet.

Silfra’s unique location between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates adds to its allure, as divers can quite literally immerse themselves between two continents.

Plus, the underwater landscape is nothing short of mesmerizing, featuring:

• Deep earth cracks and fissures

• Vibrant shades of blue, green, and turquoise

• A serene and otherworldly ambiance

Diving in Silfra is a truly exceptional experience, offering unmatched clarity and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the meeting point of two tectonic plates.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Diving at Silfra has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from participants, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 49 reviews.

Participants consistently praise the professionalism of the staff and their clear safety communication. Guides like James and GC are singled out for their exceptional instruction and support.

While some note the challenges of the cold water and dry suit discomfort, the vast majority highlight the truly unique experience of diving between two tectonic plates in some of the clearest water on Earth.

The reviews underscore Silfra’s status as Iceland’s most popular dive site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Dive Silfra Without a Dry Suit Certification?

No, you can’t dive Silfra without a dry suit certification. Silfra requires a logged dry suit dive within two years or at least 10 logged dry suit dives, as per the safety requirements detailed in the information provided.

What Is the Water Temperature in Silfra?

The water temperature in Silfra is around 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round. This freezing water temperature requires participants to wear a dry suit to avoid hypothermia during the dive, which typically lasts around 30 minutes.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Diving Equipment?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own diving equipment. The tour provider supplies a drysuit, warm undersuit, and all necessary scuba gear for the dive. This is included in the price of the dive experience.

Can I Book a Silfra Dive for a Larger Group?

Yes, you can book a Silfra dive for a larger group. The tours accommodate small groups limited to 3 participants per guide, so you can reserve multiple spots to accommodate a larger party.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Dive Silfra?

The best time to dive Silfra is during the summer months when the water temperature is warmest, typically around 2-4°C. This provides the most comfortable diving experience, though the site can be visited year-round.

The Sum Up

Silfra offers a one-of-a-kind diving experience, allowing adventurous divers to explore the stunning landscapes between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. With its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking sections, and UNESCO World Heritage site status, Silfra is a must-visit destination for those seeking a thrilling and unforgettable underwater adventure. The dive’s accessibility, certification requirements, and positive customer reviews make it an appealing option for both experienced and aspiring divers.

You can check availability for your dates here: