Silfra – Scuba dive & Snorkel between tectonic plates in Iceland

Silfra is definitely amongst the top 10 dive sites in the world and the only place where you can snorkel between tectonic plates. Imagine exploring a fissure created by the dramatic movement of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, right in the heart of Iceland. Here, crystal clear glacial water, filtered through underground lava rocks for decades, grants you over 100 meters of underwater visibility. This is a sight you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

All photos by Tobias Friedrich – BELOW SURFACE

 

At Silfra, the astonishing clarity of the water unveils a mesmerizing underwater landscape, brimming with colors and wonders unseen above the surface. This natural marvel, formed by the separation of two massive tectonic plates, is a haven for divers and snorkelers. So let’s dive right in and discuss everything you need to know in order to experience the unparalleled beauty of Silfra for yourself.

 

 

What makes Silfra so special?

Silfra, located in Thingvellir National Park, is a remarkable fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This rift, created by the earthquakes of 1789 during the divergent movement of these plates, is a unique diving and snorkeling site where the continents meet and drift apart by about 2 cm each year. Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel directly in a crack between two tectonic plates.

The 1789 earthquakes opened several fissures in the Thingvellir area, but the Silfra fissure is unique because it taps into an underground spring filled with glacial meltwater from the nearby Langjökull glacier. This water is meticulously filtered through porous underground lava for 30 to 100 years before reaching the spring that feeds into Silfra, creating its exceptionally clear waters.

 

Why is Silfra water so clear?

Before reaching Silfra, the water from the Langjökull Glacier undergoes an incredible natural filtration process, passing through porous underground lava rock for 30 to 100 years. This extensive filtration makes the water exceptionally clear, providing underwater visibility of over 100 meters (328 feet), making it some of the clearest water in the world. Lava rock serves as an excellent natural filter, contributing to this remarkable clarity. So yes, you better take a sip of that water when you are there!

 

How deep is the Silfra crack?

The cave systems in Silfra can reach depths of up to 60 meters. However, your dive will typically range from 7 to 12 meters, with the maximum permitted diving depth being 18 meters.

Marinelife

While Thingvellir Lake is teeming with fish and popular for trout fishing, the fish rarely venture far into the Silfra fissure. Instead, the marine life in Silfra is primarily composed of vibrant green “troll hair” and various types of algae, creating a unique and colorful underwater landscape unlike anything seen above the surface.

 

 

Conditions and water temperature

The water reaching Silfra is filtered through porous underground lava for 30 to 100 years, making it extremely pure by the time it arrives at the north end of Thingvellir Lake. This extensive filtration process results in underwater visibility of over 100 meters in Silfra. The glacial meltwater remains very cold, consistently between 2°C and 4°C (35 to 39°F) year-round. Despite the low temperatures, the water never freezes due to the continuous flow of fresh water into the fissure. The clarity of Silfra’s water is unparalleled, earning it the reputation of having the clearest water in the world.

 

What to expect? How long does it take?

The entrance to Silfra is about a 100-meter walk from the Silfra parking lot. Snorkelers and divers enter Silfra by descending a metal staircase that ends in a submerged platform. This platform allows divers to complete their final buddy checks and snorkelers to adjust to the changes in their dry suits when immersed in water.

During your snorkel and dive, you will explore the four main parts of Silfra. First, you’ll float through the narrowest section called Big Crack, where you can capture your ‘Dive Between the Continents’ photo. As the fissure widens, you’ll enter Silfra Hall, with the possibility of spotting local ducks and geese paddling overhead.

Near the opening to Thingvallavatn Lake, you will encounter the majestic Silfra Cathedral—the deepest point of this amazing diving tour. If there are divers ahead, you will easily see the mesmerizing ‘chandelier effects’ of their rising bubbles. Finally, your dive will conclude in the serene, crystal-clear waters of Silfra Lagoon.

A metal exit platform at the end of Silfra Lagoon provides an easy exit for divers and snorkelers while protecting the fragile terrain from disturbance. Exiting Silfra at points other than the designated entry and exit platforms is not allowed, except in emergencies.

 

Where is Silfra and how to get there?

Silfra Fissure is situated within Þingvellir National Park, approximately 53 km (33 mi) from Reykjavík and 171 km (106 mi) from Vík.

Þingvellir National Park holds UNESCO World Heritage status due to its dual significance: cultural and historical, as well as natural and geological. It encompasses a portion of Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. The park is positioned directly on the mid-Atlantic ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. This geological activity has formed submerged fissures like Silfra and nearby Davíðsgjá, alongside extensive rifts and canyons above water.

Upon arriving at Silfra within Þingvellir National Park, visitors should park at Parking Lot P5. Along the way, you’ll pass marked areas for Diving and Snorkeling facilities. From there, it’s a walk of approximately 400 meters back to the diving and snorkeling sites.

 

What to bring/how to prepare

When you are preparing for the Silfra experience, you should prioritize warmth and comfort by wearing suitable undergarments like thermal base layers and thick woolen socks. It’s advisable to avoid cotton due to its poor insulation when wet. Opt instead for layers made from wool, fleece, or synthetic materials, which retain warmth effectively. Our pro tip: arrive to the site already wearing your base layer! Contact lenses are recommended for anyone wearing glasses.

 

Capturing this once in a lifetime experience

The vibrant colours, the stunning visibility and the pure fact that you are between continents and can touch both tectonic plates at the same time just beg for the moment to be captured! Our favourite travel companion is the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max waterproof phone case, which we personally tested in the challenging conditions of Iceland. The housing fits virtually any smartphone brand and model and allows you to take photos and videos underwater with your phone the same way as on land. We particularly enjoyed using the dome port lens, which allows you to take stunning split shots, showcasing the beauty below and above the surface!

To find out more about the possibilities this revolutionary accessory offers, check out our full product review here!

 

Snorkelling in Silfra

Snorkelling in Silfra is an experience not to be missed by anyone visiting Iceland. Located just a short drive from Reykjavik, Silfra is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for a day trip into nature’s marvels. You can opt for a tour with pick up or drive to the site by yourself.

At the site you will get a full briefing of the experience and get into a drysuit, which will keep you comfortable in the glacier water.

Floating between two continents in the clearest water on Earth is an absolutely surreal experience. Silfra offers an unforgettable journey through stunning rock formations and vibrant underwater landscapes. You will be mesmerised by the tranquillity of this unique site!

 

Scuba diving in Silfra

A single dive at Silfra is approximately 30-40 minutes, with a maximum permitted depth of 18m/60ft.

To scuba dive at this world class site you need to be dry suit certified or have logged a minimum of 10 dry suit dives within the past two years. Divers must also be at least 17 years old.

You will get ready at the parking lot, where there are plenty of gear benches, allowing you to set up your equipment comfortably and then walk to the entrance of the site.

After a gentle drift dive, you will make our way back along a 250-meter path with your gear on. If you need assistance with your gear on the walk back, don’t hesitate to let your guide know!

 

Insider tips

You can snorkel and dive at Silfra year-round, with approximately 2.5 hours spent on-site, or 5 hours including transportation from Reykjavík. For those seeking quieter experiences, we recommend starting at 8 am or 5 pm. Silfra provides restroom facilities, and tour operators typically offer heated vans that double as changing rooms.

Make sure to wear a windproof jacket and a warm hat and gloves! Your hands and head, despite wearing neoprene gloves and a hood, will get wet. You might want to consider bringing your own towel and a thermos with hot tea. To avoid getting cold in the water, make sure you have a solid meal beforehand. Taking extra snacks might also be a good idea, as there is no kiosk right at the Silfra parking spot.