Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates and Pick up From Reykjavik

Silfra fissure, nestled within Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, offers a unique opportunity for adventurous divers. Situated between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts crystal-clear waters with up to 100-meter visibility, allowing visitors to witness the dramatic geological divide. Conveniently, divers are transported from their Reykjavik accommodations to the Silfra fissure, a journey of approximately 45 minutes, before returning to the city in a heated changing van. Exploring this captivating destination promises an unforgettable experience amidst the park’s scenic landscapes, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna. But what awaits divers who take the plunge into these remarkable waters?

Key Points

• The Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet, offering a unique diving experience.

• Divers can witness the dramatic geological divide and explore the pristine, crystal-clear waters of Silfra, with visibility up to 100 meters.

• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, a guided diving trip, hot chocolate, and all necessary diving equipment.

• Participants must meet specific requirements, including a minimum age of 17, PADI Open Water and Drysuit certification, and a logged drysuit dive within two years.

• Thingvellir National Park offers diverse landscapes, rich history, and the opportunity to see Icelandic wildlife, complementing the Silfra diving experience.

Tour Details

The Silfra fissure, located in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, divides the Eurasian and American tectonic plates, offering visitors a unique diving experience.

The waters of Silfra are ultra-clear, with visibility reaching up to 330 feet (100 meters).

This small-group tour is capped at just 3 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Divers will discover a natural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Iceland.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided diving trip, hot chocolate and cookies, and all necessary diving equipment, including a drysuit and warm undersuit.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided diving trip, hot chocolate and cookies, and all necessary diving equipment, including a drysuit and warm undersuit.

Participants will also receive the Silfra entrance fee of 1,500 ISK per person and be accompanied by a PADI-certified live guide.

The tour provides a heated changing van and offers souvenir photos for purchase.

This small-group tour is capped at 3 participants, ensuring an ultra-personal experience as you discover the natural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Silfra fissure.

With the inclusions covering all essential elements, guests can focus on seeing the ultra-clear waters and the unique divide between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

Requirements

Participants must be at minimum 17 years of age (signature of legal guardian required for under 18) and hold a minimum PADI Open Water and Drysuit certification or equivalent.

They must also have a logged dry suit dive within two years or at least 10 logged dry suit dives within two years.

The minimum height is 4ft 11in (150cm), and the minimum weight is 100lbs (45kg), while the maximum height and weight is 6ft 7in (200cm) and 264lbs (120kg).

Participants must be comfortable in water, able to swim, physically fit and healthy, and able to communicate in English.

These requirements ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience in the Silfra fissure.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but if you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience, you won’t get the amount paid refunded.

The cancellation policy is straightforward:

1. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience, the amount paid won’t be refunded.
3. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience won’t be accepted.

The operator strictly enforces this policy, so it’s important to plan accordingly and give them enough notice if you need to cancel or make changes.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided immediately upon booking the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

Participants must provide their height, weight, and age information to the local operator prior to the tour.

Dry suits can sometimes feel tight and constricting, so it’s recommended to bring a change of clothes and warm undergarments.

Participants over 60 years of age must have their doctor sign an approval form.

This is to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort during the dive between the tectonic plates.

With clear communication and preparation, guests can fully enjoy the breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the Silfra fissure.

Diving Between Tectonic Plates

The Silfra fissure, located within Iceland’s UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, is a natural marvel where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet, creating a remarkable underwater divide. Divers have the unique opportunity to explore this breathtaking location, marveling at the crystal-clear waters that can reach visibility up to 100 meters.

The experience is truly one-of-a-kind, allowing adventurers to:

1. Witness the dramatic geological divide between two of the Earth’s major tectonic plates.
2. Drift effortlessly through the icy waters, surrounded by vibrant aquatic life.
3. Appreciate the pristine, unspoiled nature of this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Capture stunning photographs to commemorate their journey between the continental plates.

Pickup From Reykjavik

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, providing a seamless start and end to the adventure.

Divers are collected from their accommodations in Reykjavik and transported to the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, where the diving experience begins. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, allowing participants to relax and prepare for the dive.

Upon arrival, divers are fitted with their dry suits and other necessary equipment before entering the crystal-clear waters of the fissure.

After the dive, the heated changing van awaits to whisk divers back to Reykjavik, completing the experience with comfort and convenience.

Explore Thingvellir National Park

Upon arrival at Thingvellir National Park, divers have the opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Renowned for its geological significance, the park straddles the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating the Silfra fissure, the unique diving location.

Divers can:

1. Gaze in awe at the dramatic landscapes, from the rolling hills to the rugged cliffs.
2. Discover the park’s rich history, dating back to the hotel of the world’s first parliament in 930 AD.

Divers can also:

3. Hike along the scenic trails, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the glacial river and surrounding mountains.
4. Appreciate the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive Icelandic horse and the majestic birds of prey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Water Temperature in Silfra Fissure?

The water temperature in the Silfra fissure is typically between 2-4°C (36-39°F) year-round. This extremely cold water is a result of the fissure being fed by Iceland’s crystal-clear glacial meltwater.

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

Participants can’t bring their own diving equipment for this tour. All necessary gear, including drysuit and undersuit, is provided as part of the tour package. Using the tour’s equipment is required for safety and consistency.

Is There an Option to Do a Snorkeling Tour Instead of the Diving Tour?

There is no snorkeling option for this tour. The experience is limited to a guided diving trip through the Silfra fissure, which divides the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Snorkeling is not offered as part of this particular tour.

How Much Time Is Spent Underwater During the Diving Experience?

The diving experience typically lasts around 40-45 minutes underwater, providing ample time to explore the ultra-clear waters of the Silfra fissure and marvel at the incredible natural wonder of the continental divide.

Is It Possible to Take a Boat Tour of Thingvellir National Park After the Diving Activity?

It does not appear possible to take a boat tour of Thingvellir National Park after the diving activity. The tour details only mention a guided diving trip in the Silfra fissure, with no mention of additional boat tours in the park.

Recap

Silfra fissure in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park offers an unforgettable diving experience between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

With crystal-clear waters and up to 100-meter visibility, divers can witness the dramatic geological divide.

Transported from Reykjavik, the journey promises scenic landscapes, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna, making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-visit for adventurous travelers.