Silfra: Dive Between Continents & Tectonic Plates Iceland

Summary

Dive into Silfra’s icy fissure with expert guides and warm cocoa

You’ll suit up in a drysuit and step into Silfra’s glass-clear water with a small group led by a local guide. Drift between tectonic plates, touch two continents at once, and warm up after with hot chocolate and cookies while swapping stories. It’s cold but strangely peaceful — something you’ll probably remember longer than your toes stay numb.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost chickened out when I first saw the steam curling off my breath at Thingvellir — even inside the heated van, my hands were shaking a bit. Our guide, Ása, grinned and handed me this thick drysuit that looked like it belonged on the moon. “Don’t worry,” she said, “it’s tighter than you think, but you’ll thank me in five minutes.” She was right. Getting into it felt like wrestling an octopus, but once zipped up I actually started to warm up. The other two divers in our group cracked jokes about feeling like sausages. It broke the ice (no pun intended).

The walk to Silfra only took a few minutes, but the air was so sharp it made my eyes water. Ása pointed out where the North American and Eurasian plates meet — just a crack in the earth at first glance, but then you realize you’re about to swim through it. When I slipped under the surface, everything went silent except for my own breathing. The water was so clear it felt unreal; I could see every ripple of lava rock below and tiny bubbles drifting past my mask. At one point Ása waved us over — “Touch both continents!” she said, laughing as we awkwardly reached out with gloved hands for that classic photo.

I still remember how cold my cheeks felt when we surfaced near Silfra Lagoon (even with all that gear), but somehow it didn’t matter anymore. Back at the van there was hot chocolate and cookies waiting — honestly never tasted better in my life. We swapped stories while Ása showed us photos from underwater; someone’s hair had escaped their hood and floated around like seaweed. I keep thinking about that blue light down in Silfra Cathedral — not sure any photo really captures it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Silfra diving and briefing

• Arrive 15 minutes before start
• Check in with guides
• Receive drysuit and gear
• Get equipment briefing
• Change in heated van
• Walk 5 minutes to Silfra
• Dive 30-45 minutes in Silfra
• Touch the two continents
• Warm up with cocoa and cookies
• Chat with guide and view photos

Top questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to join the Silfra diving tour?

Yes, you must be a certified diver (PADI Open Water or equivalent) and have recent dry suit experience or certification.

How cold is the water in Silfra?

The water temperature is usually between 2°C–4°C (36°F–39°F) year-round.

Is diving equipment included on this tour?

Yes, all necessary diving equipment including drysuit and undersuit is provided.

How long does the actual dive last?

The dive itself lasts around 30–45 minutes inside Silfra.

What’s included after the dive?

You get hot chocolate and cookies to warm up after diving.

Where does this tour start?

You meet directly at Silfra in Thingvellir; pickup is not included.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is three divers plus your guide.

Are there age or health restrictions?

You must be at least 17 years old and physically fit; some medical conditions may prevent participation.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your PADI-certified guide at Silfra, full use of a heated changing van to get into your drysuit and undersuit, all diving equipment provided on site, entrance fees for Silfra itself, plus hot chocolate and cookies when you finish — just what you need after time in that wild Icelandic water.