Silfra: Dive Between Tectonic Plates & Reykjavik Pickup

Summary

Scuba dive Silfra’s glacial fissure from Reykjavik with dry suit and local guide

You’ll slip into Silfra’s crystal-clear glacial water wearing a dry suit, guided by a local PADI instructor who knows every crack of this famous fissure. Feel the cold silence between tectonic plates, snap that classic photo touching two continents, then warm up with hot chocolate before heading back to Reykjavik. It’s strange how peaceful it all feels — you might find yourself thinking about that blue light long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water at Silfra to taste so clean — like snowmelt, but sharper. Our guide, Jonas, laughed when I tried to describe it through my regulator. We’d driven out from Reykjavik that morning, kind of sleepy and wrapped in too many layers. The van was warm enough for me to peel off my gloves and just listen as Jonas explained how the North American and Eurasian plates keep drifting apart right under our feet. I’d read about this fissure before, but standing there watching sunlight flicker on the surface made it feel less like a geology lesson and more like some weird dream you can actually touch.

The dry suit felt awkward at first — not gonna lie, I needed help getting my hood straight. Jonas was patient though (he must see people struggle into these things every day). The walk down to the entry point only took a few minutes; I could smell cold stone and something almost metallic in the air. When we finally slipped into Silfra, it was silent except for bubbles and the weird echo of my own breath. Visibility really is wild — you look down and see rocks sharp as glass, blue light slicing through everything. At one point Jonas pointed out where you can reach both tectonic plates at once — I managed a clumsy photo with thick gloves on.

We drifted through places with names like Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Hall (I still think about that blue-green light in the Cathedral). It’s hard to explain how quiet it feels underwater here — not scary quiet, just sort of peaceful in a way I didn’t expect. Afterward, back in the heated van with hot chocolate and cookies (which tasted way better than they should have), everyone seemed a little dazed but happy. There’s something about doing a day trip from Reykjavik that drops you into another world for an hour or two — then spits you back out into regular life again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Silfra diving and Thingvellir visit

• Pick up in Reykjavik
• Drive 45 minutes to Thingvellir National Park
• Form dive group of max 3 divers
• Receive drysuit and diving equipment
• Learn to use gear and dress in heated van
• Briefing on Silfra and safety
• Walk 5 minutes to Silfra dive site
• Scuba dive 30-45 minutes in Silfra
• Explore Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Cathedral, Lagoon
• Take photo touching two continents

Top questions

How long does the diving tour at Silfra last?

The actual scuba diving portion lasts about 30-45 minutes, plus time for gearing up and briefing.

Is hotel pickup included from Reykjavik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in central Reykjavik are included if you provide your details at booking.

Do I need special certifications to dive Silfra?

You must be minimum PADI Open Water and Drysuit certified or equivalent to participate.

What equipment is provided for the dive?

You get all necessary diving gear including dry suit, warm undersuit, mask, fins, plus hot chocolate afterward.

How cold is the water in Silfra?

The water is glacial — very cold year-round — but the dry suit keeps you mostly warm and dry inside.

Can I touch both tectonic plates during the dive?

Yes, there’s a spot where you can touch both North American and Eurasian plates at once (great photo moment).

Is lunch included on this tour?

No full lunch is included but you get hot chocolate and cookies after your dive.

How many people are in each group?

The groups are small — maximum three divers per guide for safety and comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Reykjavik (or meeting at BSI Bus Terminal if you prefer), all diving equipment including dry suit and undersuit, entrance fees for Silfra, guidance from a certified PADI instructor who’ll help with gear and safety briefings, use of a heated changing van before and after your dive, plus hot chocolate and cookies to warm up before heading back to town.