| Silfra diving (Dive.is) | |
|---|---|
| Certification | Open Water from an internationally recognised organisation, which permits diving to 18 m without direct instructor supervision |
| Dry suit | Dry suit certification, or at least 10 logged dry suit dives within the past 2 years, signed off by an instructor |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| Depth | Maximum 18 m (60 ft); typical average about 10 m (32 ft) |
| Dive length | Usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on air consumption, ability and comfort |
| Price | ISK 35,999 for the Diving Silfra Tour (meet on location), plus ISK 1,500 per diver to Þingvellir National Park |
| Visibility | Over 100 metres |
| Water temperature | 2°C to 4°C all year (about 35 to 39°F) |
| Season | No best or worst time to dive; summers are busier, winters calmer but harder in weather and cold |
Requirements, prices and conditions from the operator's page, read 7 November 2026.
Who can dive Silfra
Two conditions apply on top of the age limit. First, an Open Water certification (or an equivalent from an internationally recognised diving organisation). Second, experience in a dry suit: either a dry suit certificate or proof of at least 10 logged dry suit dives in the last 2 years, signed by an instructor.
Price and what it covers
The tour is listed at ISK 35,999 for the meet-on-location option, which means you go to the meeting point yourself. The national park fee of ISK 1,500 is paid by each diver on top. The park charges ISK 1,000 for parking per car with five seats or fewer (thingvellir.is, read 7 November 2026). The Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 82 reviews on 8 November 2026; the price depends on the date and the group.
What you see
Silfra has visibility of over 100 metres, which is why divers come. The depth goes to a maximum of 18 m with a typical average of about 10 m, and a dive lasts 30 to 45 minutes depending on how quickly you use your air. The fissure lies inside Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site on the Golden Circle; see Þingvellir.
Diving or snorkeling
If you do not meet the certification and dry suit rules, or are under 17, snorkeling is the other way into the water. Its rules and operators are in Silfra snorkeling: tours and who can join. A dive is longer and deeper; a snorkel is open to non-divers.
Combining with the Golden Circle
Silfra is in the same park as the visitor centre and rift valley. A Golden Circle day also takes in Gullfoss and Geysir; see Golden Circle tours. To reach the park by road, see how to get around Iceland.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving with an Open Water card but no dry suit certificate or logged dry suit dives.
- Forgetting the ISK 1,500 park fee, charged on top of the tour price.
- Booking for the dive without checking the age: 17 is the minimum.
- Choosing a season for visibility: the operator says there is no best or worst time.
FAQ
Do I need a dry suit certificate to dive Silfra?
You need either a dry suit certification or proof of at least 10 logged dry suit dives within the past 2 years, signed off by an instructor.
How cold is the water?
2°C to 4°C all year.
How deep is Silfra?
The maximum is 18 m (60 ft) and the typical average about 10 m (32 ft).
What is the minimum age?
17 years for the diving tour.
How much does it cost?
The operator lists ISK 35,999 for the Diving Silfra Tour plus ISK 1,500 per diver to the national park.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
