For The Adventurous Only: Diving the Silfra Fissure in Iceland

If you are an adrenaline junkie, then a typical tropical beach getaway is most likely not the trip for you. There are plenty of places to explore around the globe if you’re looking for that adrenaline fix. One of the most interesting places you can visit for an adventure is Iceland, which has a plethora of exciting and intriguing natural wonders to visit. If you’re into water sports, then you absolutely have to go diving in the Silfra Fissure.

The Silfra Fissure is located between the Eurasian and North American continental plates, one of the only places on the planet where you can swim between two different continental plates.

Here you’ll find crystal clear water with underwater visibility that goes over 300 feet. This is because the water has been filtered through underground lava for over 100 years before it fills up the fissure. You couldn’t get clearer water unless you dumped out bottled water.

If you’re planning on diving here, you should know in advance that it is not a solo dive. There are plenty of diving companies that you can book the excursion through and you’ll be lead by a guide. There are companies like Arctic Adventures that focus on ecotourism and trips that are environmentally friendly.

Including pickup time, the trip will last for about 4 to 5 hours total. A divemaster that’s PADI certified will take you all around the Silfra Fissure to ensure that you’re seeing all of the most beautiful, can’t-miss spots around the fissure. If you book through a company, you’ll get all the gear that you’ll need for the dive.

In order to dive here, you must be certified in diving. This is not the easiest dive, especially since you’ll need to be in a dry suit. In order to dive here, you must be dry suit certified or have 100 dry suit dives logged.

Dry suit diving can be a little disorienting at first, which is why it’s important that you feel comfortable with it before taking on this specific dive. To balance this out, the dive is not deep, so there is no safety stop required.

You should also know that the water is extremely cold. Like, really really cold: the nearly freezing water is 35 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the season. The dry suit will help, but it can still be pretty uncomfortably cold.

Make sure you pack warm clothes like fleece and wool items. You must have woolen socks and a change of clothes in case you end up getting wet. It’s also not a bad idea to have hand warmers with you.

You’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime while diving at the Silfra Fissure that you will not soon forget.