You can dive anywhere the world over but nowhere can you dive deep between two tectonic plates as is possible in Silfra in Thingvellir Iceland. PIC r.gielen
E ver dived between continents? It is one thing to witness with your own two eyes the rift between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates as is the case in Thingvellir Iceland. It is quite another to dive between them.
That is actually very possible and downright easy if you have any diving skills at all. Silfra, literally Silverpond, is the name of the deep water-filled crevice at Thingvellir where you actually dive between the tectonic plates. This is not possible anywhere else in the world.
Many companies offer tours here and you do not have to have any dive certificates although it helps. Should you lack training you can also snorkel and the clear water will still let you experience pure wonder.
Once again, like is the case with many of Iceland´s treasures, words fail to give real meaning to this experience. The water is magnificently clear and visibility can reach up to 300 meters at the best of times. The water is also so pure and uncontaminated you can actually open your mouth and drink should thirst be a problem.
The professionals have divided Silfra fissure into three sections: Silfra hall, Silfra cathedral and Silfra lagoon. At its deepest Silfra is 63 meter deep but diving this depth is seldom done and only by hardcore professionals. In any case the most wondrous sights are in Silfra cathedral which is a hundred meter long fissure where you can clearly see from end to end.
As for negative parts the dive is increasingly popular and hardly a day goes by without a new dive company offering trips here. This means you will have to share your experience, and possibly have your experience dampened, with many others at the same time. Diving here undisturbed is next to impossible.
Prices for a dive in Silfra is around 270$ / 230€ for a scuba dive but around 140$ / 120€ for a snorkeling tour. A tiny weeny on the expensive side but worth it.
Keep in mind the water temperature is rather cold around 0 – 2 degrees year round. This is COLD. There is little life here except for the odd tiny fish. No worries there.
» Silfra fissure is a part of the unique Thingvellir National Park and thus also a Unesco World Heritage site.
» Daily buses from Reykjavik to Thingvellir but not all the way to Silfra. Most dive tour groups offer pickup and drives. Silfra is easy to find on your own but you should not dive without professionals assisting you. A trip to hospital or nearest doctor is a long one.
» This experience ranks amongst the best you can have in this world. However, diving with crowds is not very appealing and this is getting to be a big problem here.
