Iceland is home to one of the world's most stunning cold-water diving spots: Silfra Fissure. Many elements contribute to its renowned status: the remarkable topography of the site, of course, but also exceptional diving conditions! All these reasons make Silfra Fissure a diving (and snorkeling) site that is unique in the world and a must-see at least once in a lifetime!

An aquatic world to discover between two continents

Silfra Fissure is the only diving site in the world where you can swim between two continents! Landscapes that only Iceland holds the secret to. Indeed, Silfra Fissure is located in Thingvallavatn Lake within Thingvellir National Park. Here unfolds a permanent geological battle as two tectonic plates collide: the Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate. It is estimated that these drift apart at a rate of 2 centimeters each year. It's as if a journey to the center of the earth awaits you…

Extraordinary diving conditions

As you can see, Silfra Fissure is a diving site unlike any other. On the surface, this channel of blue water is beautiful but hardly impressive. However, once you dip your head underwater, you discover an underwater paradise with interplays of shadow and light that are almost unreal, and whose rock formations completely overwhelm you. And to appreciate the spectacle… note a visibility that can reach up to 100 meters!

How is this possible? Simply because the water comes directly from glaciers (Langjökull among others) and it is filtered through volcanic rock. This explains why this pure water is one of the clearest in the world. The only drawback? Its low temperature, which averages 2°C year-round. But it takes more than that to discourage us, right? A good dry suit (or wetsuit depending on divers' preferences), gloves, boots, and a diving hood will make you forget this small detail! The good news? With water constantly between 2°C and 4°C, you can dive there in any season!

A site that attracts an increasing number of tourists…

Silfra Fissure can be visited by scuba diving, snorkeling, or even freediving! The site is divided into 3 zones: the Hall, the Cathedral, and the Lagoon. The Cathedral is the most impressive spot. It is a fissure 100 meters long and 63 meters deep, which you can see from end to end. But in any case, wherever you are, one thing is certain: you will see one of nature's most beautiful creations in what is called 'the crystal river'!

For your information: in order to preserve the purity of the water and all the biodiversity of Thingvallavatn Lake, the government plans to introduce tourist quotas in the near future.

Florine Dergelet