10
Amazing!
Noah Hellaby
Review of Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit
It was super fun. To be able to dive down and have a new world open in front of you is amazing. So much better than snorkeling. I totally recommend this!
Best Diving Tours in Iceland
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Best Diving Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed
Choose an underwater adventure with Iceland's largest selection of diving tours. Explore the depths of Silfra and swim between tectonic plates by booking these amazing diving tours in Iceland.
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Iceland’s Leading Travel Agency
Recognized as Iceland's Leading Travel Agency for 8 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, we are the most trusted source for planning your Icelandic adventure.
Largest Selection of Services
With over 2000 tours, we offer the most extensive range of tours and activities across Iceland, ensuring you find the perfect experience for your interests and schedule.
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We guarantee the lowest prices for all our tours. If you find a better price elsewhere, we'll match it; that’s how confident we are that you won’t find better prices anywhere else.
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Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking options, including free cancellation policies that allow you to plan your trip with confidence.
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Diving in Iceland: All you need to know
Compare diving tours in Iceland to explore clear, cold water and underwater landscapes shaped by glacial meltwater and volcanic activity. Choose a guided fissure dive, an ocean diving experience, or a drysuit training course suited to your qualifications.
The best-known site is Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park. Its underwater visibility can exceed 328 feet (100 meters), giving certified divers clear views of the submerged rock formations.
Certified divers pay a median of 35,999 ISK (295 USD) for a guided Silfra dive in 2026, according to our study of the best snorkeling companies in Iceland. DIVE.IS, the highest-rated company in that study at 4.92 out of 5, also runs the Silfra dive, and divers in its reviews rate the dive above the snorkel almost every time.
Other diving spots include Davidsgja Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, Ottarsstadir on the coast near Reykjavik, and Bjarnagja Fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Tours at these sites offer underwater canyons, kelp forests, and lava formations to explore.
Water activities rank sixth among Iceland’s most underrated experiences in a 2026 survey of tourism professionals. A separate study of Iceland tours ranked by traveler satisfaction compares reviews across 19 activity types.
To add local insight, we spoke to Grétar Þorláksson, an experienced Silfra guide. He shares his perspective on the distinction between snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as how guides help protect the fissure.
Requirements for Diving in Silfra Fissure
Scuba diving in Silfra requires qualifications beyond those needed for snorkeling. Thingvellir National Park sets rules for diving certification, cold-water equipment, and medical screening.
“Scuba diving in Silfra is a very different experience [from snorkeling] and is subject to strict regulations. Divers explore beneath the surface and need the appropriate training and experience.”
— Grétar Þorláksson, Silfra Guide
You need an Open Water diving certification or equivalent, plus a drysuit certification. The park also accepts written confirmation from a recognized diving instructor of at least 10 logged drysuit dives within the previous two years as an alternative to drysuit certification.
Silfra’s water stays around 35 to 39 F (2 to 4 C) throughout the year, and scuba divers must wear drysuits. Check your chosen tour for equipment-fit limits, minimum age, and any additional experience requirements.
Divers must complete a medical screening form and obtain a physician’s approval where required. Review the form before your visit so any necessary clearance can be arranged in advance.
If you already hold a scuba qualification but need drysuit training, consider this PADI Dry Suit Diver Course. It teaches drysuit skills rather than replacing an initial Open Water qualification, so check its prerequisites before booking.
If you are not scuba certified, snorkeling tours in Silfra offer an alternative. Separate freediving experiences are also listed below, with their own participation requirements.
Best Iceland Diving Tours
Guided diving tours offer different ways to explore Silfra, including meet-on-location trips, Reykjavik transfers, and visits to a second fissure. The selection also includes freediving, which involves breath-hold diving rather than scuba equipment.
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Diving Tour in Silfra With Drysuit and Hot Drinks: Meet your guide at Silfra for a guided drysuit scuba dive, with diving equipment and hot drinks included.
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Drysuit Diving Tour in Silfra With Hot Drinks and Transfer From Reykjavik: Choose a guided Silfra scuba experience with round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.
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8-Hour Diving Tour at Silfra and Davidsgja Fissures With Transfer From Reykjavik: Visit two different fissures in Thingvellir National Park on a combination diving trip.
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Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit: Explore Silfra in a wetsuit on an experience combining surface snorkeling with breath-hold diving.
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Nighttime Free Dive at Silfra With Experienced Guides and Hot Drinks: Join a guided evening freediving experience with wetsuit equipment and a torch provided. This seasonal tour operates between May and October.
Diving Tours Beyond Silfra
Diving tours beyond Silfra include another freshwater fissure and coastal sites with kelp forests and marine life. Compare the environments alongside each tour’s qualification and experience requirements.
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Davidsgja Fissure Scuba Diving Tour: Explore a less-visited fissure within Thingvellir National Park on a standalone guided dive.
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Ottarsstadir Ocean Diving Tour From Reykjavik: Choose an ocean diving experience focused on kelp forests and marine life, with transportation from Reykjavik.
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Reykjanes Ocean and Lava Fissure Diving Combo: Combine an ocean dive with a visit to Bjarnagja Fissure on a trip from Reykjavik.
Guided Tours and Protecting Silfra
Guided tours at Silfra begin with a briefing on safety and responsible behavior in the water. Your guide also keeps the group together and supervises its movement through the fissure.
“It's important to remember that Silfra isn't a swimming pool or an attraction that was built for tourism. It's a natural fissure inside a protected national park.”
— Grétar Þorláksson, Silfra Guide
Follow your guide’s instructions and avoid touching the sides or bottom wherever possible. Never kneel, sit, or stand on the rocks, and stay with your group throughout the dive.
Planning Your Diving Tour in Iceland
Choose your diving tour based on your qualifications, preferred dive site, and transport needs. Check the total duration, equipment inclusions, and medical requirements before booking.
Silfra and Davidsgja are within the area visited on Golden Circle tours. If you plan to visit the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall as well, check how the diving schedule fits your sightseeing plans.
For meet-on-location dives at Thingvellir, consider staying at one of the Golden Circle hotels. Alternatively, select a tour with Reykjavik transfers if you prefer transportation to be included.
For more information, read our guide to diving and snorkeling in Iceland.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive tours in Iceland?
The best dive tours in Iceland explore the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, either by scuba diving or free diving.
1. Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit: Explore Silfra in a wetsuit on an experience combining surface snorkeling with breath-hold diving.
2. Diving Tour in Silfra With Drysuit and Hot Drinks: Meet your guide at Silfra for a guided drysuit scuba dive, with diving equipment and hot drinks included.
3. Drysuit Diving Tour in Silfra With Hot Drinks and Transfer From Reykjavik: Choose a guided Silfra scuba experience with round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.
1. Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit: Explore Silfra in a wetsuit on an experience combining surface snorkeling with breath-hold diving.
2. Diving Tour in Silfra With Drysuit and Hot Drinks: Meet your guide at Silfra for a guided drysuit scuba dive, with diving equipment and hot drinks included.
3. Drysuit Diving Tour in Silfra With Hot Drinks and Transfer From Reykjavik: Choose a guided Silfra scuba experience with round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.
What are the cheapest dive tours in Iceland?
Silfra diving prices don't have to break the bank. These are the most affordable diving tours in Iceland.
1. Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit: Experience Silfra fissure while free diving in its crystal-clear waters, with the added bonus of a wetsuit for comfort.
2. Extreme 4-Hour Silfra Diving Tour at Thingvellir National Park: This 4-hour diving tour offers an in-depth exploration of Silfra with a guide.
3. Unforgettable 4-Hour Nighttime Free Dive at the Silfra Fissure with Experienced Guides & Hot Drinks: A unique nighttime dive through Silfra, with expert guides and the chance to warm up with hot drinks after an unforgettable experience.
1. Free Diving and Snorkeling Tour in Silfra With a Wetsuit: Experience Silfra fissure while free diving in its crystal-clear waters, with the added bonus of a wetsuit for comfort.
2. Extreme 4-Hour Silfra Diving Tour at Thingvellir National Park: This 4-hour diving tour offers an in-depth exploration of Silfra with a guide.
3. Unforgettable 4-Hour Nighttime Free Dive at the Silfra Fissure with Experienced Guides & Hot Drinks: A unique nighttime dive through Silfra, with expert guides and the chance to warm up with hot drinks after an unforgettable experience.
Is it worth it to go diving in Iceland?
Yes, it is worth it to go diving in Iceland, especially at the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, which lies within the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Its visibility can exceed 328 feet (100 meters), revealing submerged lava walls and rock formations for certified divers.
Snorkeling tours are an incredible alternative if you don't have a diving certification.
Snorkeling tours are an incredible alternative if you don't have a diving certification.
Am I physically fit to dive in Iceland? What requirements are there?
To dive in Iceland, you need to be physically fit and meet certification and medical requirements, as the cold water is demanding. All participants must complete a medical statement before the tour, and certain health conditions, such as neurological, circulatory, or respiratory issues, may require a doctor's approval.
If you are over 45 and smoke, have high cholesterol, or have a family history of heart disease, you’ll also need medical clearance. Additionally, all divers over 60 must provide a doctor’s approval to participate.
To join a Silfra diving tour, you need an Open Water certification or equivalent, plus a drysuit certification or written confirmation from an instructor of at least 10 logged drysuit dives within the previous two years.
If you’re not certified, snorkeling in Silfra is a great alternative. If you already hold a scuba qualification but need drysuit training, a PADI Dry Suit Diver Course teaches drysuit skills, although it does not replace an Open Water qualification.
If you are over 45 and smoke, have high cholesterol, or have a family history of heart disease, you’ll also need medical clearance. Additionally, all divers over 60 must provide a doctor’s approval to participate.
To join a Silfra diving tour, you need an Open Water certification or equivalent, plus a drysuit certification or written confirmation from an instructor of at least 10 logged drysuit dives within the previous two years.
If you’re not certified, snorkeling in Silfra is a great alternative. If you already hold a scuba qualification but need drysuit training, a PADI Dry Suit Diver Course teaches drysuit skills, although it does not replace an Open Water qualification.
Is a diving certification required for participating in dive tours in Iceland?
Yes, a diving certification is required for dive tours in Iceland. At Silfra and other sites in Thingvellir National Park, divers need an Open Water certification or equivalent plus a drysuit certification or documented drysuit experience, and more demanding sites may require advanced certification.
Do I need to have drysuit experience to dive in Iceland?
Yes, you need drysuit experience to dive in Iceland’s Silfra fissure: either a drysuit certification or written confirmation from a recognized diving instructor of at least 10 logged drysuit dives within the previous two years.
If you already hold a scuba qualification, you can take this PADI drysuit diver course and become certified during your stay in Iceland. Always check the details of your chosen dive tour, as requirements may vary by operator.
If you already hold a scuba qualification, you can take this PADI drysuit diver course and become certified during your stay in Iceland. Always check the details of your chosen dive tour, as requirements may vary by operator.
What is the difference between scuba diving and free diving?
Scuba diving and free diving are two very different ways of exploring underwater. Scuba diving uses a tank of compressed air, allowing divers to stay underwater for extended periods while breathing through a regulator. It requires certification, specialized equipment, and training to ensure safety, especially in cold-water environments like Silfra.
Free diving, on the other hand, relies on holding your breath rather than using an air tank. It requires strong breath control and good swimming skills but does not require heavy equipment. Free divers typically wear wetsuits for insulation and use weight belts to help with buoyancy. While free diving allows for more freedom of movement, it also has depth and time limitations compared to scuba diving.
Free diving, on the other hand, relies on holding your breath rather than using an air tank. It requires strong breath control and good swimming skills but does not require heavy equipment. Free divers typically wear wetsuits for insulation and use weight belts to help with buoyancy. While free diving allows for more freedom of movement, it also has depth and time limitations compared to scuba diving.
What is the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit?
Wetsuits and drysuits are both used to keep divers warm, but they work in different ways. Wetsuits are made of neoprene and allow a thin layer of water to enter, which the body then warms up to provide insulation. They are best for milder water temperatures and provide more flexibility for activities like free diving.
Drysuits, on the other hand, are fully waterproof and keep the diver completely dry by sealing out water. They require additional layers underneath for insulation and are great for diving in cold environments like Silfra, where water temperatures stay around 35 to 39 F (2 to 4 C) year-round. Since drysuits require different buoyancy control techniques, divers need certification or documented experience to use them on guided tours in Iceland.
Drysuits, on the other hand, are fully waterproof and keep the diver completely dry by sealing out water. They require additional layers underneath for insulation and are great for diving in cold environments like Silfra, where water temperatures stay around 35 to 39 F (2 to 4 C) year-round. Since drysuits require different buoyancy control techniques, divers need certification or documented experience to use them on guided tours in Iceland.
How long will my diving tour in Silfra last?
The dive can last from half an hour to an hour in the water. However, there is a wide variety of diving tours to choose from that offer different experiences.
This extraordinary wetsuit free-dive trip in Silfra lasts about four hours, while this drysuit dive lasts three hours and includes a hot drink to warm you up afterward.
This extraordinary wetsuit free-dive trip in Silfra lasts about four hours, while this drysuit dive lasts three hours and includes a hot drink to warm you up afterward.
Can you scuba dive in Silfra during winter time?
Yes, Iceland scuba diving tours in Silfra operate year-round.
What is the water temperature in Silfra?
The water temperature in Silfra stays around 35 to 39 F (2 to 4 C) all year round, so you can dive there in summer and winter.
What is the water visibility in Silfra?
The water visibility in Silfra can exceed 328 feet (100 meters) in clear conditions, making it among the clearest water in the world.
Are there any other dive sites in Iceland except Silfra?
Yes, there are other dive sites in Iceland besides Silfra. Guided tours also visit the Davidsgja Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, the Ottarsstadir Ocean Site near Hafnarfjordur, and the Bjarnagja Fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula, while experienced divers can also explore sites such as Gardur and the Strytan hydrothermal chimney. Learn more in our guide to scuba diving and snorkeling in Iceland.
If you want to earn your PADI dry suit diver certification on your vacation, Iceland is the perfect place to learn from experienced divers and explore magical underwater worlds.
If you want to earn your PADI dry suit diver certification on your vacation, Iceland is the perfect place to learn from experienced divers and explore magical underwater worlds.
What are the group sizes for diving tours in Iceland?
Group sizes for diving tours in Iceland are typically small, often limited to six to eight divers per guide to ensure safety and a more personalized experience. Smaller groups also allow for better interaction with the guide and easier navigation of unique dive sites like Silfra.
What type of diving gear is provided on Icelandic dive tours, and what should I bring?
Icelandic dive tours usually provide essential diving gear such as drysuits, regulators, masks, fins, and weights. Divers should bring their certification card, any requested dive logs and completed medical forms, long underwear under a drysuit or swimwear under a wetsuit, warm outer clothing, and a towel. Make sure to check the tour description for specific gear requirements.
Are there any age restrictions for diving tours in Iceland?
Yes, most diving tours in Iceland have age restrictions, typically requiring divers to be 18 years or older. However, some operators may allow divers as young as 12 with parental consent and appropriate certification.
How do I prepare for a dive tour in Iceland's cold water conditions?
To prepare for a dive in Iceland's cold waters, ensure you are comfortable using a drysuit or receive drysuit training beforehand. Acclimatizing to cold water and staying well-hydrated is also essential. It's advisable to have good physical fitness and familiarity with cold-water diving techniques.
What marine life can I expect to see while diving in Iceland?
The marine life you can expect to see while diving in Iceland depends on the site. Freshwater fissures like Silfra are known for rock formations and algae rather than wildlife, though trout sometimes accompany divers at Davidsgja. Ocean sites such as Ottarsstadir and Gardur have kelp forests with fish, crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and wolffish.
Are there dive tours available for both beginners and experienced divers in Iceland?
Dive tours in Iceland cater to a range of experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers. However, due to the challenging conditions, even beginner tours often require participants to have some prior diving experience or certification.
Snorkeling tours may be better suited to those with little-to-no experience, such as this best-rated Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik.
Snorkeling tours may be better suited to those with little-to-no experience, such as this best-rated Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Iceland?
The best time of year to go diving in Iceland is generally summer, with longer daylight hours, milder conditions above water, and seasonal ocean excursions such as Gardur. Silfra is open year-round with little seasonal change in water temperature, so winter diving is also possible if you allow extra time for travel.
How can I ensure environmental responsibility while diving in Iceland?
To dive responsibly in Iceland, follow the principles of 'leave no trace.' Avoid disturbing marine life and habitats, don't remove anything from dive sites, and be mindful of your environmental impact. Adhering to guidelines set by your dive operator is also crucial for conserving Iceland's delicate underwater ecosystems.
Is insurance required for diving tours in Iceland?
While insurance is not always mandatory for diving tours in Iceland, it is highly recommended to have travel or dive insurance that covers activities like cold-water diving. This provides protection in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as cancellations, accidents, or medical emergencies during the tour.
Are there dive tours that explore Iceland's volcanic underwater landscapes?
Yes, Iceland's dive tours explore unique volcanic underwater landscapes. These include diving in fissures between tectonic plates, like the famous Silfra fissure, where divers can experience the clear waters and unusual rock formations created by volcanic activity.
What safety procedures are in place for diving tours in Iceland?
Safety on diving tours in Iceland is paramount. Dive operators typically provide a thorough safety briefing, ensure divers are correctly certified, and check equipment meticulously. Guided tours ensure divers are accompanied by experienced professionals familiar with the local diving conditions and emergency procedures.
How does the weather affect diving conditions in Iceland?
Iceland’s weather can impact diving conditions, especially during winter, when strong winds, snow, or ice may limit access to dive sites or make conditions challenging. However, sites like Silfra are generally well-sheltered, ensuring consistent visibility and safe diving experiences year-round, regardless of weather fluctuations.
How experienced are the guides for Icelandic diving tours?
Guides for Icelandic diving tours are highly experienced and certified, often with extensive training in cold-water diving and dry suit use. They are knowledgeable about local dive sites, safety protocols, and the unique geology and marine life of Iceland, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
How do I get from Reykjavik to Silfra?
To get from Reykjavik to Silfra, follow Route 36 (Thingvallavegur) northeast to Thingvellir National Park for about 37 miles (60 kilometers), or around an hour’s drive in good conditions. Renting a car lets you drive yourself and park at P5 near Thingvellir Church, a short walk from the meeting area.
If you prefer not to drive, many guided diving and snorkeling tours offer pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, so you can relax without worrying about navigation or parking.
If you prefer not to drive, many guided diving and snorkeling tours offer pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, so you can relax without worrying about navigation or parking.
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