Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park offers one of the world's most unique diving experiences in the Silfra fissure, a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, this dive is not about marine life but about unparalleled geology and water clarity. Divers navigate through a chasm filled with pure, glacial meltwater that has been filtered through volcanic rock for decades, resulting in visibility that seems infinite. It's a true geological wonder, allowing you to physically touch two continents at once in a surreal, silent, and vividly blue underwater world.

Diving conditions are consistent year-round, with water temperatures holding steady at a frigid 2-4°C (35-39°F), necessitating a dry suit and relevant certification. The main allure is the visibility, which regularly exceeds 100 meters (330 feet), creating a sensation of flying. This bucket-list destination is for divers seeking an extraordinary adventure unlike any other. The combination of geological significance, otherworldly landscapes, and gin-clear water makes diving in Thingvellir a truly unforgettable, albeit cold, journey into the heart of the Earth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
The most popular and world-renowned dive site is the Silfra Fissure. Its fame comes from being a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, allowing divers to touch two continents at once. The main draw is the astonishingly clear, cold water, which is filtered glacial meltwater, providing over 100 meters (330 feet) of visibility. This unique geological feature makes it a bucket-list dive for adventurers worldwide.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
Silfra is the primary, world-famous site. A less-crowded alternative in the same lake is Davíðsgjá (David's Crack). It is a darker, deeper, and more challenging fissure dive compared to Silfra. While Silfra is known for its incredible blues and clarity, Davíðsgjá offers a different, more adventurous experience for qualified divers looking to escape the main crowds.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
The water temperature in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, is remarkably stable year-round. It stays at a constant 2-4°C (35-39°F) regardless of the season. This is because the water is glacial meltwater from the Langjökull glacier, which is filtered underground for 30-100 years before emerging in the fissure, maintaining its frigid temperature.
When is the best time to visit Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
Diving in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, is possible year-round due to stable water conditions. Summer (June-August) offers warmer air temperatures and the midnight sun, making gearing up more comfortable. Winter provides a unique experience, diving in a snowy landscape with a chance to see the Northern Lights, though surface conditions are significantly colder.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
The underwater visibility in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, is legendary and consistently phenomenal throughout the year. Divers can expect visibility exceeding 100 meters (330 feet). This extraordinary clarity is due to the cold, pure glacial water that has been filtered for decades through porous underground lava rock, removing all impurities and particles.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
No. Diving in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, is focused on its unique geology, not marine life. The dive sites are in a freshwater fissure with very little aquatic life. There are no seasonal migrations of large animals. The special event here is the dive itself: floating between continental plates in perfectly clear, cold water.
What marine life can I expect to see in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
Do not expect to see much life when diving in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland. The extremely cold water supports very little life. You will see different types of vibrant green algae, sometimes called "troll hair," on the rocks. On rare occasions, a small Arctic char may swim into the fissure from the main lake, but this is not a common sight.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
Wetsuits are not used. Due to the constant 2-4°C (35-39°F) water, diving in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, requires a high-quality dry suit with warm thermal undergarments. All local tour operators mandate dry suits for safety and comfort. Dry suit certification or documented experience is a strict prerequisite for all divers.
How do I get to Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
Fly into Iceland's main international airport, Keflavík (KEF). Thingvellir National Park is located on the popular Golden Circle route, about a 45-60 minute drive from the capital, Reykjavík. Most divers book a tour that includes pickup and transportation from Reykjavík. Renting a car is also a popular and easy option for exploring the area.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland?
There are no liveaboard options for Thingvellir National Park, Iceland. It is an inland, freshwater dive site, and all operations are shore-based. Divers stay in hotels or guesthouses in Reykjavík or the surrounding Golden Circle area and travel to the park for a day trip. All dives are conducted from entry platforms built on the edge of the fissure.
All Dive Sites in Thingvellir National Park (1)
Silfra