Diving in Silfra & Thingvellir

Explore 26 dive sites in Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Silfra & Thingvellir

The warmest water temperatures in Silfra & Thingvellir occur in August, averaging 12.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 3.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 3.9°C
  • February: 3.7°C
  • March: 4.4°C
  • April: 5.9°C
  • May: 7.8°C
  • June: 10.1°C
  • July: 11.8°C
  • August: 12.2°C
  • September: 10.5°C
  • October: 8.0°C
  • November: 6.0°C
  • December: 4.6°C

Marine Life in Silfra & Thingvellir

Home to 30 recorded species including 8 seagrass & algae, 6 whales & dolphins, 6 reef fish, 3 clams & mussels, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 other.

Recommended Packing List for Silfra & Thingvellir

Based on average water temperature of 7.4°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Drysuit - water at 7°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Silfra & Thingvellir

  • Surtsey - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Eldey - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Flatey - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Melrakkaey - strandlína - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Grótta - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Dyrhólaey - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Breiðafjörður - Conservation Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Grunnafjörður - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Grunnafjördur - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blautós og Innstavogsnes - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ströndin við Stapa og Hellna - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fossvogsbakkar - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Kasthúsatjörn, fjara - Public Recreation Area or Country Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Hlið - Public Recreation Area or Country Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Gálgahraun - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category III)
  • Hleinar - Public Recreation Area or Country Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Hvaleyrarlón og Hvaleyrarhöfði - Public Recreation Area or Country Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Skerjafjörður innan Garðabæjar - Habitat protection (IUCN Category V)
  • Surtsey - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Andakíll - Habitat protection (IUCN Category IV)
  • Skerjafjörður innan Kópavogs - Habitat protection (IUCN Category IV)
  • Eldey - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Reynisdjup, coral reef - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Surtsey - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Andakill Protected Habitat Area - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Akurey - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Lundey í Kollafirði - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Blikastaðakró-Leiruvogur - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Andakíll, Hvanneyri - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Silfra & Thingvellir - Nearest Airports

  • Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), Reykjavík - 30 km away, approx 48 min travel time
  • Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Reykjavík - 46 km away, approx 65 min travel time
  • Akureyri International Airport (AEY), Akureyri - 262 km away, approx 301 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres