GJAFAR - Silfra & Thingvellir

Forget what you think you know about Icelandic diving. Gjafar isn't some pristine reef, it’s a time capsule. We love how the story unfolds beneath the surface here. This trawler, beached in 1973 after a close call with Grindavik Harbour, lies broken but surprisingly intact in parts. Dropping down, the cold water bites, but the visibility – often 20 metres or more – lets the wreck reveal itself slowly. We usually find the bow section first, rising out of the sand like a skeletal finger. Our favourite moment is swimming through the wheelhouse; the controls are still there, corroded but recognisable, a poignant reminder of the crew's last moments. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out at 8 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. Look closely, and you'll spot small sculpins darting between the rusted plates, and sometimes a curious crab peeking from a dark corner. This site is perfect for those who appreciate history and don’t mind a bit of a chill; it’s a dive that really makes you think.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
63.829166, -22.433332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Marine Protected Area: Eldey

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Silfra & Thingvellir

Nearest Dive Centres to GJAFAR

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for GJAFAR

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