GODAFOSS - Silfra & Thingvellir

We'll be straight with you: diving Iceland is not about the corals or the critters. It’s about the raw, visceral experience of being somewhere truly unique, and Godafoss delivers on that promise. This isn't a tropical reef, it's a piece of history, frozen in time and cold water. Dropping down onto the Godafoss, the first thing that hits you is the sheer scale. At 70 metres long, this old steamship is substantial, a proper wreck sitting upright on the seabed. She went down fast after a U-boat torpedo hit in 1944, and you can still sense that sudden, tragic end. We love exploring the bow, which is still largely intact, and peering into the holds. The stern is a bit more broken up, but there's a certain beauty in the twisted metal. Visibility here can be incredible, sometimes 30 metres plus, especially on a calm day, which makes the whole wreck visible as you descend. It feels like flying over a sunken ghost ship. The water is cold, around 4°C, so a drysuit is non-negotiable, and thick gloves are a blessing. While there aren't specific "species" to tick off, the way the ambient light filters through the water and plays on the steel is its own kind of magic. This dive is for the wreck enthusiasts, the history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the stark beauty of a truly wild dive location. It’s not a dive you forget easily.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
64.135000, -22.646667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
37m

Marine Protected Area: Hlið

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 GODAFOSS

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 GODAFOSS

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at the Godafoss dive site?
The typical diving depth at the Godafoss dive site is 37 meters. This depth makes it an interesting exploration for divers comfortable with deeper wreck dives.
What kind of underwater scenery or marine life can divers expect to see at Godafoss?
Divers at Godafoss can expect to explore the remains of a steam ship vessel, a significant wreck measuring 70.1m x 10.7m. This non-dangerous wreck, sunk in 1944, offers a unique historical underwater scenery. The provided data does not specify particular marine life, but wreck dives often attract various species over time.
How difficult is diving at Godafoss, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Godafoss is classified as intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is not typically suitable for beginner divers who may lack the experience required for this type of dive. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for intermediate wreck dives.
What is the best time of year to dive at Godafoss for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data for Godafoss does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or visibility. For general guidance on planning your dive trips, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Godafoss dive site?
While the data does not explicitly list specific certifications for Godafoss, its intermediate difficulty and depth of 37 meters suggest that advanced open water or wreck diving certifications would be highly recommended. Divers should always ensure they have the appropriate training and experience for such conditions.
What are the usual water currents and visibility conditions encountered when diving at Godafoss?
The provided data for the Godafoss dive site does not include information on usual water currents or visibility conditions. It is always advisable to check local dive reports and conditions with a reputable dive center before planning your dive.