HMS Graph - Silfra & Thingvellir

Forget what you think you know about diving Iceland, because the HMS Graph is a total curveball. Most folks come here for the gin-clear crack in Silfra, but we love the weird, almost sci-fi vibe of this German U-boat. She’s a Type VIIC, sunk in 1941, and just thinking about her history sends shivers down your spine before you even hit the water. Dropping down, the sheer scale of her hits you. This isn’t some broken-up debris field; it’s a proper submarine, albeit one listing heavily on the seabed. We often find ourselves just hovering, taking in the torpedo tubes and the conning tower, imagining the cramped quarters. There’s a quietness here that’s different from a reef, a real sense of intrusion into a steel tomb. While you won't find a riot of colour, the way the light filters through the water and plays on the rusted metal is genuinely beautiful, creating these deep, moody blues and greys. We’d suggest bringing a strong torch, not just for penetration (which we’d advise only for experienced wreck divers with proper training) but to really pick out the details on the exterior. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history, the cold beauty of a wreck, and a truly unique experience far from the tropical crowds.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
62.250000, -18.583334
Type
wreck

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 HMS Graph

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 HMS Graph

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