HRAFN SVEINBJARNARSON III - Silfra & Thingvellir

Forget the dramatic landscapes above the surface for a moment. HRAFN SVEINBJARNARSON III gives you a proper taste of Iceland's diving history, a sharp contrast to Silfra’s glacial cold. This isn't a deep dive, sitting at a comfortable 10 meters, making it accessible for most open water divers who are comfortable with the chill. The wreck itself is a fishing vessel, the HRAFN SVEINBJARNARSON III, which ran aground back in '88. We love how much of the vessel is still there to explore; you can really get a sense of its original form, the deckhouse, the holds. It’s a proper wreck, not just a few scattered plates. We usually find it’s the smaller stuff that truly brings it to life. Anemones coat the metal, nudibranchs graze on the growth, and we've spotted sculpins tucked into crevices. The visibility can vary, but even on a slightly murkier day, the outline of the wreck emerging from the gloom is genuinely atmospheric. Our tip: go slow, poke into every nook, and imagine the old trawler working the fishing grounds.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
63.825000, -22.450000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 HRAFN SVEINBJARNARSON III

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 HRAFN SVEINBJARNARSON III

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 maximum depth for diving the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III shipwreck?
The Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III shipwreck offers a maximum diving depth of 10 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers looking to explore a wreck.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III site?
Divers exploring the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III can expect to see the remains of a 34.7m x 6.7m fishing vessel. This wreck, classified as showing a portion of its hull or superstructure, ran aground in 1988. Information regarding specific marine life at this site is not available in the current data.
How challenging is the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III dive site for recreational divers?
The Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it manageable and rewarding.
When is the optimal time of year to dive the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III shipwreck for the best conditions?
Specific information regarding the optimal time of year to dive the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III for the best conditions is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to explore the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III wreck?
While specific certification requirements for the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III are not explicitly stated, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should hold at least an Open Water certification and have some experience. Always check with local dive operators for any additional prerequisites or recommended training.
What are the typical currents and underwater visibility like at the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III dive site?
Information regarding the typical currents and underwater visibility at the Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III dive site is not available in the provided context. Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive.