KOPANES - Silfra & Thingvellir

Okay, let's talk Kopanes. Forget what you think you know about Icelandic diving. This isn't about pelagics or volcanic vents. Kopanes is a pure wreck dive, sitting in the approaches to Grindavik Harbour, just 2 metres down. We love it because it’s so accessible, a true piece of maritime history you can practically walk to from shore. The fishing vessel went down in 1973 after its tow wire snapped, and it’s been weathering the North Atlantic ever since. What you get now is a skeletal hull, 26.5 metres long, broken open in places, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. We’ve spent whole dives just poking around the engine room, or what’s left of it, imagining the life that played out on its decks. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the light plays through the gaps in the hull, giving the whole wreck an ethereal, almost stained-glass quality. It’s a shallow, easy dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to spend a relaxed hour with a piece of history.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
63.833332, -22.433332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

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 KOPANES

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 KOPANES

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 Kopanes?
The typical diving depth at Kopanes is quite shallow, at just 2 meters. This makes it an accessible site for exploring the wreck of the fishing vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at Kopanes?
When diving at Kopanes, you can expect to explore the underwater features of a historical wreck. The site is classified as a wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure, specifically a fishing vessel that sank on March 1, 1973, measuring 26.5m x 6.7m. The provided data does not specify particular marine life at this site.
How challenging is diving at Kopanes, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Kopanes is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the depth is shallow at 2 meters, its classification as intermediate suggests it might not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or experience. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving conditions.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Kopanes for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Kopanes does not specify the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions. For general information on when to dive in Iceland, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Kopanes?
Given that Kopanes is classified as an intermediate dive site, divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification, with experience in similar conditions. While no specific wreck diving certification is explicitly required by the data, it would be highly recommended for exploring this fishing vessel wreck safely.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Kopanes dive site?
The provided data for the Kopanes dive site does not include information on typical current conditions or visibility. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Silfra & Thingvellir for up-to-date conditions.