MARIANE DANIELSEN - Silfra & Thingvellir

Let’s be honest, Silfra often gets all the glory in Iceland, but if you’re looking for something with a bit more… structure, the *Marianne Danielsen* is our pick. This isn’t a deep dive, sitting at a maximum of 3 meters, which means plenty of bottom time and ambient light to really take in the scale of it all. We love the eerie silhouette she casts against the often-grey Icelandic sky, a stark reminder of the ocean's power. The *Marianne Danielsen* ran aground in 1989 just south of Grindavik, and she's been slowly broken apart by the relentless North Atlantic ever since. What's left is a truly fascinating wreck, stretching 79 meters. You can spend a good hour just finning around the superstructure, picking out bits of machinery, and imagining her final moments. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, the water has that crisp, clean North Atlantic clarity that makes the wreck stand out sharply. It’s a completely different vibe than the glacial melt of Silfra; here, you’re diving history, feeling the cold water against your face, and watching the sea slowly reclaim what’s hers. This site really suits divers who appreciate a good story and don't mind a bit of a rugged feel to their dive. You won’t find colourful corals, but the sheer size of the wreck and the raw, untamed environment make for a memorable experience.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
63.825000, -22.483334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

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 MARIANE DANIELSEN

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 MARIANE DANIELSEN

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 depth range for diving at the Mariane Danielsen dive site?
The Mariane Danielsen dive site offers a typical depth of 3 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for divers exploring this fascinating wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Mariane Danielsen?
At the Mariane Danielsen dive site, divers can expect to explore the impressive remains of a motor vessel. This large wreck, measuring 79.2m x 13.1m, was built in 1977 and sunk on January 20, 1989, offering a unique underwater feature. While specific marine life is not detailed in the available information, the wreck itself provides a captivating environment.
How difficult is the Mariane Danielsen dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Mariane Danielsen dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or experience. Divers should have some prior experience to safely navigate this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Mariane Danielsen for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at the Mariane Danielsen dive site for optimal conditions and visibility is not available in our current data. We recommend checking local dive operator reports or our When to Dive section for general guidance on diving in Iceland.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at the Mariane Danielsen site?
While specific diving certifications for the Mariane Danielsen site are not explicitly listed, its intermediate difficulty suggests that divers should possess at least an Open Water Diver certification. Given it is a wreck dive, additional training such as a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended for safe exploration.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Mariane Danielsen dive site?
Details regarding the typical currents and specific water conditions at the Mariane Danielsen dive site are not available in the provided data. Divers planning to visit this site should consult with local dive centers in Silfra & Thingvellir for up-to-date information before their dive.