PELAGUS - Silfra & Thingvellir

Forget the warm water wrecks for a minute. Pelagus is different. It’s the wreck that anchors you to Iceland’s rugged, unforgiving coast, a chilling reminder of the sea’s power. This isn't a penetration dive, not really. It's more of an atmospheric experience, a visual story of a trawler that met its end on those Vestmannaeyjar rocks back in '82. We love how the wreck just sits there, defiant against the surge, slowly being reclaimed. You’ll find it’s not about finding rare nudibranchs here, though we have spotted a few hardy anemones clinging on. Instead, it’s about the sheer stark beauty of the metal, barnacled and corroded, framed by the grey-green water. What makes it special is the way the light filters through, dancing off the remains, giving the whole site a ghostly, almost ethereal feel. Our favourite time to dive Pelagus is on a calm day, early morning if you can manage it. That’s when the water settles a bit and the visibility stretches, letting you appreciate the scale. The current can be tricky, so checking conditions is crucial. This dive suits those who appreciate a wreck for its narrative, for its connection to a place, rather than just for its cargo holds. It’s a powerful, cold-water dive that truly sticks with you.

Location
Silfra & Thingvellir, Iceland, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
63.433334, -20.233334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Marine Protected Area: Surtsey

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 PELAGUS

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 PELAGUS

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