Scuba Diving Tours in Iceland

Experience the thrill of diving in Iceland’s crystal-clear waters!

If you’re into scuba diving, Iceland offers some of the most unique underwater experiences in the world. This one-of-a-kind experience lets you see what lies beneath the vast Icelandic waters. You’ll have the chance to explore magnificent fissures such as Silfra, Bjarnagjá and Davíðsgjá.

Iceland’s waters draw PADI-certified divers from all over the world thanks to its many fissures. Some of these cracks have crystal-clear water, allowing visibility of up to 100 meters (328 feet), depending on the weather conditions. The fissures are also full of geological wonders, such as Silfra, which is located in the middle of two tectonic plates!

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Scuba Diving Tour in the Silfra Fissure (from Reykjavik)

Scuba Diving Tour in the Silfra Fissure

The Tectonic Dive Day Tour From Reykjavík

Multi-Day Diving Tour

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Want to know more about scuba diving in Iceland?

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Why Dive in Iceland?

Another interesting thing about Silfra Fissure is its location. When the crevice cracked open, it did so in the middle of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This means that snorkellers and divers today have the chance to swim between two continents and even touch them both! What’s also interesting is that the tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart by about 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) each year.

Iceland is also one of the few places in the world where you can dive in cold water. The low temperature is a big part of why visibility in Silfra and Davíðsgjá is so clear. Since there are fewer microorganisms and less algae growing in cold water, divers and snorkellers can see clearer. On top of that, cooler dive spots are home to unique marine wildlife, such as Arctic char.

Diving spots around Iceland provide a chance to witness the untamed beauty of nature. It’s an environment untouched by pollution and human interference. The country's remote location and strict environmental regulations ensure its underwater ecosystems remain pristine. Arctic scuba diving in fissures like Silfra, Davíðsgjá, Kleifarvatn, and Garður gives an opportunity to see a different Iceland. Every site is unique and lets divers see distinctive marine wildlife.

Best Time for Scuba Diving in Iceland

Unlike many places, diving in Iceland is available all year round. Many fissures have consistent weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year. That means you can visit the country for a dive at any time of your convenience. In the case of Silfra Fissure, the water constantly stays at 2–4°C (35–37°F). This is because it comes directly from Langjökull glacier, which keeps it cool and refreshing.

Of course, there are still some seasonal differences in Iceland. During the winter season, ice melting creates mesmerizing, almost surreal light refractions in the water. This can be very beautiful to watch and even enhances the diving experience! On the other hand, the Midnight Sun in Iceland during summer delivers more sunlight, allowing for well-lit late-evening dives. It’s also much warmer this season, so getting in gear is more comfortable.

Certification and Requirements

If you want to go diving in Iceland, you must first have certain PADI certifications. These include the scuba diver, open water, and dry suit specialty certificates. The country’s diving spots have unique conditions, so each diver needs to be prepared for them. You can acquire each certification at the Arctic Adventures Diving Center, which provides training at any level. Expert instructors with years of experience lead each course.

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There are also strict health requirements for Iceland diving. This activity involves moderate exercise, so every participant should be physically fit and healthy. Divers must have no pre-existing medical conditions that could be provoked by cold water or exercise. Participants with conditions like heart disease or respiratory issues may not be allowed to participate. Additionally, divers should have good mobility and be comfortable swimming in cold water for extended periods.

You can find more information about diving requirements in the diving handbook.

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What to Expect on a Scuba Iceland Tour

Scuba diving Iceland tour guides will help you to properly prepare for your trip. Seasoned and certified professionals with years of experience give a thorough briefing for all participants. This includes details about diving procedures, signs and signals, national park rules, equipment, the route, and, most importantly, how to use the dry suit. After that, you’re ready for your Iceland scuba diving adventure!

Once underwater, prepare to witness some of the most beautiful aquatic sights in the world. Iceland’s near-freezing, crystal-clear waters provide unmatched visibility, ranging up to 100 meters (328 feet). The country’s diving spots also feature unique marine life—from vibrant and colorful algae to Arctic species like trout and char. Your diving session will last for about 30 minutes, so make sure to soak in all the beauty of underwater Iceland.

FAQ

The cost to dive in Iceland varies depending on the tour and location, but a typical Silfra diving tour is around 33,990 ISK (approximately 256 USD) per person. Prices may differ based on what’s included—such as pickup, equipment rental, or combo options with other activities—so it’s a good idea to check the specific tour details when booking.

Diving in Iceland is available all year round. The most popular time for scuba diving in Iceland is during the summer months (June to August), thanks to milder weather, longer daylight hours, and easier access. However, winter diving (November to March) offers a unique experience with fewer crowds and a peaceful, icy atmosphere. Both seasons provide crystal-clear visibility and stunning underwater scenery.

The most famous dive in Iceland is the Silfra Fissure. This spot is known for its crystal-clear water with a visibility of up to 100 meters (328 feet). It’s also located between the North American and European tectonic plates, meaning divers can touch both continents simultaneously.

The water in Silfra Fissure stays at a consistent 2–4°C (35–37°F) throughout the year. While that may sound chilly, with a dry suit and proper undergarments, you’ll be ready to go Silfra scuba diving.

A PADI certification is a scuba diving certification issued by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), one of the world’s leading scuba diving training organizations. It proves that a diver has successfully completed the necessary training to dive safely.

Yes, you need to have previous experience in dry suit diving. For a Silfra dive, you need to have a special PADI dry suit certification or a logbook showing that you’ve completed at least 10 dry suit dives. Please note that without the required documents, you will not be allowed to dive.

You will be provided with an undersuit, a dry suit, and all the additional equipment required to dive in Silfra, including cold water regulators, a BCD (buoyancy control device), a weight harness, and tanks. You’ll also be given a mask, fins, a hood, and gloves.

The maximum depth of the Silfra dive is 18 meters (59 feet). However, due to the site's topography, most of the dive is spent at a shallower depth.

Yes, you can bring your camera when diving in Iceland. Just make sure it’s waterproof if you want to take your camera underwater.

Yes, Silfra scuba diving is completely safe. So long as you listen to the instructions and follow your guide, you will be secure on your underwater adventure.