Roundtrip Iceland – Diving in the Silfra Gorge
During this self-drive trip, you will discover Iceland at your own pace along spectacular scenery. The highlight is diving in Silfra, combined with glaciers, waterfalls and black beaches.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving in the Silfra Gorge & road trip along natural wonders
Best travel time for a diving trip to Iceland
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Iceland
Wetsuit advice for IcelandThe temperatures in the table are for sea water. In Silfra the water temperature is almost constantly around 2 to 4 °C throughout the year. A dry suit is mandatory here. We also recommend a dry suit for sea diving because of the low temperatures. A 7 mm wetsuit or semi-dry suit is a possible alternative, but since in Silfra you dive with a dry suit anyway, most divers choose to use it throughout the trip.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | The trip to Iceland
After a relatively short flight, you will arrive in Iceland. Here a rental car will be waiting for you. From the vliegeld, a shuttle bus goes every 15 minutes to take you to the car rental.
Once you have your car, you can head toward the center of capitalReykjavik. This is a 45-60 minute drive. You can park the car at the hotel and visit the center of the capital in advance.
Day 2 | Diving in Silfra & along the Golden Circle
Today starts the day with a unique diving experience: diving in the Silfra gorge. Here you literally dive between two continents, on the fault line of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
It is a shore dive and after a short boarding you soon swim through a narrow passage where the walls of the fault line are visible on either side. The maximum depth is around 18 meters, but most of the dive takes place shallower.
The water comes from the Langjökull and has been filtered through volcanic rock over decades. This makes it exceptionally clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 meters. This makes for an almost surreal experience where it feels like you are floating in a blue, crystal-clear landscape of rock formations, sandy plateaus and deep gorges.
The temperature is stable year-round around 3 to 4 °C, making a dry suit mandatory. Despite the cold, it is a calm and controlled dive: there is hardly any current and you follow a clear route through the gorge together with a guide. Because Silfra is part of the protected Þingvellir National Park, strict rules apply to preserve this fragile natural area.
After the dive in Silfra get back in the car and set off along the famous Golden Circle, a route along some of South Iceland’s most famous natural highlights.
- Þingvellir National Park: Þingvellir is both historically and geologically extraordinary. This is where the world’s first parliament, the Alþingi, was established more than 1,000 years ago. In addition, the park lies on the fault line of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are slowly moving apart. This is clearly visible in the landscape. Please note that parking in the park is paid in most places.
- Gullfoss: Gullfoss is a powerful and impressive waterfall that plunges in two stages into a deep gorge. It is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural phenomena and a fine example of the rugged power of the landscape.
- Geysir: In the geothermal area of Geysir, you will find the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes and sprays water as high as 25 meters into the air. The original Geysir is largely inactive, but it did give its name to all geysers worldwide.
Day 3 | Diving in a lava canyon
Today you will dive into the extraordinary Bjarnagjá fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík.
This 18-meter-deep lava canyon is located in the middle of a geologically active area where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. The fissure was formed by volcanic activity and is close to the coast, so there is a mix of fresh and salt water. This sometimes creates surprising marine life in the fissure.
On the bottom there is a small wreck, which makes this dive extra special. The dive takes about 30-40 minutes with a maximum depth of 18 meters. Afterwards there is hot chocolate and cookies before you return to Reykjavík.
In the afternoon you will have time to explore Reykjavík at your own pace. The city is compact, colorful and a mix of modern and charmingly old.
For example, visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja, walk along the coast to the iconic Sun Voyager and the Harpa Concert Hall, or stroll across Austurvöllur past the Parliament Alþingi. End the day in one of the city’s many cafes or restaurants, where you can find both local and international cuisine.
Day 4 | exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you will discover the diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region often described as “Iceland in miniature.” Volcanic landscapes, glaciers, rugged coastlines and black beaches constantly alternate here.
At the heart of the peninsula lies the impressive Snæfellsjökull, a 1446-meter-high dormant volcano with a glacier at its summit. This striking mountain is the centerpiece of the national park and became world famous as the inspiration for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. In clear weather, the glacier dominates the entire landscape.
Along the coast are the small fishing villages Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where you walk past jagged basalt formations and cliffs carved by the sea.
Further on is the black beach Djúpalónssandur, a place with an almost mystical atmosphere. The four ancient lifting stones on the beach were once used to test the strength of fishermen and give the location an extra historical layer.
A highlight of the day is the iconic Kirkjufell, probably the most photographed mountain in the country. Its distinctive shape, along with the waterfall and fjord in front of it, makes this one of Iceland’s most famous landscapes.
On the way back you pass the narrow gorge Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. You can partially enter this impressive crevice in the rock face via a short hike and scramble. Deeper into the gorge awaits a small waterfall, which makes for a wonderful end to the day.
Day 5 | Diving in the Atlantic Ocean & to the Blue Lagoon
Today you will take a special shore dive on Iceland’s rugged Atlantic coast at Garður, about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík.
Underwater, you swim through vast kelp forests that provide habitat for a surprisingly rich variety of animals. You may encounter wrasse, nudibranchs and various invertebrates, among others. Among the sand flats, you can often see the eyes of flatfish that have burrowed in, while the landscape is interspersed with colorful algae and sometimes soft orange corals. With some luck, a wolffish will appear among the rocks, an impressive and almost prehistoric-looking sight.
The dive is influenced by the tide and is usually scheduled around high tide for the best conditions. Depending on the weather, other dive sites such as Ölverstaðir, Akranes or in less favorable sea conditions even Silfra or Kleifarvatn. After the dive warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.
After the dive, it’s time to relax at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and a real bucket list experience for many travelers.
Located in the middle of a vast black lava landscape, Blue Lagoon is known for its milky blue, mineral-rich water and special atmosphere. The warm water contains silica and sulfur, among other things, which provides the distinctive color and a conditioning effect on the skin.
The lagoon was created as a byproduct of the geothermal power plant in the Svartsengi area. After energy production, the used water is drained into the surrounding lava field, where it accumulates in natural pools and cools to a pleasant bathing temperature. The lava field is relatively young, having formed around 1226, and its porous structure allows water to flow easily through it.
At the end of the day, check into a new hotel for 1 night.
Day 6 | Skaftafell & Vatnajökull National Park
Today you travel further east on Route 1, through the increasingly rugged landscape of southern Iceland, towards Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park. This area is often considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Iceland.
Skaftafell is known as the “crown jewel” of national parks. Glaciers, mountains and green plains come together here in a landscape constantly shaped by ice and volcanic forces. At the visitor center, you will find information about nature, hiking trails and the influence of glaciers and volcanoes on this area.
In good weather, a hike to the waterfall Svartifoss is an absolute must. This 5.5 km route (about 2 hours round trip) takes you through a varied landscape to a waterfall surrounded by striking basalt columns. Along the way, you will pass viewpoints and diverse landscapes that together reveal the unique atmosphere of Skaftafell.
After the hike, you will continue traveling through the impressive landscape of southern Iceland towards your accommodation in the east of the country.
For those who want, there are also opportunities to go out with a guide and hike through the glacier or along sde icebergs. These hikes take longer and are more difficult. Feel free to ask about the possibilities!
Day 7 | Exploring the south coast of Iceland
Today you travel along the south coast of Iceland from the vicinity of Jökulsárlón towards Vík. Along the way you will pass an alternation of waterfalls, black beaches, canyons and imposing mountain landscapes.
Svartifoss is one of the first highlights of the day, known for the dark basalt columns that frame the waterfall. Further along the route rises the impressive Lómagnúpur rises from the vast sandy plains of Skeiðarársandur, one of the most recognizable mountains along the Ring Road.
A short stop at Fossálar lets you enjoy a surprisingly quiet river spot, while at Dverghamrar you will see extraordinary basalt formations that folklore says are associated with elves and dwarves.
This is followed by the impressive gorge Fjaðrárgljúfur, deeply carved into the landscape and almost serpentine in shape. Also the famous Hjörleifshöfði, with the so-called “Yoda cave,” is a special stop along the way.
Two classics await along the south coast: Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skógafoss, a powerful and wide waterfall often accompanied by rainbows.
At the end of the day visit Reynisfjara, the famous black beach with basalt columns and sea stacks, after which you arrive in Vík í Mýrdal. This small village lies at the foot of the Katla volcano and is the last stop of the trip. The last night you sleep again in Reykjavik.
Day 8 | The return trip
Today, after a final breakfast, you will travel back towards the airport. The drive to Keflavík International Airport takes about 1 hour and takes you through the Icelandic landscape one last time.
Upon arrival, you will return your rental car and check in for your return flight, with all the highlights of this special trip still fresh in your mind.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from nature in Iceland?
Diving between two continents
Diving in Silfra feels like stepping into another world. You descend into a narrow canyon where the water is so clear that you can see dozens of meters far, as you swim slowly between two tectonic plates. The landscape underwater consists of deep fissures, rock walls and pale blue water that constantly changes with the sunlight. The water comes from the Langjökull and is freezing cold, but that very coldness is what makes the water so crystal clear and intensely blue. It’s a dive you can’t take anywhere else in the world.
‘Little Iceland’ in one day
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives a complete picture of Iceland with glaciers, volcanoes, black beaches and dramatic cliffs. At its center lies the Snæfellsjökull, a 1446-meter-high volcano with glacier made famous by Jules Verne. Along the coast are such places as Arnarstapi and Hellnar with basalt formations, while Djúpalónssandur and Kirkjufell complete the landscape with black beaches and iconic mountain forms. It is also called “little Iceland” here and gives you the feeling of seeing the entire island with all its variety in one day.
Self-driving along the south coast
Iceland’s south coast passes through some of the country’s most diverse landscapes. Waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss demonstrate the power of meltwater from the glaciers. Further east lies Reynisfjara with its black sand and basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. Along the way you also pass glaciers, lava fields and canyons such as Fjaðrárgljúfur, making the route constantly changing in character and landscape.
Travel costs
What is included
This snorkeling vacation is available from £ 404 per person based on two people in a room. The round trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this trip to Iceland? Get in touch with us!
Included in this vacation, from £ 4.053 p.p.
- 5 nights in Reykjavik based on bed & breakfast
- 1 night in Hvolsvollur based on bed & breakfast
- 1 night in Hnappavellir based on bed & breakfast
- Rental car (SFBR Nissan X-Trail or similar)
- Dive package with 3 dives
- Diving equipment
- Hot chocolate, tea and cookies after the dive
- Blue Lagoon Premium: entrance, Silica Mud Mask, 2 drinks, 2 masks of your choice, use of bathrobe and towels
- Blue Ice Experience on Day 6
- VZR, calamity fund & administration fees
Excluding
- Flight to Reykjavik approx. £ 463 p.p.
- Fuel for rental car
- Parking fees including at Silfra
- Travel and diving insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Additional dives
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Frequently asked questions about snorkeling with orcas
Diving in Iceland
Water temperatures during this trip are around 3 to 12°C in most dive areas, depending on location and season. In Silfra the water is extremely constant year-round at around 3 to 4 °C.
Each period has its own advantages and disadvantages. In spring and fall, popular sites tend to be quieter, making for a more relaxed experience. Although dives are conducted in small groups, some sights above water can be crowded. These seasons are also when nature is at its most beautiful: in spring everything is in bloom and birds and insects are active, while in autumn the landscapes are colored by autumn hues and the air is often clear and fresh.
The summer months are busier, but on the other hand, this is the warmest and greenest period of the year, when nature comes fully alive.
For diving, from April through October, most dive sites are accessible. In the winter months, from November through March, due to weather conditions and road closures, only the dive in Silfra and occasionally Davíðsgjá possible. Other locations are often inaccessible or not safe during this period due to ice, snow or sea conditions. For this reason, we offer this trip only from April through September.
Diving equipment
The tanks are standard DIN, mainly because of the cold water. There are some DIN – YOKE adaptors on request, but you need to indicate this well in advance.
For this trip, you will be diving in cold water, so a dry suit is essential. For the dive in Silfra a dry suit is always mandatory. A dry suit is also recommended for most sea dives due to the low water temperatures. In addition, consider gloves and a hood.
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