Shore Diving in Iceland

Fire, ice and intercontinental fissures await intrepid divers venturing into the frigid waters of Iceland. While you may need a drysuit to stay warm, Iceland’s volcanic activity and toasty geothermal pools are the perfect post-dive remedy. If the thought of a bracing boat journey in these colder climes doesn’t quite pique your interest, you will be delighted to know that many of Iceland’s best dives are easily accessible from the shore. Diving in Iceland may be on the chilly side, but the absurd uniqueness of its sites make up for it. There are very few places on the planet that allow you to dive between tectonic plates, experience visibility exceeding 100 metres, encounter underwater geothermal springs and submerge yourself in a volcanic caldera, all without setting foot on a dive boat. In fact, there’s just one place: Iceland. Our team of dive travel specialists are on hand to help curate the perfect Iceland holiday itinerary, ticking off the best shore diving in Iceland. And with the Northern Lights, hikes among volcanoes and glaciers, whale and puffin watching tours, and the Golden Circle, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more dramatic scenery to explore than Iceland’s impressive fire-and-ice landscape...

Silfra Fissure

There is no shore diving site quite like Iceland's Silfra Fissure. This fissure is the only place in the world where divers can dip one fin in Europe and the other in America, and in gin-clear freshwater. This intercontinental dive site is located in a glacial lake in Þingvellir National Park and is reached via a scenic 40-minute drive from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík.

As far as shore diving in Iceland goes, the Silfra Fissure reigns as top dog. However, you will need to be drysuit certified before entering the frigid lake. Beyond its geological significance, this site is world-renowned for having atonishingly clean and clear glacial water. Visibility often stretches to 100 metres, and should you get a dry mouth during the dive, you can take a sip. Just remember not to drink too much - after all, you're wearing a dry suit!

Once you've completed your underwater adventures, climb out of the drysuit and dive into a steaming cup of hot chocolate - trust us, there's no better hot chocolate out there. Afterward, embark on the hour-long drive along the coastal road back to the comforts of the world's most northerly capital city, where you can finish thawing out and plan tomorrow's epic adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice...