Iceland’s natural splendor is no secret, with its dramatic landscapes, towering glaciers, and the mesmerizing northern lights. But for those seeking the truly extraordinary, the Silfra fissure offers an unparalleled adventure.
Nestled between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, Silfra is the only place on Earth where you can dive directly between two continents. There’s no escaping the fact that Iceland is one of a kind. From the active volcanism to the towering glaciers, hot springs, spectacular northern lights, otherworldly ice caves, and much more, there is a tremendous amount of adventure to be had. But for those who genuinely seek the extraordinary, there’s a hidden gem that only diving enthusiasts are privy to. The Silfra fissure, carved in time by the active volcanism beneath the feet of Icelanders, is a stunning yet bizarre wonder of the natural world. It’s the only place on Earth where you can dive directly between two tectonic plates, a truly exclusive experience.
Founded in 1997, DIVE.IS has grown from a local sport diving education hub to an internationally renowned dive operator. They have been celebrated for their passion for Icelandic nature and underwater exploration, with a mission to provide sport diving education and training to the Reykjavík population. Over the years, they have expanded their offerings to include guided tours of Silfra, a remarkable dive site near Reykjavík that has since gained international acclaim.
“Iceland, with its clear water and stunning underwater landscape, is a fantastic country for divers and those who want to try snorkeling,” says Tómas Knútsson, aka Papa Dive. “Plus, you don’t need any certificates or experience. Just enjoy the deep views through the pure water and take an unforgettable memory home.”
Silfra, part of the wider Thingvellir National Park region along Iceland’s Golden Circle trail, is a testament to the raw power that Iceland feels rumbling beneath the soils on a daily basis. With an ever-shifting landscape, Iceland continues to create new wonders and adventures.
To clarify some of the terminology, a fissure in this context is a rift formed by the cracking or splitting of tectonic plates along fault lines. Silfra, meaning “silvery,” sits on a fault line between two major tectonic plates, Eurasian and North American. Diving in Silfra is a scarce opportunity to visibly see the impact of continental drift with your own eyes.
“Our commitment to setting industry standards for diving and snorkeling operations in Iceland has been unwavering. We are driven by a profound love and respect for Icelandic nature and the underwater world,” says Papa Dive Tomas.
After being named the No. 5 experience on the Best of the Best Traveler’s Choice awards of 2022 and maintaining its position as the No. 1 outdoor activity provider in Reykjavik, the work at DIVE.IS has recently been awarded the Tripadvisor 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award.
If you are seeking one of the top-rated experiences worldwide, particularly in diving and snorkeling, or you’re just passionate about exploring nature, then perhaps a quick jaunt to our friends in the northern and western hemispheres might be on your adventure bucket list?
Flights available via SWISS Air.
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