I forgot my certification card. Is there any way to look my certification up online? (2024)

Below you find our collection of frequently asked questions. If you are unclear about certain issues related to your tour or our services, we recommend you browse through the list and see if you find some answers to your questions here.

Dive Tour Questions

• Are photos always taken on the Diving Day Tours?

  • Our dive guides carry an underwater camera on most dives in Silfra and other dive sites. The dive guides try to take as many great underwater photographs as possible on these dives. However, safety comes always first and it can occur that the dive guide chooses to not distract him-/herself from dive safety on particular dives in difficult conditions or with insecure divers. In that case it might happen that few or no photos are taken. We hope for your understanding should this be the case.
    Usually the photos of the dives are available for purchase after the dive tour. Please check out our Souvenir page for more info.

    Our dive guides always bring along an underwater camera on the dives at the breathtaking Silfra and other marvelous dive sites. During these dives, our dive guides strive to capture as many splendid underwater photographs as possible. However, the safety of our divers is our utmost priority, and there may be occasions when the dive guide chooses to focus solely on dive safety during challenging conditions or with less confident divers. In such cases, it is possible that only a few or no photos are taken. We sincerely appreciate your understanding should this be the situation.
    Typically, the photos from the dives are available for purchase after your incredible dive tour. For more information, please visit our our Souvenir page.

• Are there any changes to the tours due to the seismic or volcano activity?

  • The course is operated in Reykjavík capital area and the tour is operated at Silfra which is about 100km away from the seismic activity and potential volcanic eruption.

    Wewould like to reassure you that travel to Iceland remains open and safe for visitors. Notably, the seismic activity described in these news reports is centered around the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is no impact on attractions or infrastructure in other areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula or the rest of Iceland.
    Currently, all our tours and courses continue to operate seamlessly without disruptions. Rest assured that your planned experiences with us remain unaffected, and we look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience.
    Rest assured, that if any safety issues arise, we will notify our customers immediately.

    Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last two years. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland's geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.
    At this time, scientists consider any disturbance to air traffic an unlikely scenario. However, a potential disruption to flight traffic cannot be entirely ruled out, and authorities have implemented preventative measures to ensure public safety foremost.

• Can I bring my own camera on the Drysuit course?

  • Unfortunately, PADI dive training regulations prohibit both the dive instructor and the students from carrying a camera of any sort during training dives. As we are a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, we respect these regulations.

• Can I bring my own dive equipment?

  • Yes of course! You are welcome to bring your own dive equipment to Iceland. Just make sure that your dive equipment is serviced and rated for cold-water diving. As a standard, we use DIN cylinders; please let us know in advance if you require a different set-up for your dive equipment, and we will do our best to satisfy your request.

    Please note, we do not offer any discount on the equipment that you might bring. DIVE.IS does not take any responsibility for any equipment you may bring on the tour.

• Can I take the PADI Dry Suit Diver Course and dive Silfra?

  • To dive Silfra you are required to have either a drysuit diver certification or drysuit dive experience. We have therefore created a 2-day Drysuit and Silfra Combo Tour. During this tour, you will complete your PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty Course on the first day and, upon completion, participate in the Diving Silfra Day Tour on the second day.

• Can you drink silfra water?

  • Yes! The water in Silfra is filtered through porous lava for many years, meaning is it very clean and pristine.

• Do you cater to divers who want to use nitrox, trimix or closed-circuit rebreathers?

  • Unfortunately, we don't. We only have 12L single-valve DIN tanks filled with air. We also have 15L and a double valve if needed. The low freshwater and ocean temperatures around Iceland are such that air supply or nitrogen accumulation tend not to be the limiting factors when it comes to bottom times (except on some of the deeper dives).

• Do you ever not catch anything on the Freedive Foodhunt?

  • The Foodhunt has up to now always resulted in a bounteous catch! Sometimes this might not include a fish, but you'll almost certainly be able to gather mussels or other types of shellfish.

• How deep are the Silfra dives?

  • The maximum allowed dive depth in Silfra is 18 meters / 60 feet, however the average depth of a typical Silfra dive is about 10 meters / 32 feet. Depending on the dive qualifications and dive experience of the divers, the Silfra dive might be shallower for safety and convenience.

• How does the Ocean and Bjarnagjá combo tour work?

  • The Ocean & Bjarnagjá combo tour is available on our website on request.

    The requirements for the tour are a PADI Open Water or any equivalent certification, as well as a dry suit diving certification. In lieu of a dry suit certification, you can show 10 logged dry suit dives within the last two years, which must be confirmed with written proof from a diving instructor. You can find this form attached.

    Both of the dive sites on this tour are located in Reykjanes peninsula, about an hour drive from downtown Reykjavík.

    Bjarnagjá is an 18 m deep lava ravine on this very peninsula where the tectonic activity has caused Iceland to rise out of the ocean. The water in Bjarnagjá is mostly fresh groundwater, but it is influenced by the salinity of the sea, as the rift is only a few hundred meters from the coast.

    Your Ocean and Bjarnagjá combo tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavík, and the structure of your tour depends on the tides and weather conditions that day. You will receive an updated tour time and additional information a couple of days before your tour.

    Each dive will take about 30–40 minutes, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. After each dive, you will have hot cocoa and cookies with the guide.

    After the second tour, we drive back to Reykjavík. We recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon after your tour. If you have booked transportation, we can drop you off there.

    Please note: the Bjarnagjá dive site is currently not available due to the volcanic activity in that area.

• How does the Silfra and Daviðsgjá combo tour work?

  • The Silfra and Davíðsgjá combo is available on our website on request.

    The Silfra and Davíðsgjá Diving combo begins with pick up from your accommodation in Reykjavík or meeting us at Silfra on location.
    We will start the day with Silfra dive, where you will dive into the most unique body of water in the world. After exiting Silfra and walking back to the meeting point, we will have chocolate and cookies before moving on to Davíðsgjá fissure, where our second dive will take place. Davíðsgjá is usually slightly warmer than Silfra. Divers walk straight into the water and after a shallow swim, they enter the long, deep and narrow Davíðsgjá fissure. The maximum depth of the dive in this fissure is 21 meters. Davíðsgjá often has incredible underwater visibility, although this varies and is more dependent on the weather than in Silfra.

• How far do I have to walk with the dive gear?

  • Due to the geography of Silfra, our entrance and exit points are at different locations. The car park is located approximately 100m from the entrance point, and the walk back from the exit is approximately 350m. If you are struggling with the walk, please let your guide know and they will be happy to help you. Equipment can always be left behind and collected later.

• How long are the Silfra dives?

  • Each of the Silfra dives is usually between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on air consumption, diver ability and customer comfort.

• How long is the Silfra Diving Day Tour?

  • The duration of the Silfra Diving Day Tour is very dependent on the number of participants and their dive experience level, and as such we are unable to give a definitive time, but usually, the tour time is around three hours at Silfra, including one dive. If however, you are planning on doing two dives, please allow a maximum time of five hours for the Diving Silfra Tour. If you are using our transport, then the total time of your Silfra Diving Day Tour is estimated to be a maximum of five hours from pick up to drop off, including one dive.

• I forgot my certification card. Is there any way to look my certification up online?

  • If you are PADI or SSI certified, we can often look you up online. We need your full name (incl. middle name) and yourbirthdate, as it appears on your certification cardbefore the tour starts. Please be aware that both PADI and SSI sometimes have glitches in their website/data input, which results in your records not being findable. If you are certified with any other organization, we are unfortunately unable to look you up. In either of these cases, you will not be able to participate. It is therefore best to always carry your dive cards or to sign up for PADI e-cards, which are stored on an App on your phone. If you have only recently certified, the temporary card that is emailed to you by your instructor is acceptable proof.

• I have a Dry suit certification but I don't have 10 dry suit dives, can I still dive with you?

  • To dive in Silfra you need dry suit certification OR a minimum of 10 logged dry suit dives within the last two years. You don't need to meet both of these requirements, one is sufficient.

• Is dry suit experience a requirement to participate in your tours?

  • Yes, all of our dives are dry suit dives. Some of the dives are deep and demanding (e.g. ´Big Chimney´ and El Grillo wreck) so we require proof of a minimum of 10 logged dry suit dives OR a dry suit certification, as well as Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate on those dives.

• What is the best time of year to dive Silfra?

  • There is no best or worst time to dive Silfra. Every season and every weather has its advantages. A calm and overcast winter day will be amazing with beautiful reflections in Silfra´s water surface. A windy summer day with waves will cast sun ripples onto the Silfra bottom... a sight you will never forget. Generally in the summer, there are more snorkelers & divers at Silfra, so the winters are calmer, but winter surface conditions can also be more challenging with regard to weather and cold.

    See Also

    The PADI Instructor Exam | PADI IEPADI Open Water • All You Need To Know!NAUI vs. PADI SCUBA CertificationOpen Water

• What is the Diving Silfra Buddy Tour?

  • Our Diving Silfra Buddy Tour is a semi-private experience that allows you to reserve one guide just for your party. The price for this tour for is 128,990- ISK and includes one guide, guided diving tour, Silfra entry fee, hot chocolate + cookies at the end of the tour.

    This tour is scheduled at the same time as our normal scheduled diving tours, but the main difference is that you are reserving one guide just for your party, and you will not have to share the guide with someone else.
    You are then reserving all 3 spots with the guide, but you can be anywhere from 1 person to 3 people.

    This tour is perfect for divers that want to guarantee staying in the same group, in the water.

    Please note, this tour is only available upon request.

• What type of dive certification(s) do I need in order to participate in one of your scuba dive tours?

  • To join any of our scuba dive tours, you need to:

    1. Be at the level of PADI Open Water Diver or above. Equivalent dive certifications from other dive organizations are sufficient.
    2. Have a dry suit dive certification OR 10 logged dry suit dives within the last two years of the dive tour date and be able to provide written proof from a diving instructor of these dry suit dives.
• When is the best time to dive in Iceland?

  • Each season has its own pros and cons. Spring and fall are best for those who like to stay out of the crowds. While we dive in small groups, some of the on-land sites we visit are popular among your run-of-the-mill tourists and, frankly, can get a little crowded, although we do know of quite a few out-of-the-way gems. Late spring you'll see the vegetation come alive and the birds and the bees buzzing by with excitement. The autumn colors of the turning leaves are definitely something to behold, and the weather is often calm and the air crisp. Summer is the busiest season and for a good reason. It's the warmest and most lush time of the year with nature in full bloom.

    For the diving tours, the main difference between the seasons is that in the summer (April-October), we have all the dive sites available, whereas in the winter (November-March) we only have the Silfra dive site available, and occasionally Daviðsgjá. All the other dive sites are sadly not available due to road closures (ice and snow), and the water is frozen over or unsafe conditions.

• Why are there limitations to the diving?

  • Silfra is located in the National Park and as such it is subject to restrictions put in place by Icelandic law, which require all divers to be a minimum of 17 years old, hold at least an Open Water Certification (stating you can autonomously dive to at least 18m) or higher and have either a dry suit certificate or experience. It is also forbidden to enter into any overhead environment, regardless of training, or to dive deeper than 18m. Our other sites are subject to the minimum age limit by law, and we require dry suit experience for them because they are fragile aquatic environments and have slightly harder conditions than many other dive sites around the world.

• Why do I need to fill out a Diving Silfra Medical Statement?

  • Every diver joining our Silfra Diving Day Tour needs to fill out the (https://www.dive.is/content/forms-documents/2024_medical_diving_silfra.pdf target: blank text: Diving Silfra Medical Statement) to make sure that he/she understands the difficulties and risks associated with the Silfra dives as listed on the left-hand side of the form and by completing the medical questionnaire on the right-hand side of the form the participant confirms that he/she is fit and healthy to join the Silfra Diving Day Tour. This is done so that all divers enjoy a safe and happy dive tour.

Snorkel Tour Questions

• Are photos always taken on the Silfra Snorkeling Tours?

  • In general, the answer is yes. However, it can happen on rare occasions that your Silfra snorkeling guide is not able to take photos because he/she might be busy assisting other snorkelers in the water. Another uncommon reason could be that the camera has a problem. In this unlikely case you will be refunded for the tour photos should you already have purchased them online in advance.

• Are there any changes to the tours due to the seismic or volcano activity?

  • The course is operated in Reykjavík capital area and the tour is operated at Silfra which is about 100km away from the seismic activity and potential volcanic eruption.

    Wewould like to reassure you that travel to Iceland remains open and safe for visitors. Notably, the seismic activity described in these news reports is centered around the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is no impact on attractions or infrastructure in other areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula or the rest of Iceland.
    Currently, all our tours and courses continue to operate seamlessly without disruptions. Rest assured that your planned experiences with us remain unaffected, and we look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience.
    Rest assured, that if any safety issues arise, we will notify our customers immediately.

    Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last two years. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland's geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.
    At this time, scientists consider any disturbance to air traffic an unlikely scenario. However, a potential disruption to flight traffic cannot be entirely ruled out, and authorities have implemented preventative measures to ensure public safety foremost.

• Can I free dive/duck dive while snorkeling in a dry suit?

  • You are more than welcome to give it a try! Our dry suits, however, are very buoyant and will keep you afloat. Unfortunately, we don't provide weight belts for safety reasons. While some people can manage to free dive in these suits, it's not recommended for most. But if you want to attempt it, please keep in mind that moving around too much and at extreme angles increases the risk of water entering your dry suit through the neck seal.
    For those of you who are passionate about freediving, we also offer exciting freedive tours in Silfra, through our trusted partners who specialize in this activity. These tours are conducted in a wetsuit, which allows for freediving.

• Can I use my full face snorkel mask?

  • Although we understand that many people prefer to snorkel with a full-face snorkel mask (also known as a Easybreath mask or Ninja mask), it is regrettably not possible to use them here in Iceland as it is not possible to get them to seal around the hood that you need to wear. This would result in your mask constantly flooding with water, which would not be an enjoyable experience

• Can I use my own snorkel equipment?

  • You are most welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment, but please be aware of the following. If you are thinking of bringing your own fins, please make sure that they are open-heeled fins, as they will need to fit over a drysuit boot. Most people will wear a drysuit with similar-sized shoes to their normal shoe size, but sometimes that is not the case, and therefore your fins may not fit. If you have your own neoprene hood and gloves, you are welcome to bring them, but please remember that this is 3°C water - we highly suggest a minimum of 7mm hood and 7mm three-finger mittens as these are the warmest options, and what we will supply. You may find that 5mm five-fingered gloves are quite cold, and we do not advise wearing anything less than 5mm thickness.

• Can you drink silfra water?

  • Yes! The water in Silfra is filtered through porous lava for many years, meaning is it very clean and pristine.

• Do I need to be able to swim in order to take part in Snorkeling?

  • Even though the dry suits are very buoyant and keep you afloat, it is a requirement that all participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water to join the tour. This is for your own safety and comfort. You do however not need to be a very strong swimmer, merely able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

• How far is Silfra from Reykjavík?

  • Silfra is approximately 50 minutes away by car from Reykjavík.

• How long are we in the water?

  • During our snorkel tour, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to explore the underwater world for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The duration of the snorkeling session may vary depending on the group's pace and the amount of time they wish to spend exploring the beautiful lagoon at the end. So, get ready to dive in and enjoy every moment of this amazing adventure!

• How long is the Snorkeling Silfra tour?

  • The tour time is between 2.5 and 3 hours from start to finish at Silfra, not including pick-up and drop-off times. The speed of the tour depends on the participants in the group and the number of people at Silfra, so if you are planning a second activity afterwards, please consider a maximum time frame of three hours. Please note that this is the duration of the tour on-site at Silfra. If you have chosen to use our transport options, your tour time will be between five and six hours from pick up to drop off.

• What is the minimum age to snorkel Silfra?

  • The minimum age to snorkel Silfra is 12 years old and you have to be at least 150cm and 45kg. The Snorkeling Silfra day tour is a family activity that can be enjoyed by all participants over 12 years old.

• When is the best time to dive in Iceland?

  • Each season has its own pros and cons. Spring and fall are best for those who like to stay out of the crowds. While we dive in small groups, some of the on-land sites we visit are popular among your run-of-the-mill tourists and, frankly, can get a little crowded, although we do know of quite a few out-of-the-way gems. Late spring you'll see the vegetation come alive and the birds and the bees buzzing by with excitement. The autumn colors of the turning leaves are definitely something to behold, and the weather is often calm and the air crisp. Summer is the busiest season and for a good reason. It's the warmest and most lush time of the year with nature in full bloom.

    For the diving tours, the main difference between the seasons is that in the summer (April-October), we have all the dive sites available, whereas in the winter (November-March) we only have the Silfra dive site available, and occasionally Daviðsgjá. All the other dive sites are sadly not available due to road closures (ice and snow), and the water is frozen over or unsafe conditions.

Equipment Questions

• Are the dry suits very tight / uncomfortable?

  • We use top-quality equipment for our Snorkeling and Scuba Diving tours.

    The dry suits only do a certain amount of dives/time before they get sold and replaced by new ones.

    This ensures that our guests will always dive/snorkel in top-notch dry suits frequently tested, serviced or replaced.

    However, it is of high importance to provide us with your correct size (height and weight), so we can make sure to bring the best fit for you. If we receive an incorrect size, the guest will receive an incorrect dry suit fit. We assure you that your size information as well as all other personal information stays confidential with us.

    We also want to point out that if you are sensitive to having something tight around your neck and/or wrists you might feel uncomfortable in a dry suit. It goes with the territory to have a well-sealing neoprene neck seal and rubber wrist seals in order to stay dry.

• Do you have prescription masks?

  • Sorry, but we currently don't have prescription masks available. It would be challenging to cater to the different prescriptions that our customers might have. If you wear glasses, we suggest using contact lenses instead, as they fit more comfortably under the mask. However, if you already have a prescription mask, you are more than welcome to use it during the tour.

• Do you provide life jackets?

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer any life jackets on our tours. All our participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water.

• What type of gloves do you use?

  • We provide you with 7mm three-fingered neoprene mittens. This works on the same principles as a wetsuit, so your hands will be wet, but very well insulated.

• Will I get cold while freediving in a wetsuit?

  • The wetsuit used by our partners on the freediving tour is a specialized 7mm freediving suit. In many cases, no water will touch your skin, but if it does, your body quickly heats up the water. It's important to remember that the Silfra freedive tour is a tour in 2°C water, not tropical warm waters, so your expectations should be adjusted accordingly, but most people are perfectly comfortable in the water using the specialized freediving wetsuit. The Freedive Foodhunt will take you on freedives in the ocean, which is several degrees warmer than Silfra.

General Tour Questions

• Are there any changes to the tours due to the seismic or volcano activity?

  • The course is operated in Reykjavík capital area and the tour is operated at Silfra which is about 100km away from the seismic activity and potential volcanic eruption.

    Wewould like to reassure you that travel to Iceland remains open and safe for visitors. Notably, the seismic activity described in these news reports is centered around the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is no impact on attractions or infrastructure in other areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula or the rest of Iceland.
    Currently, all our tours and courses continue to operate seamlessly without disruptions. Rest assured that your planned experiences with us remain unaffected, and we look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience.
    Rest assured, that if any safety issues arise, we will notify our customers immediately.

    Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last two years. Icelandic authorities and the public are highly prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the world's most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Iceland's geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities.
    At this time, scientists consider any disturbance to air traffic an unlikely scenario. However, a potential disruption to flight traffic cannot be entirely ruled out, and authorities have implemented preventative measures to ensure public safety foremost.

• Are there any Souvenirs available?

  • Yes, we offer a variety of Souvenirs of Silfra and DIVE.IS includes photo packages, t-shirts, jumpers, hoodies, hats, logbooks, postcards and stickers. Please take a look at our Souvenir page for more detailed information. If you want to receive souvenirs at Silfra, we recommend pre-paying for them, as the guides only bring a handful of things in random sizes.
    You can also come by our dive shop and see what we have available.

• Are there toilet and changing facilities available at Silfra?

  • Yes, there are toilet facilities at Silfra. However we kindly ask you to not use them for changing, as there are only 2 toilets at Silfra and it can cause long queues to form. We do have a changing room vehicle, and often several other cars at Silfra for participants to change clothes in. Due to this layout, we highly recommend that participants arrive at Silfra already wearing their thermal base layer.

• Can I bring my GoPro,waterproof camera or phone on tour?

  • Of course! You are free to take your own photos or video on tour with us, but we ask that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wristband. We do however not advise that you take your phone in a waterproof case, due to the fact that it is generally not possible to operate it whilst wearing the gloves. Make sure that you read the instructions that come with your photography equipment of how deep and/or cold you are allowed to take it underwater, we strongly encourage you to follow them thoroughly. We do not take any responsibility for lost or damage to photography gear that may happen on tour with us.

• Can I buy food at Silfra?

  • Unfortunately, there is no food sold directly at Silfra. There is however a restaurant at the Thingvellir Information Centre which is located just 3,5km away from Silfra.

• Can I have a German (or any other language) speaking guide?

  • Our company policy is that all participants must be able to communicate in English as that is the working language of our guides. We are happy to accept a non-English speaker, as long as they have an English speaker with them who can translate for them. This must be at a ratio of no more than 2 people to a translator. The translator must participate in the in-water activity. If this is not possible, you may contact us and ask, as we do have very multilingual guides and are happy to discuss the possibility of a private tour (at additional cost), but it cannot be guaranteed.

• Can I pay on site?

  • All bookings need to be paid for in advance, due to the high demand for our tours. If however a booking is made on-site, the payment can be taken there either by credit/debit card or cash. Payment for souvenirs can be made on-site by both card and cash transactions.

• Can I wear my jewellery?

  • Small stud earrings, non-removable piercings and narrow chain necklaces can be worn without any problem. However, bracelets, watches, chunky necklaces and dangling earrings need to be removed. In regard to rings, they can be worn without any problem, but we ask that rings with large stones be either removed or twisted around to the palm. Rings with sharp edges are best removed so they do not catch on the gloves and wrist seals.

• Can my child wait on the surface while I snorkel/dive?

  • Silfra is indeed very beautiful. However, it can be very dangerous for kids left unsupervised. There is unfortunately no childcare at Silfra and no staff member who can take responsibility for them. We advise you to bring someone with you who can be with your kids during the activity.

• Can my children dive? They are under 17 years old and certified.

  • Unfortunately, by Icelandic law, all divers need to be a minimum of 17 years old to dive in Icelandic waters. Our company does however allow 17-year-old divers who are certified with a Dry suit and diving specialty to join our tours accompanied by their legal guardian. Please note that their legal guardian will need to sign all paperwork for them.

• Can my family join the boat?

  • Silfra is accessed from shore, so there are no boats involved. Your family can of course stay with you on the surface and walk with you to the entrance and exit point.

• Can my travel companion come with me on tour without participating in the tour?

  • That's no problem at all :)
    If you have your own car, your friend can just come along at no additional cost, as the entrance to the park is free of charge.
    On the other hand, if you need to make use of our pickup service from Reykjavík, we can book your friend as a passenger for 7,000 ISK.
    To book the passenger, you can go into Manage My booking, by quoting your booking number (DIV-###) and full name registered in the booking. There you will find the "passenger" in the extras.
    Whatever option you choose, your friend is welcome to hang around Silfra while you guys are in the water. There are several interesting landmarks located within walking distance, you can read all about it on our blog.

• Can you drink silfra water?

  • Yes! The water in Silfra is filtered through porous lava for many years, meaning is it very clean and pristine.

• Do I need a towel? Do you provide them?

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer towels on our tour. You will only get wet on your head and hands, so a towel is not really needed. You are however more than welcome to bring your own, and if you have long hair you might want to bring a towel to dry it after the tour.

• Do I need to have my own dive and/or travel insurance?

  • Unforeseen events are part and parcel of any travel experience. Therefore, it is always advised to have your own dive and travel insurance to be certain that you are covered for all and any mishaps, such as flight cancellations/delays, medical emergencies, lost baggage
    However, as a dive operator and travel agency, we are fully licensed by the Icelandic Tourist Board in accordance with the Tourism Administration Act No. 80/1994. As such, we carry insurance which covers the legal liability for physical injury or property damage arising as a consequence of Iceland Dive Expeditions’ operation as stated in our policy, subject to a sudden and unforeseen event. The coverage provided spans the period between the first and last day of the tour/expedition. Other travel falls outside the scope of the insurance.
    As certified and experienced divers, each of our customers is personally responsible for diving within the limits set by their level of training, experience, health and physical fitness. While we do not require that our divers or snorkelers provide proof of fitness or health check, each diver and snorkeler will be asked to fill out and sign a medical statement and liability release whereby they take responsibility for their own health and fitness to dive.

    See Also

    How to pass the PADI Open Water Diver course | Atlas & Boots

• Do I need to pay for parking at Silfra?

  • The Þingvellir National Park charges a parking fee, which allows you to park in any of the five car parks in the park for the duration of the day. Please note that the parking lot for divers and snorkelers at Silfra is called P5 and is about a 5-minute walk to the Silfra meeting point.
    You can pay for parking on CheckIt before or during the day of the visit, and enter the license plate of your car into the system. Cameras check all license plates entering and leaving the parking lots. If you can’t pay online, you can pay at the Visitor center. Pay machines will also be installed at the parking lots in the near future. The pay machines accept all major credit/debit cards.

• Do I need to see a doctor before I join your tour?

  • We have a special Medical Statement that all our participants need to read and sign prior our tour. If you say YES to any of the questions in section 1 we unfortunately can't take you on our tour. If you say YES to any of the questions in section 2 you need a Physicians approval. Our form for the Physicians approval is on the second page of the form Snorkeling Silfra Medical Form
    Diving Silfra Medical Form Or you can use our Online Check-In site HERE once you have booked. There you can fill out the electronic
    Medical Statement and then all you need to do is sign it at Silfra

• Do you ever not catch anything on the Freedive Foodhunt?

  • The Foodhunt has up to now always resulted in a bounteous catch! Sometimes this might not include a fish, but you'll almost certainly be able to gather mussels or other types of shellfish.

• Do you offer photo packages from the dive and snorkel tours?

  • Of course! Our guides do their best to make your day at Silfra as memorable as possible. They carry top-quality underwater cameras and take high-resolution photos of both participants and the surroundings. You can view the photos after your tour and decide if you would like to purchase them. The photos are sold as a package, where you receive access to all the photos taken by your guide and our "Best of Silfra" collection folder, all of which will be made available to you via Dropbox. The price for the photo package is ISK 3000,-

• Do you rent out underwater cameras?

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer cameras for rent, we do however offer a very reasonably priced photo package including photos taken by your guide during your tour, and access to our "Best of Silfra" collection. You are however welcome to bring your own waterproof camera.

• Do you see any life in Silfra?

  • Although there is plenty of life in Silfra, most of it is either plant life or micro-invertebrates, which are not visible to the human eye. Silfra is home to a unique amphipod called Crymostygius Thingvallensis found only in Thingvellir Lake and the surrounding fissures, such as Silfra.
    In regard to fish life, there are three different species of fish that live in the lake: Brown Trout, Arctic Char and Sticklebacks, however, only the Arctic Char visit the fissure; they are frequent visitors during mating season in August and September. Throughout the rest of the year, the only fish who live in the Silfra fissure are the Dwarf Char, a subspecies of the Arctic Char. These range in size from a few centimeters to approximately 10cm maximum and live down in the darker recesses near the rocks and as such are not often spotted by divers or snorkelers.

• Do you sell gift certificates for your Silfra tours or dive courses?

  • Yes, if you want to give someone a nice present, it will be our pleasure to prepare a nice gift certificate for you.
    The certificate can be made for all of our tours, courses or any other products you find on our website.
    Please do not hesitate to contact us with your ideas.

• How can I pay for the photos?

  • The guide loves capturing amazing moments throughout the tour, and they will have a wonderful collection of photos for you to browse and purchase. You'll be able to find your perfect shots directly from your guide at the end of the tour for just 3,000 ISK.
    The photo package includes not only the photos from your tour but also our Best of Silfra folder, where you can discover the beauty of Silfra at its finest.
    It's important to note that this is not a private photoshoot, so your folder will include pictures of all the lovely people in your group.
    As your safety is always our top priority, there might be instances where the guide needs to assist another snorkeler in the water, which could affect the availability of the photos.
    However, if you let your guide know that you're interested in having some photos taken, they will do their absolute best to make it happen.
    If you decide at a later date that you would like to purchase the photos you can contact our office and a payment link will be sent to you, allowing you to pay online.

• How cold is the water in Silfra?

  • The water temperature in Silfra is 2-4°Celsius all year around. This converts to 35-39°Fahrenheit.

• How far is Silfra from Reykjavík?

  • Silfra is approximately 50 minutes away by car from Reykjavík.

• How long do the PADI certifications last?

  • All PADI certifications are valid forever, they don’t need to be renewed and are recognized by any reputable dive center.

• How long does it take to complete the Advanced Diver Course?

  • The PADI Advanced Diver Course takes 2 days to complete.

• How long does it take to complete the Open Water Course?

  • The PADI Open Water Divers course takes place over three days, normally on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

• How long does it take to complete the referral program?

  • The theory part of the course is done online through the PADI eLearning platform, and it takes about 12 hours to complete. Once that’s done, you will spend a half day in the swimming pool with your instructor to complete the Confined Water session, which can take up to 6 hours depending on the size and pace of the group.
    Once you successfully complete the Confined Water session, you will receive the paperwork that certifies that you are ready for your open water dives. You then have 1 year to make use of your referral to complete the open water dives and get your certification.

• How should I wear my hair?

  • Your hair is best worn either loose or in a low ponytail or a braid. This keeps it nicely out of the way during the activity. We do not advise buns or high ponytails as they will be quite uncomfortable under your hood, and bunches or twin braids can make a dry suit removal more difficult. Please be aware that your hair is going to get wet, so please bring a towel if you prefer drying your hair afterwards.

• I already paid the 1500.-isk entrace fee, how do I enter the park?

  • The Silfra fee is only for customers entering the water in Silfra. There is no entrance fee into the National Park itself.

• I am allergic to latex and/or neoprene. Is this a problem?

  • Our suits contain both neoprene and latex.
    If you have a severe neoprene or latex allergy, then we would not recommend this activity.

• I am diving and my friend wants to snorkel, is that possible?

  • Yes of course! Our dive and snorkel tours start at the same time, so please choose the tours that are in the same time slot. If you need transportation from Reykjavík, then we can pick you up together in the same van. Please be aware that not all dive/snorkel tours offer pick-up. Once at the site, divers and snorkelers are split into separate groups with different guides, but it is a small area and you will surely see each other. Please note that National Park regulations do not allow divers and snorkelers to be in the same spot in the water at the same time, you will therefore enter the water at different times with different guides.

• I am legally blind/deaf, can I join your tour?

  • You are welcome to join our tour, but we ask that you bring along a companion who is not legally blind/deaf and who will participate in the activity with you. This is for your own comfort and safety to make sure that there is someone who is familiar with your situation and, in the case of deafness, who is able to communicate with you as we do not currently have any guides who speak sign language. We would appreciate it if you could let us know ahead of time in these situations so that our guides are aware of the situation and so that we can discuss with you any particular changes or considerations that may need to be taken into account.

• I am taking prescription medicine, ie. birth control, can I join your tour?

  • Yes, you can. Birth control prescriptions are the one exception on our medical form questions, that does not need a doctor's signature

• I use glasses, is that a problem?

  • Unfortunately, it is not possible to wear glasses underneath the dive mask, as the mask would fill with water. We therefore advise that if you are near-sighted (i.e. you need glasses for distance), you consider wearing contact lenses or bring your own prescription mask with you. If you are snorkeling and have prescription swimming goggles you are able to wear them, but you must also bring a nose clip to close your nose, so that you are able to use your snorkel. If your prescription is not very strong (up to approximately -4) you may find that the natural magnification of the water will still allow you to see quite clearly. Should you need to purchase contact lenses, there are several opticians in Reykjavík where you would be able to do so.

• Is food included on the day tours?

  • We offer hot chocolate, tea and cookies after the dives and snorkels, but do not provide any other form of food. There is also drinking water on site. You are however welcome to bring your own food and drink with you and are allowed to consume it in our vehicles. We kindly ask that you have eaten breakfast/lunch before your tour, as you will need the energy it provides. If you have not had a chance to do so, please let our guides know when you are picked up and they can make a stop at a convenience store so you can pick something up.

• Is there anything to see around Silfra?

  • Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, one of the main sites of the Golden Circle. It is a stunningly beautiful area, as well as being one of Iceland's most important historical sites. There are many walking trails around the park and close by Silfra, and many of the areas have information signs telling you about the historical & geological aspects of the area around Silfra and Thingvellir.

• Is there somewhere to leave my valuables?

  • We do not recommend bringing valuables on tour with you, unless you need them, but keys, phones, wallets, cameras and such things can be safely locked away in our cars throughout the duration of the activity

• My payment won't go through, do you not take AMEX?

  • Unfortunately, we do not accept AMEX.

• What can I do with my PADI Open Water Diver certification?

  • Upon successful completion of the PADI Open Water course, you will be certified to dive to 18m with a buddy, without direct supervision, anywhere in the world. You will be able to plan, organize and execute dives with a certified buddy, dive with dive centers and resorts around the world, receive air fills for scuba tanks, register and participate in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course, register and participate in selected PADI Specialty Courses and in the PADI Scuba Review.

• What is the best GoPro mount to use?

  • When snorkeling, you are able to use any form of GoPro mount, but please be aware of what angle it will put your GoPro at. On a head mount it often occurs that you are filming just above the surface, and on a chest mount you only film straight down. For best control, a stick mount or wrist mount gives you a full range of angles. When diving, a head mount allows you to have your hands free to control your dive equipment, and we are able to secure it using your mask strap for extra security; it also allows a good range of angles as it will film wherever you look. A chest mount however is not advised as it is very difficult to attach it away from your dry suit inflator and BCD straps. Again a stick mount or wrist mount is good, but please remember that your priority is to operate your dive gear safely, so you need to be able to let go of it as well if you need your hands. Most importantly, your GoPro has to have some form of mount attached to it. Please do not bring it as just the camera unit, as it needs to be attached to you in some way. We are able to help to a certain extent but need to have something to attach the strap to, even if it is just some string.

• What is the minimum age to snorkel Silfra?

  • The minimum age to snorkel Silfra is 12 years old and you have to be at least 150cm and 45kg. The Snorkeling Silfra day tour is a family activity that can be enjoyed by all participants over 12 years old.

• What is the referral program?

  • The PADI Referral Program allows you to complete the first part of the course in your country of residence and then do your open water dives pretty much wherever you want. The main advantage of the referral program is that you can start the course at home and then, once you are ready to dive, you don’t have to waste any precious vacation time on the theory. You will be able to just enjoy the dives, having completed all the study material at home.

• What is the silfra fissure?

  • The Silfra fissure is a rift that formed in the middle of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The rift occurred due to the earthquakes accompanying the divergent movement of the two tectonic plates.

• What is the weather in Iceland like?

  • During the summer months (June, July & August) it's sunny and warm(-ish) or overcast and wet, and often somewhere in between. The Icelandic weather famously changes at the drop of a woolly hat. So be prepared, bring your sun screen and shorts, as well as your all-weather gear. Even in the middle of summer the temperatures can get low (to below 10°C at night) so a good fleece - or better yet, Icelandic wool - will be essential, along with a hat and gloves.

• What sets DIVE.IS apart from other companies?

  • First and foremost, we can safely say that we, by far, possess the most experience and expertise in conceiving and conducting dive tours and expeditions in Iceland. The company was founded by pioneers and field leaders in offering regular recreational dive tours in Iceland – since 1997 – and has, as such, set the standard for others to follow. The broad selection and diversity of dive tours and expeditions on offer ensures that everyone can find a diving adventure that suits their interests and passions, from the beginner to the seasoned explorer.

    Through decades of careful research and scouting, we are able to conceive of itineraries and activities based on first-hand knowledge and experience to bring you the most unique opportunities and exciting nature encounters.

    Last, but certainly not least, we place a high value on the human touch and social side of your travel experience. Therefore, we employ only the very best (and nicest) guides available. We hand-pick the most experienced and seasoned guides out of a sizeable pool of dive guides working locally (mostly for our affiliate company, DIVE.IS). Our extended tours and expeditions, in turn, are largely in the capable hands of our very own David Sigurthorsson (HYPERLINK), Iceland’s most experienced dive guide and expedition leader, whom many of you already know from your previous visits.

• What types of payment do you accept?

  • At the moment we only accept Visa and Mastercard. We are working towards adding Amex, Discover, Diners, JCB, AliPay and WeChatPay

• When is the best time of year to visit Iceland?

  • Every time of year has its own benefits. It is least crowded in spring and autumn and you will often have a full range of activities available to you, but with less people than in summer, which is of course the busiest season here in Iceland. Winter has its own beauty and should not be dismissed, although it is not for the faint hearted as the weather can get quite extreme, and you would need to be flexible with your plans as tours can end up getting cancelled due to the weather. It is however the time for Northern Lights, so pros and cons as always. Please also be aware that winter lasts much later into the year than in most countries and there is often still snow in March and April. From a dive and snorkel point of view, it makes little difference which of the seasons you visit as our groups are small and the dive sites, visibility and marine life are pretty constant through out, varying more from day to day, than from season to season. The ocean temperatures are warmest, however, in summer and fall – about 8-12°C. For our other dive sites, such as our geothermal site and some of our other inland sites, are also warmest in summer and fall, although at a lower temperature, 6-8°C. Silfra however retains a constant temperature of 2-4°C.

• Where do I pay the entrace fee to the National park?

  • There is no entrance fee into the National park, just into Silfra. The 1500 ISK Silfra fee is included in our tour prices, so you can enter the park and Silfra with out any problem.
    However, parking is not included in our prices. The National Park charges a fee for car parking to be paid on CheckIt.

• Where does the Advanced Open Water course take place?

  • The eLearning part of the course is carried out independently by the student. The two days of the course will include Knowledge Review sessions with your instructor before each of the four dives. The Knowledge Review sessions take place directly at the dive sites before gearing up and entering the water.

• Where does the Open Water course take place?

  • Day 1 of the course takes place at a local swimming pool, where you will complete your Confined Water Dives 1-5 as well as your swimming and floating tests.
    During day 2 and 3 you will complete a total of four open water dives at dive sites that will be selected by your instructor depending on weather, tides and general conditions.

• Where is Silfra?

  • Silfra is situated in the northernmost region of the Þingvellir lake, within the Þingvellir National Park.

• Where is your shop?

  • Our dive shop is located at the western end of downtown Reykjavik, a 20-30 minute walk from most of the city centre. We are happy to welcome you here between 9:00 and 16:00 every day of the week.
    The addressis Hólmaslóð 2, 101 Reykjavík.

• Why do I need a strap for my camera?

  • To ensure that you do not drop your camera. You will be wearing very bulky gloves, which can make it harder to operate your camera equipment. Dropped cameras and such items often fall between the rocks on the bottom of Silfra, making it difficult if not impossible to recover them.

• Why is Silfra so clear?

  • The water originates from the glacier Langjökull and undergoes filtration through porous underground lava for a duration of 20-30 years, ultimately reaching the spring that supplies Silfra.

Courses Questions

• Can I change the date of my PADI Referral course after booking?

  • You can change the date of the course up until 7 days before the course starts. Within 7 days of the course start date you are not able to move dates and no refund is available.

Transport Questions

• Can I get a pickup/drop off at the Blue Lagoon or Keflavík Airport?

  • We unfortunately do not offer transportation outside of Reykjavík central area. If you are however going to/coming from the Blue Lagoon or Keflavík Airport, we can pick you up/drop you off at the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík.

• Can I get a ride only one way? How much does it cost?

  • If you wish to get transportation only one way, that is fine. However, the price stays the same, 7000.-ISK, for the transportation as we have limited car space, and we need to make sure there is a free spot in the car. So you have to pay both ways to reserve your spot.

• Do you pick me up at my hotel or do I need to come to a pick up point?

  • We will either pick you up at your hotel in central/downtown Reykjavik, or, if you are staying on either Hverfisgata or Laugavegur we will pick you up at a designated pick up location If you are however staying outside of Reykjavik, you will unfortunately need to arrange your own transport into Reykjavik, preferably to the BSI bus station, where we will then pick you up. You can then of course also meet us in the National Park Thingvellir if you have your own transport.

• How do I find the meeting point?

  • Silfra is located in Þingvellir national park, which is about 45-60 minutes drive from Reykjavík city. You can see a map attached to your ticket, find the map HERE or simply type Silfra Diving into Google maps. If you get lost on the way please do not hesitate to call our office for help.

• How far is it to Silfra from Reykjavik?

  • It is about 60 km from Reykjavik to Silfra and it takes a little less than one hour to drive the distance by car, given the weather conditions are good. If you choose to drive to Silfra yourself and don‘t know the way, we recommend you to study the map before you hit the road. Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park, which is a bit different from other national parks. At a point, when you turn into road 36, you will feel like you are driving into the middle of nowhere. Please do not turn around, just keep going straight until you see our company cars which are parked at the Silfra Meeting Point, you then drive a little further to parking lot P5 to park. If at anytime you feel lost please do not hesitate to call our office for help.

• How far is Silfra from Reykjavík?

  • Silfra is approximately 50 minutes away by car from Reykjavík.

Multi Day Tour Questions

• Can I still join your Multiple Day Dive Tours or Dive Expeditions if I haven´t dived in a long while?

  • Depending on your previous dive experience and level of dive training, if you haven't dived for a period of six months or more and are feeling a little rusty, we would suggest you do a refresher dive course prior to departure. While Iceland is known for its crystal clear and calm freshwater dive sites, some of our dive sites are deep, others have strong currents or sometimes low visibility. Those are the reasons we usually do require that our divers have a minimum of 4-10 logged dry suit dives and a total of 30-40 logged dives, depending on the dive tour.

• Do I need to have my own dive and/or travel insurance?

  • Unforeseen events are part and parcel of any travel experience. Therefore, it is always advised to have your own dive and travel insurance to be certain that you are covered for all and any mishaps, such as flight cancellations/delays, medical emergencies, lost baggage
    However, as a dive operator and travel agency, we are fully licensed by the Icelandic Tourist Board in accordance with the Tourism Administration Act No. 80/1994. As such, we carry insurance which covers the legal liability for physical injury or property damage arising as a consequence of Iceland Dive Expeditions’ operation as stated in our policy, subject to a sudden and unforeseen event. The coverage provided spans the period between the first and last day of the tour/expedition. Other travel falls outside the scope of the insurance.
    As certified and experienced divers, each of our customers is personally responsible for diving within the limits set by their level of training, experience, health and physical fitness. While we do not require that our divers or snorkelers provide proof of fitness or health check, each diver and snorkeler will be asked to fill out and sign a medical statement and liability release whereby they take responsibility for their own health and fitness to dive.

• Do you cater to divers who want to use nitrox, trimix or closed-circuit rebreathers?

  • Unfortunately, we don't. We only have 12L single-valve DIN tanks filled with air. We also have 15L and a double valve if needed. The low freshwater and ocean temperatures around Iceland are such that air supply or nitrogen accumulation tend not to be the limiting factors when it comes to bottom times (except on some of the deeper dives).

• Is dry suit experience a requirement to participate in your tours?

  • Yes, all of our dives are dry suit dives. Some of the dives are deep and demanding (e.g. ´Big Chimney´ and El Grillo wreck) so we require proof of a minimum of 10 logged dry suit dives OR a dry suit certification, as well as Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate on those dives.

• My partner doesn't dive. Can she join me on a multi-day dive tour in Iceland?

  • Of course! Given Iceland's extreme – and extremely beautiful – nature, we go to great lengths to provide our guests with as many opportunities as possible to sightsee along the way. All our multi-day dive tours include a considerable amount of scenic stops, photo-ops, and travel between dive sites through stunning landscapes.

• Should I bring my own gear or rent locally?

  • Most of our divers bring their own equipment, for reasons of familiarity, fit and comfort. However, we are happy to facilitate the rental of full sets of high-quality equipment for a very reasonable price. Keep in mind that anyone renting a dry suit accepts the possibility of leakage or discomfort owing to off-the-rack sizes not perfectly fitting each and every body shape. Note that anyone wishing to rent equipment needs to book it with the booking, or simply book it by email. All prices can be seen on each tour.

• What are your health requirements for joining your Multi-Day Dive Tours?

  • As with any dive tour – or indeed any dive – anyone who's reasonably fit and healthy is usually good to go diving. In case you're not sure, we suggest consulting a (dive) doctor for a check-up before booking a dive tour. At any rate, you will be asked to sign a medical statement and liability release whereby you take responsibility for your own fitness to dive.

• What clothes/equipment do we need to bring on your Multi-Day Dive Tours?

  • In terms of personal gear, all your regular travel kit, plus some warm, wind and waterproof clothing. Even in the middle of summer, the temperatures can get low (to below 10°C at night) so a good fleece – or better yet, Icelandic wool – will be essential, along with a hat and gloves. Also, while we tend not to get heavy, sustained rain, our summers can see their fair amount of precipitation, therefore you'll need some form of rain protection to keep you dry between dives and on our sightseeing stops. It is important to have strong shoes, for example, hiking boots, as much of the terrain in Iceland is uneven and rugged. And on our 5 and 10-day tour, you will have access to a hot tub at one of the hotels, so it is a good idea to bring swimwear. In terms of dive gear, most of our multi-day dive tour participants bring their own full sets of dive equipment. However, we do have a full range of top-of-the-line dive equipment for hire at reasonable rates. Please contact us at [email protected] for a price list.

• What sets DIVE.IS apart from other companies?

  • First and foremost, we can safely say that we, by far, possess the most experience and expertise in conceiving and conducting dive tours and expeditions in Iceland. The company was founded by pioneers and field leaders in offering regular recreational dive tours in Iceland – since 1997 – and has, as such, set the standard for others to follow. The broad selection and diversity of dive tours and expeditions on offer ensures that everyone can find a diving adventure that suits their interests and passions, from the beginner to the seasoned explorer.

    Through decades of careful research and scouting, we are able to conceive of itineraries and activities based on first-hand knowledge and experience to bring you the most unique opportunities and exciting nature encounters.

    Last, but certainly not least, we place a high value on the human touch and social side of your travel experience. Therefore, we employ only the very best (and nicest) guides available. We hand-pick the most experienced and seasoned guides out of a sizeable pool of dive guides working locally (mostly for our affiliate company, DIVE.IS). Our extended tours and expeditions, in turn, are largely in the capable hands of our very own David Sigurthorsson (HYPERLINK), Iceland’s most experienced dive guide and expedition leader, whom many of you already know from your previous visits.

• What type / size of scuba tanks do you use?

  • We use steel tanks due to better buoyancy properties.
    We use both 12-liter and 15-liter bottles.
    Not only that, but we can also offer both single and double valves.
    Our valves have DIN connections, but if you bring your own regulator with a YOKE connection, let us know and we will bring a DIN - YOKE adaptor.
    Please let us know in advance which tank configuration you require for the equipment you bring, so we can have it ready for you.

• When is the best time to dive in Iceland?

  • Each season has its own pros and cons. Spring and fall are best for those who like to stay out of the crowds. While we dive in small groups, some of the on-land sites we visit are popular among your run-of-the-mill tourists and, frankly, can get a little crowded, although we do know of quite a few out-of-the-way gems. Late spring you'll see the vegetation come alive and the birds and the bees buzzing by with excitement. The autumn colors of the turning leaves are definitely something to behold, and the weather is often calm and the air crisp. Summer is the busiest season and for a good reason. It's the warmest and most lush time of the year with nature in full bloom.

    For the diving tours, the main difference between the seasons is that in the summer (April-October), we have all the dive sites available, whereas in the winter (November-March) we only have the Silfra dive site available, and occasionally Daviðsgjá. All the other dive sites are sadly not available due to road closures (ice and snow), and the water is frozen over or unsafe conditions.

Clothing Questions

• Can I wear my gloves?

  • We advise that you bring gloves, at all times of the year, to keep your hands warm before you get in and warm them up after you get out of the water. This is especially important in winter. However, whilst in the water, you will be wearing neoprene mittens that we provide for you.

• What do I need to wear? Do I need to buy a thermal base layer?

  • It is best to come to Silfra already dressed in your thermal base layer, as there are not many locations to fully change your clothes in private. If you do not have thermals and do not want to purchase any, something soft, close-fitting and warm works just fine. For example, yoga pants, leggings, running tights and a long-sleeved t-shirt or a thin jumper.

• Will I get cold while freediving in a wetsuit?

  • The wetsuit used by our partners on the freediving tour is a specialized 7mm freediving suit. In many cases, no water will touch your skin, but if it does, your body quickly heats up the water. It's important to remember that the Silfra freedive tour is a tour in 2°C water, not tropical warm waters, so your expectations should be adjusted accordingly, but most people are perfectly comfortable in the water using the specialized freediving wetsuit. The Freedive Foodhunt will take you on freedives in the ocean, which is several degrees warmer than Silfra.

Combo Tour Questions

• Can we see Gullfoss and Geysir on the Laxness Horse riding and Silfra combo tour?

  • Unfortunately not, this combo tour includes diving/snorkeling in Silfra and a horseback riding tour with Laxness horse farm.
    Gullfoss and Geysir are however relatively close by (about 1 - 1.5 hrs.), meaning you can fit in the whole golden circle in one day, next to this combo tour, if you are driving yourself.

• How does my Horse Riding Combo tour work?

  • You start your tour at Laxnes Horse Farm (about 30 minutes from Reykjavík) where you will join your horseback riding tour.
    At Laxnes Horse Farm, you will go on a pleasurable ride through the beautiful valley of Mosfellsdalur. Horse enthusiasts will already know that Icelandic horses are an extremely special and protected breed, but beginners are also welcome to join the horseback riding tour. You will be provided with riding equipment before you are handed one of their friendly and sure-footed Icelandic horses, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Get ready to be charmed by the breathtaking scenery of the Mosfell Valley!

    After your horse riding tour, you will continue on your journey to Thingvellir National Park, the drive takes about 30 minutes. You will have time between the tours to check out the park, which is a UNESCO historic site and one of the stops on the popular Golden Circle. We recommend having lunch at Thingvellir.

• How does the Ocean and Bjarnagjá combo tour work?

  • The Ocean & Bjarnagjá combo tour is available on our website on request.

    The requirements for the tour are a PADI Open Water or any equivalent certification, as well as a dry suit diving certification. In lieu of a dry suit certification, you can show 10 logged dry suit dives within the last two years, which must be confirmed with written proof from a diving instructor. You can find this form attached.

    Both of the dive sites on this tour are located in Reykjanes peninsula, about an hour drive from downtown Reykjavík.

    Bjarnagjá is an 18 m deep lava ravine on this very peninsula where the tectonic activity has caused Iceland to rise out of the ocean. The water in Bjarnagjá is mostly fresh groundwater, but it is influenced by the salinity of the sea, as the rift is only a few hundred meters from the coast.

    Your Ocean and Bjarnagjá combo tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavík, and the structure of your tour depends on the tides and weather conditions that day. You will receive an updated tour time and additional information a couple of days before your tour.

    Each dive will take about 30–40 minutes, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. After each dive, you will have hot cocoa and cookies with the guide.

    After the second tour, we drive back to Reykjavík. We recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon after your tour. If you have booked transportation, we can drop you off there.

    Please note: the Bjarnagjá dive site is currently not available due to the volcanic activity in that area.

• How does the Silfra and Daviðsgjá combo tour work?

  • The Silfra and Davíðsgjá combo is available on our website on request.

    The Silfra and Davíðsgjá Diving combo begins with pick up from your accommodation in Reykjavík or meeting us at Silfra on location.
    We will start the day with Silfra dive, where you will dive into the most unique body of water in the world. After exiting Silfra and walking back to the meeting point, we will have chocolate and cookies before moving on to Davíðsgjá fissure, where our second dive will take place. Davíðsgjá is usually slightly warmer than Silfra. Divers walk straight into the water and after a shallow swim, they enter the long, deep and narrow Davíðsgjá fissure. The maximum depth of the dive in this fissure is 21 meters. Davíðsgjá often has incredible underwater visibility, although this varies and is more dependent on the weather than in Silfra.

• How long is the cave?

  • We use 2 different caves on this tour, depending on the time of year and weather/road conditions. Gjábakkahellir cave in Thingvellir is 360 meters long and Leiðarendi cave in Reykjanes is 880 meters long.

• Is dry suit experience a requirement to participate in your tours?

  • Yes, all of our dives are dry suit dives. Some of the dives are deep and demanding (e.g. ´Big Chimney´ and El Grillo wreck) so we require proof of a minimum of 10 logged dry suit dives OR a dry suit certification, as well as Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate on those dives.

• Is food included in the combo tours?

  • Unfortunately none of our combo tours include a meal, although there are always hot drinks and biscuits after your dive or snorkel. On most of our combo tours there is however an opportunity to purchase food along the way. And of course you are always welcome to bring your own food and snacks.