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You are free to take your own photos or video on tour with us, with a go pro or any other camera in an underwater houseing. However we kindly require that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band. Many of our customers have taken their go pro’s snorkeling and diving without problems related to the cold water, but if your photography equipment comes with instructions 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 responsibilty of lost or damaged photography gear that may happen on tour with us.
Due to volatile weather conditions in the dead of winter, our multi-day tours are only available between February and November. Outside this period the weather and snow conditions are simply too unpredictable to reliably offer tours that are dependent on roads being open and dive sites accessible. During our shoulder seasons (February-April and October-November) we have to always be prepared with a plan B should weather conditions prohibit access to certain locations and dive sites, and anyone looking to come and dive during that time should be aware of this. This is of course true for any tour and activity where the weather plays a role – such is the nature of nature. Luckily, we are blessed with plenty of options to put together some pretty amazing plan Bs, so we have always been able to deliver top-quality nature encounters and memorable experiences.
As to other conditions, such as water temperature, we can reliably report that in winter and spring the ocean temperature is around 2-4°C (36-40°F), while in late summer and autumn the ocean temperatures reach around 10-12°C (50-55°F). Since most of our fresh water dive sites are glacier melt-water fed, the temperature is a constant 2-4°C (36-40°F) year round. The exception to this is Lake Kleifarvatn, which more or less follows the ocean temperatures.
Visibility is a constant AMAZING in most of our fresh water sites due to their nature as spring-fed fissures and craters. In the ocean the visibility is typically better in winter than summer due to lower temperatures limiting algae growth and plankton. That said, visibility in the ocean is much more dependent on local and temporary factors such as weather and tides, than seasonal factors. Therefore you can experience anything from 5 meters (15 feet), as a minimum, to 25 meters (80 feet), as a maximum, at any time of the year.
When it comes to marine life, certain species are more prevalent during specific times of the year. For example, the lovely and playful wolf fish at ‘Little Chimney’ head to deeper water during winter only to return in April to their “summer place” in the shallows. The amazing diving sea birds (Guillemots, Auks, Razorbills and Puffins) are observed diving only in May and June. The ever majestic humpback whales, which are becoming more prevalent around Iceland each year, and we often encounter on our way to and from the dive sites in the north primarily, are typically around from May through October, before heading to warmer waters to breed.
Note that SILFRA day tours are available daily all year round as the site does not freeze over, nor does the road need to be closed except in the most extreme instances of bad weather and snow fall (which happens only a hand-full of times each year).
If you would like to get high resolution under water photos of your Snorkeling Tour, please let your guides know when you meet them. You can then purchase the photos from your guide after the tour. These pictures are a great souvenir of this extraordinary adventure. Please be aware that we can't always guarantee the photo service. Unfortunately cameras can malfunction and sometimes the guide has other priorities than taking photos. The photos of your Snorkeling Tour plus a "Best of Silfra folder" will be made available to you in high resolution via Dropbox after the Snorkeling Tour. The price for this photo package is ISK 2.990,- additional to the Snorkeling Tour price.
Yes, our tours and expeditions are VERY non-diver friendly as they incorporate a lot of on-land sight-seeing, scenic stops, photo-ops and allround nature encounters. Typically we will do only 1 or 2 dives per day and spend the rest of the time exploring Iceland’s beautiful nature top-side. Also, along with many alternative activities, there are many fantastic snorkeling opportunities available for those who are into the aquatic environment but don’t dive.
Unlike many other dive centers around the world that charge tour prices per tank, our tour price is calculated per tour due to the Icelandic weather conditions. Our tour always includes one dive, but we try our best to do a second dive when conditions allow it. For that reason, there is no price difference if you wish to only do a single dive when there is a possibility of a second one.
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.
Lastly, but certainly not leastly, 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.
Most of our divers bring their own equipment, for reasons of familiarity, fit and comfort. In fact, apart from the 3-Day Reykjavik Tour, they do so almost exclusively. However, we are happy to facilitate rental of full sets of high quality equipment through a 3rd party rental company 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 send us an inquiry well in advance to ensure availability. Ideally we would need about a month’s notice, although a shorter notice may be sufficient. Send us an inquiry for details and pricing.
Note! Anyone booking a tour other than the 3-Day Reykjavík tour, needs to bring their own dive computer and surface marker buoy (SMB).
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 tourist 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 colours of the turning leaves (yes, we have 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.
From a diving stand point, it makes little difference which of the three seasons you visit as 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.
All of our dives are dry suit dives. There’s a reason it’s called Ice-land (the clue is in the name:-). On top of that, some of the dives are deep and demanding (e.g. ´Big Chimney´ and El Grillo wreck) so we require proof of minimum 10 logged dry suit dives, as well as Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate on those dives. Many other sites are easier, however, and different requirements apply. You will find the specific requirements for each tour in the respective tour descriptions on this website. The requirement for the 3-Day Reykjavik Dive Tour is only a couple of logged dry suit dives. The reason is simply that it is the guide’s role and responsibility to lead the dive – not diver-training – in order to maximize the enjoyment of the dive for all.
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 Tourism Administration Act No. 80/1994. As such, we carry an insurance which covers the legal liability for physical injury or property damage arising as 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.
In principle, anything is possible, and we are able to source the requested gasses and materials through a 3rd party. However, neither our company, nor our guides, are able to accept any responsibility for anyone engaged in technical diving requiring the use of mixed gasses or CCR. Furthermore, the low fresh water 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).
You are free to take your own photos or video on tour with us, with a go pro or any other camera in an underwater houseing. However we kindly require that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band. Many of our customers have taken their go pro’s snorkeling and diving without problems related to the cold water, but if your photography equipment comes with instructions 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 responsibilty of lost or damaged photography gear that may happen on tour with us.
If you would like to get high resolution under water photos of your Snorkeling Tour, please let your guides know when you meet them. You can then purchase the photos from your guide after the tour. These pictures are a great souvenir of this extraordinary adventure. Please be aware that we can't always guarantee the photo service. Unfortunately cameras can malfunction and sometimes the guide has other priorities than taking photos. The photos of your Snorkeling Tour plus a "Best of Silfra folder" will be made available to you in high resolution via Dropbox after the Snorkeling Tour. The price for this photo package is ISK 2.990,- additional to the Snorkeling Tour price.
Unlike many other dive centers around the world that charge tour prices per tank, our tour price is calculated per tour due to the Icelandic weather conditions. Our tour always includes one dive, but we try our best to do a second dive when conditions allow it. For that reason, there is no price difference if you wish to only do a single dive when there is a possibility of a second one.
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 tourist 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 colours of the turning leaves (yes, we have 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.
From a diving stand point, it makes little difference which of the three seasons you visit as 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.
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 tourist 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 colours of the turning leaves (yes, we have 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.
From a diving stand point, it makes little difference which of the three seasons you visit as 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.
We use cookies to give you a better experience on our website to give you an even better experience on our tours. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies as set in our Privacy Policy.