Reykjavík Whales & Diving at Silfra
Dive between two continents in the morning, search for giants of the sea in the afternoon.
This full-day self-drive adventure pairs Silfra fissure diving with a whale watching cruise from Reykjavík, giving you two of Iceland's most remarkable natural encounters in a single day. You drive yourself between venues, keeping the experience flexible and independent.
Silfra sits within Þingvellir National Park, roughly 45 kilometres from Reykjavík. The fissure formed where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and the glacial meltwater filtering through lava rock for decades produces visibility exceeding 100 metres. The combination of geological drama and optical clarity makes it one of the most photographed dive sites on the planet.
After completing the dive, you return to the capital and board a whale watching vessel at the Old Harbour. Faxaflói bay regularly hosts minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, along with a variety of seabirds. The cruise lasts approximately three hours and operates year-round.
Both activities are operated by established Icelandic specialists — Dive.is manages the Silfra experience while Elding runs the whale watching cruise. Booking them together as a single package simplifies logistics without restricting your movement between the two sites.
Tour Highlights
Dive inside the Silfra fissure and float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in water of exceptional clarity.
Pass through Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon during a single guided dive totalling around 40 minutes of bottom time.
Spend three hours aboard a whale watching vessel in Faxaflói bay with strong chances of sighting minke and humpback whales.
Travel at your own pace as a self-drive combo, with full freedom to manage timing between Þingvellir and Reykjavík.
Observe dolphins, harbour porpoises and seabirds alongside larger cetaceans during the Faxaflói bay cruise.
Both activities run all year round, making this combo accessible in every season including the depths of winter.
Þingvellir National Park, the starting point of the day, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in geological and historical significance.
How the Day Unfolds
You drive approximately 45 kilometres from Reykjavík to reach the dive site. The route follows well-maintained roads and takes roughly 45 minutes under normal conditions.
Spend around three hours at the site including briefing, suiting up and a single dive of approximately 40 minutes. You pass through Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and finish at Silfra Lagoon.
After completing the dive, you drive back to the capital and make your way to the Old Harbour where Elding operates its whale watching fleet.
Board the vessel for a three-hour cruise across Faxaflói bay. The crew actively searches for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises, as well as various seabird species.
The vessel returns to the harbour approximately three hours after departure, concluding a full day of two of Iceland's signature natural activities.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided dive in Silfra fissure with Dive.is
- Dry suit, mask, fins and all diving equipment
- Silfra dive guide and briefing
- Whale watching cruise with Elding in Faxaflói bay
- Certified whale watching guide on board
Not Included
- Transport between venues (self-drive required)
- Fuel and vehicle costs
- Thermal underwear and thick wool socks
- Meals and beverages
- Travel insurance
Important Information
All diving participants must hold a valid dry suit diving certification or provide written proof of at least 10 logged dry suit dives completed within the last two years. Proof must be a written confirmation from an instructor affiliated with an internationally recognised diving organisation. A signed Diving Silfra Medical Statement is mandatory, and a doctor's clearance may be required depending on individual health circumstances.
Reserve Your Spot
Combining Silfra diving with a whale watching cruise creates one of the most varied single-day itineraries available from Reykjavík. Availability is limited, particularly during summer, so securing your place in advance is advisable.
Book Now
