Iconic Scuba Diving in Iceland?

I recently traveled to the wonderful country of Iceland or Island if you’re embracing local spelling. While most travelers set their eyes on fiery volcanic structures, hot spring lagoons, waterfalls, or vast fjords, I was more intrigued by the SCUBA diving. Let’s be honest. Most normal people (including me) would never immediately peg the frigid waters of Iceland as a dive spot, but they could not be further from the truth. It’s one of the most surreal underwater experiences you can have. While there might not be massive coral reefs or a plethora of fish, Iceland does have the unique opportunity to dive between two tectonic plates, like drifting between two continents.

Iceland offers the rare opportunity to SCUBA dive in the Silfra fissure, where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet, like two ancient puzzle pieces slowly shifting apart. Now, fault lines usually don’t have pronounced visual appearances or, at most, a small divot, but here? Huge underwater ravines were where the tectonic plates meet, with crystal clear visibility going on forever, making them the perfect place for underwater exploration.

One catch: I was shattered when I learned that I had to be dry suit certified and 18 to dive here, but this place is a bucket list dive. Absolutely!

Iceland isn’t just otherworldly above ground. It’s breathtaking below, too.