Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive or snorkel between two continents! No surprise one of the top unforgettable attractions for adventurous travelers is snorkeling in Silfra Iceland. This is really an extraordinary and unique experience, bringing the opportunity to explore the remarkable underwater world between two tectonic plates – the North American and Eurasian.
Silfra is located only 55 kilometers from Reykjavik (50 minutes drive) in Thingvellir National Park.
Crystal-clear glacial water from the nearby Langjokull glacier fills the Silfra fissure, which guarantees exceptional visibility, making it a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. Here is everything you need to know before going deep in the glacier water of 2 Celsius Degrees.
Silfra snorkeling in Iceland.
To find the only place in the world for anything is very unique.. Snorkeling between two continents – not a bad reason to try! But.. honestly, this is a big adventure from the beginning till the very end.. from dressing up.. to undressing.
In your dry suit, you are floating effortlessly between two continents. The unique geological setting, with the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drifting slowly apart – about 2 centimeters per year.
Once you deepen into the icy waters, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the remarkable natural formations – the underwater colors are mindblowing, and visibility is just incredible – often exceeding 100 meters (328 feet)! I have never experienced a better diving site.
How cold is snorkeling in Silfra Iceland?
@How cold is it?@ It is the most asked question in the area 😉 These are the first words the tour operators hear from a visitor! Here is the answer – it is NOT cold – except for lips – but they get frozen very quickly and you stop feeling anything.
Due to the glacial origin of the water, Silfra maintains a consistently low temperature throughout the year. Water had 2 Celsius Degrees in August which is summer month in Iceland.
It is important you are in good health. While snorkeling in Silfra in Iceland is an accessible activity for most individuals, it’s essential to be aware of any physical limitations you may have. The guide will make a health interview before taking a tour – it is important to notify them about any health inconveniences you have, so they can manage them properly during the activity.
Iceland snorkeling between two continents.
Water in Silfra is known for its incredible clarity (as mentioned before even 100 meters). This allows you to see underwater landscapes, rock formations and the diverse flora and fauna in vivid detail. While you are swimming along the narrow passing – you are literally between two continents.
Snorkeling and diving in Silfra.
You’ve got two water adventure options:
- Snorkel – NO certificate required – which is a much more common option among adventurous visitors.
- Dive – however you need to be DRY suit certified.
How to prepare for snorkeling in Silfra Iceland?
Snorkeling in Silfra in Iceland can be experienced only through guided tours led by certified diving and snorkeling professionals. These guides possess a wealth of knowledge about the area and can ensure your safety. Dressing up a dry suit is a whole process, where each element counts and defines your experience in the icy waters.
Don’t worry – you will be dressed up in 3 layers of clothes and thick dry suits. Snorkelers are provided with a drysuit, mask, snorkel, and fins to ensure comfort and warmth in the frigid waters. It’s crucial to follow all instructions regarding the proper use of this equipment to enhance your experience. Dressing up and safety briefing takes about 1 hour – these conditions are extreme and there is no place for a mistake.
Iceland Silfra fissure.
The rift zone features stunning geological formations, including tectonic fissures and crystal-clear springs, created by melting glaciers.
The experience is often described as swimming in an alien landscape. The absence of currents creates a peaceful environment, so you can hear your breath while snorkeling in this unique location.
According to PADI – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors – Silfra Fissure is ranked as one of the top 10 best diving sites in the world!
Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik.
You have two options to go snorkeling in Silfra:
- With self-drive and meeting onsite – Thingvellir National Park. There is one visible site with all Tour operators – you will not have a problem finding it – it is next to a big parking spot with public toilets.
- Booking Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik – which is extremely popular and easy to organize. The whole tour is 4.30-5h and they will pick you up from most hotels in Reykjavik.
Snorkeling in deep blue world of Silfra!
Snorkeling in Silfra deep blue glacier waters is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! From magic shades of blue in the water to the ethereal underwater landscapes, Silfra promises an experience that transcends the ordinary.
The whole activity lasts about 2.5-3h hours from which:
- Dressing up/undressing/safety briefing – 1.5h.
- Walking to the starting point – 5 minutes
- Snorkeling: 45 minutes.
- After you will be treated with hot chocolate and chocolate bars.
There are two stages of snorkeling:
- First you will snorkel along the narrow passage.
- At the end you will reach Lagoon Bay – with shallow waters and white sand.
How to prepare for snorkeling in Iceland?
Most important things to bring for snorkeling in Silfra Iceland:
- Wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as a base layer under the drysuit.
- Bring a set of dry clothes – the drysuit has a very small chance of leaking but it happens.
- Don’t wear glasses, instead bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask (if you have one).
Snorkeling footage.
Most of the tours provide excellent photo footage from your snorkeling adventure. You will be able to download it from their servers.
Snorkeling in Silfra in Iceland between tectonic plates is an unforgettable, funny and beautiful adventure! I cannot imagine leaving Iceland without snorkeling in Silfra.
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