Snorkeling Between Two Tectonic Plates in Iceland
When I think about Iceland, snorkelling is not the first thing that comes to mind. Snorkeling for me is usually associated with warm tropical waters, brightly colored fish and the salty gulps of ocean water you accidentally ingest. To my surprise, you can snorkel in Iceland and in one of the coolest geographical places in the world - between two tectonic plates!
Silfra is the most famous snorkeling site in Iceland. It's the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between two tectonic plates. Silfra is the result of the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly moving apart at a rate of about 2 cm per year. As a result, a fissure and waterway has formed between these two land masses allowing people to don dry-suits and float your way through the middle of two continents.
Touching two tectonic plates
Where is Silfra and How Can I Snorkel?
Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. To snorkel in Silfra, you will need to book a tour with a licensed tour operator. The tour operator we went with was Troll Expeditions. We booked a tour fairly last minute but was able to get a spot. The group tour is not very large with about eight of us in total. They will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a dry suit, mask, and snorkel.
Once you arrive at Silfra, your guide will give you a safety briefing and provide instructions on how to use the equipment. After a short walk to the entry point, you will enter the water and start your snorkeling adventure. The water in Silfra is crystal clear, with fantastic visibility. The water is also VERY cold, with a temperature of around 2°C (35°F), but the dry suits we wore kept us warm (with the exception of our face which I lost feeling of after awhile).
Snorkeling through the clear waters and seeing all the various rock formations shaped by thousands of years of tectonic plate drift was wonderful. Over our approximately 45 minutes in the water, we easily glided through a magical underwater landscape. Our guide mentioned that the water is so clean that we could remove our masks and take a gulp if we were feeling thirsty. This pure glacier melt that trickles down from mountains through underground lava caverns, is filtered through lava rock pores, resulting in extremely clean, drinkable water.
If you’re looking for something truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime, I highly recommend snorkelling at Silfra. Not only is this a relatively easy thing to do, the tour operators are top-notch and help you feel comfortable from beginning to end.
Where Else Can I Snorkel or Dive in Iceland?
Iceland has many other excellent snorkeling sites, each with its own unique features and attractions. Here are some other popular snorkeling sites in Iceland:
Kleifarvatn: This lake is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is known for its clear water and underwater hot springs.
Nesgja: This fissure is located near Lake Myvatn and is known for its crystal-clear water and underwater rock formations.
Bjarnagjá: Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Bjarnagjá is known for its underwater caves and tunnels.
These are just a few of the many snorkeling sites in Iceland. It's important to note that snorkeling in Iceland can be challenging due to the cold water temperatures, so it's recommended to go with a licensed tour operator who can provide you with the necessary equipment and safety measures.
