Snorkel the Silfra Fissure

Iceland

Elise and Jess Snorkel Silfra Fissure.

Something Jess and I never thought we’d do is snorkel in glacial runoff. To sweeten the deal, we never imagined snorkeling between tectonic plates in what is claimed to be the clearest water in the world! The Silfra Fissure is located within the Pingvellir National Park in Iceland, just a short 60KM drive from Reykjavik. What is Silfra? This is the place where the North American and Eurasian plates are splitting apart and creating fissures. You must be sure to book your snorkeling tour in advance as everyone just meets in a parking lot to suit up and go with your group at your time.

Between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure.

We chose the company Dive.IS and they were fantastic. They provided everything we needed to suit up. It’s recommended to wear a base layer underneath such as wool long underwear and nothing else. They provide trailers to change and where you can leave your belongings, the trailers are locked during the snorkeling. The dry suit they provide you will keep you dry and a nice base layer will keep you reasonably warm. The water is always around 2℃/35℉ so just above freezing all year round.

Water here stays just above freezing all year long!

Floating with the current.

Chris, our guide told us a lot of people back out walking up to and waiting their turn to go in the water because this wait is very cold, it’s worth the wait though and once you’re in the water you don’t notice the temperature. Our face and hands went immediately numb and after that it’s smooth sailing. The water has a nice relaxing current to it so just flop on your belly and enjoy the view.

The Whole Group Floating Along.

Being between the tectonic plates was once in a lifetime and the calmness in the water and environment felt very therapeutic.

Why snorkel Silfra? The glacial water in Silfra has been filtered underground for decades by lava rock. This make it one of the clearest bodies of water on earth with up to 120 m of visibility. Snorkeling in Iceland has been described as “liquid mediation”. The current of the water allows you to float along while enjoying the beauty below.

Here comes Elise and Jess.

The snorkel guide took photos for us which can be purchased after the snorkel trip. Once you’re trip down the Silfra Fissure is complete they walk you back to the meeting parking lot where they provide hot chocolate and coffee along with a nice cookie snack.

Diver crossing near the Silfra Fissure.

The walk back to the parking lot was the coldest part of the entire day but you are quickly reunited with your dry warm clothes and all is well to continue your day and exploring Pingvellir National Park.

Overall, the snorkel trip was a bit pricey but definitely once in a lifetime and some of the most unique views we’ve seen in all our snorkeling trips!

How long does it take? We started around 9:30 and finished at 12:00