Ever considered snorkelling in a tectonic rift between two continents?

If you think you have mastered every level there is in snorkelling, think again. The Silfra Fissure in Iceland is formed as a result of two continental plates, North America and Eurasia, drifting apart from each other and is an utterly unique(and challenging) place to try snorkelling.

Also, about Silfra snorkelling!

All the vibrant aquatic creatures that you touched in the Great Barrier Reef or the striking coral reefs you couldn’t bid adieu to in the Maldives cannot be found here. We are talking real glacial water here. Fret not—it’s eccentricity is what makes Silfra snorkelling unique. Unbelievably Astonishing.

What to expect?

The Silfra Fissure lets you plunge into ice-cold water up to 18m deep, revealing a dive passage touching two tectonic plates. No wonder UNESCO added a mere crack to the list of world heritage sites. The glacial water is crystal clear(due to constant filtration by surrounding lava rocks) and provides visibility of up to a surrounding 100m, which is very high, by any snorkelling standard.

Now that the mandatory bucket-list check off is done, snorkel your way across the Silfra Hall Site where the stunning Silfra Lagoon and Silfra Cathedral reveal themselves.

How to get to the Silfra Fissure?

The Silfra Fissure is in Thingvellir National Park, which is situated at about 45km northeast of Reykjavik. Following Road 1 and reaching Thingvellir via the Mosfellsbaer town is the best option as the road is conditioned for driving even during most of the Winter. (But in a land of snow, it’s always better to check your route before starting). Here is the official website to check live road conditions in Iceland.

Here’s a hack!

Snorkel in a dry suit which is also leak-proof. It might be hard initially to thrust inward, but this is necessary. Snorkelling in freezing glacial water is no mean feat!

The best time to visit the Silfra Fissure for snorkelling:

The summer months in Iceland—June-August is the best time to snorkel in the Silfra Fissure as the weather is manageable and not too cold. This is also the safest time to snorkel.

Inspired to snorkel your way through this unique adventure? Check these exclusive Iceland itineraries and book your trip with Pickyourtrail.

Image credits: Jill Heinerth

Akshaya Devi

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Scared of driving in Chennai traffic but also planning a solo bike trip to Ladakh. Don't be surprised if you find me all hyper, someone somewhere in the world must've misquoted Martin Scorcese or justified a bad coffee saying "C'mon, coffee is coffee".

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