Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates

Silfra is a one-of-a-kind snorkeling destination nestled in the heart of Iceland. Straddling the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, this rift offers visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy the geological forces shaping the country’s landscape. With crystal-clear glacial waters and vibrant blue-green hues, the snorkeling experience at Silfra is truly mesmerizing. While the adventure requires meeting specific requirements, the operator provides all the necessary equipment, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable journey. Discover the dramatic beauty and the captivating story hidden beneath the surface as you venture into this geological wonder.

Just The Basics

Silfra is a mesmerizing snorkeling destination between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates in Iceland, offering unparalleled visibility in crystal-clear glacial meltwater.
The guided snorkeling tour explores the stunning turquoise hues and volcanic rock formations of the Silfra fissure, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself between two continents.
Participants must meet specific requirements, including a minimum age of 12, physical fitness, and the ability to swim, and must provide height, weight, and age information.
The meeting point for the Silfra snorkeling tour is at the DIVE.IS Meeting Point in Thingvellir National Park, with detailed instructions on how to reach the location.
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a guided experience, and a post-snorkel treat of hot chocolate and cookies, with cancellation policies and potential tour cancellations due to weather or minimum participant requirements.

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Overview of Silfra Snorkeling Experience

Silfra is a mesmerizing snorkeling destination where visitors can enjoy the ethereal waters flowing between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

This unique geological feature, formed by the gradual drift of the plates, is filled with crystal-clear glacial meltwater that provides unparalleled visibility and an unforgettable experience.

The guided snorkeling tour allows participants to explore the rift, taking in the stunning turquoise hues and volcanic rock formations that line the underwater canyon.

After the exhilarating snorkeling adventure, guests are treated to warm refreshments, including hot chocolate and cookies, as they reflect on their journey between two continents.

Inclusions and Requirements

The guided snorkeling tour between the tectonic plates comes with an array of inclusions to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience. Participants receive all the necessary equipment, including a drysuit and warm undersuit, as well as entrance fees to the Silfra fissure. To cap off the adventure, guests are provided with hot chocolate and cookies to savor after their immersion in the chilly glacial waters.

To participate in the Silfra snorkeling experience, there are a few key requirements. Guests must be at least 12 years old, physically fit, able to swim, and comfortable in the water. Those over 60 will need a doctor’s approval. Participant’s height, weight, and age must also be provided to the operator, as there are maximum limits in place.

Inclusions	Requirements
Guided snorkeling tour	Minimum age of 12
Snorkeling equipment	Physically fit and able to swim
Entrance fee to Silfra	Doctor’s approval for those over 60
Hot chocolate and cookies	Height, weight, and age provided

Meeting and Pickup Location

To reach the snorkeling adventure, participants meet at the DIVE.IS Meeting Point for Silfra tours in Thingvellir National Park.

From there, they’ll turn onto road #361, take the 3rd right, and park in lot P5 before walking back to the meeting point to join the guides.

This centralized location makes it easy for everyone to gather and get ready for the memorable experience of snorkeling between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The guides will be waiting to greet the group and provide any necessary instructions or assistance before setting out on the unforgettable journey into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Silfra snorkeling tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be eligible for a refund.

Plus, the experience may be canceled due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum participant requirement isn’t met.

The cancellation policy is straightforward:

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Cancellations within 24 hours won’t be refunded
The tour may be canceled due to weather or minimum participant requirements
Refunds are provided in case of tour cancellation by the operator

Flexibility is key, as snorkeling in the Silfra fissure is weather-dependent.

Tectonic Plate Drift at Silfra

Silfra’s dramatic setting results from the continual drift of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating a unique underwater world for snorkelers to explore.

Over thousands of years, the plates have gradually drifted apart, forming a narrow rift filled with crystal-clear glacial meltwater. Snorkelers can witness this incredible geological process firsthand, swimming through the rift where the two plates meet.

The water’s exceptional visibility, typically over 100 meters, allows snorkelers to see every detail of the craggy, otherworldly landscape. This one-of-a-kind experience lets visitors truly enjoy the dramatic forces that have shaped Iceland’s unique terrain.

Guided Snorkeling Tour

The guided snorkeling tour at Silfra allows visitors to experience the remarkable geological phenomenon of the continental drift firsthand. Participants don the necessary equipment, including a drysuit and warm undersuit, and follow an expert guide as they glide through the crystal-clear waters separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

This unforgettable adventure offers:

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim between two continents
Breathtaking views of the vibrant blue-green hues of the glacial meltwater
The opportunity to spot unique underwater flora and fauna

After the snorkel, participants enjoy a warm post-snorkel treat of hot chocolate and cookies. Souvenir photos are also provided to capture the memories of this extraordinary experience.

Refreshments and Souvenir Photos

After snorkeling between the tectonic plates, participants are offered hot chocolate and cookies to warm up and refuel.

The hot chocolate and cookies provide a comforting treat after the chilly waters of Silfra. Guests can savor the warmth and recharge, reflecting on the unique opportunity to swim in the rift between the Eurasian and North American plates.

Plus, souvenir photos are available for purchase, allowing visitors to capture the memories of this extraordinary experience.

The souvenir photos, captured by the tour guides, serve as a lasting memento of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Participants can choose to purchase these images and share them with friends and family, showcasing their remarkable achievement of snorkeling in this geological wonder.

Preparing for the Snorkeling Adventure

Preparation is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience between the tectonic plates. Participants must meet specific requirements, such as being at least 12 years old, physically fit, and comfortable in the water, in order to participate in this extraordinary adventure.

To be eligible, guests must also provide their height, weight, and age to the operator. Plus, participants over 60 will need a doctor’s approval. Strict height and weight limits apply as well.

Upon arrival, guests will meet at the designated meeting point and receive their snorkeling gear, including a drysuit and warm undersuit, before embarking on their unforgettable journey into the crystal-clear glacial waters of Silfra.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Wetsuits Provided for the Snorkeling Experience?

No, wetsuits are not provided. The tour includes a drysuit and warm undersuit for the snorkeling experience. Participants must be able to fit within the size requirements for the provided drysuit and undersuit.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

No, participants cannot bring their own snorkeling equipment. The tour operator provides all necessary snorkeling gear, including a drysuit, warm undersuit, and other equipment. This ensures proper fit and safety for the snorkeling experience.

Is the Snorkeling Tour Suitable for Beginners?

The snorkeling tour is suitable for beginners. All necessary equipment is provided, including a drysuit and warm undersuit to keep participants comfortable. The guided tour ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for those new to snorkeling.

Can I Get a Refund if the Weather Is Bad on the Day?

Yes, participants can get a full refund if the Silfra snorkeling tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions. The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy that allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Are There Any Age or Medical Restrictions for the Tour?

Yes, there are age and medical restrictions for this tour. Participants must be at least 12 years old and those over 60 require doctor’s approval. There are also height and weight limits that must be provided to the operator.

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