There isn’t a scarcity of thrilling adventures in Iceland, however the alternative to snorkel between two continental plates is by far probably the most distinctive of all of them! On our current journey to Iceland, we jumped into the freezing waters in Silfra fissure in Þingvellir Nationwide Park to expertise this cool exercise firsthand!
Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir Nationwide Park
About Þingvellir Nationwide Park
The world-renowned Silfra fissure is situated in Thingvellir Nationwide Park (additionally spelled as Þingvellir Nationwide Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, because of its historic and cultural significance and geological and pure uniqueness.
A preferred cease in Iceland’s Golden Circle, Thingvellir Nationwide Park is situated about an hour from Reykjavík and is understood for its unimaginable geological rock formations, canyons, and lakes. Additionally it is stated to have been the sitting place of the Icelandic parliament between AD 930 and 1798. Historians have deduced that the situation was probably used for parliamentary conferences as a result of the encircling canyons’ partitions may assist voices carry additional. The park surrounds the largest lake in Iceland, Thingvallavatn, proper on the Atlantic Ridge.
Thingvellir Nationwide Park
About Silfra
Silfra is the title given to the fissure that shaped between the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates after an earthquake in 1789. Since then, the continents have continued to float aside by round 2 cm yearly, making the Silfra fissure ever so barely greater yr over yr.
The Cleanest Water In The World
When the Silfra fissure was shaped, it minimize deep into the underground spring fed by the Langjökull glacier. The water flowing from the spring into Silfra in the present day has been filtered by underground porous lava for over 100 years and is exceptionally clear and clear.
The dearth of microorganisms within the clear water of Silfra meant that there was no fish or aquatic life right here both, solely troll-hair algae that stored the water clear and added extra magnificence to the environment.
With a visibility of over 100m, snorkeling in Silfra, Iceland, is an unimaginable expertise that shouldn’t be missed!
The 4 Sections Of Silfra
There are 4 areas of the Silfra Fissure which have distinctive traits. Ranging from the dive platform, you’ll undergo the Silfra Massive Crack, Silfra Corridor, Silfra Cathedral, and eventually, the Silfra Lagoon.
Silfra Crack
The doorway level to the fissure begins as a crack that progressively deepens into an underwater canyon. Whereas that is only the start of the dive, it’s a stupendous spot for images.
Silfra Corridor
As you swim additional into the fissure, you’ll come to Silfra Corridor, which is flanked by big tower formations. The canyon will get wider and deeper at this level, with sunbeams filtering via in sections.
Silfra Cathedral
This gorgeous part of the Silfra Fissure is instantly after Silfra Corridor. That is the place the fissure reaches its full depth, with labyrinthine rock formations and sensible blue water.
Silfra Lagoon
On the finish of the fissure, you’ll attain the Silfra Lagoon. This shallower, wider part is the place the glacial water meets the hotter water of Thingvellir Lake. The change in water temperature at this level helps the fields of marine algae within the lagoon.
The clearest waters at Silfra at Thingvellir Nationwide Park
Silfra Snorkeling Tour FAQs
Is Silfra Snorkeling Tour Price It?
Sure, snorkeling in Silfra is unquestionably value it. The views of the 2 tectonic plates are breathtaking, and snorkelers can expertise crystal-clear glacial water that has been filtered for as much as 100 years. It’s the clearest water on the planet, with a visibility of as much as 100 meters.
Can You Snorkel At Silfra On Your Personal?
No, snorkeling in Silfra requires a information, and there’ll at all times be one information for each six visitors throughout the Silfra snorkeling tour. Robust currents in Silfra snorkeling websites will be harmful, and skilled steerage and instruction are essential to take pleasure in Silfra fissure safely.
How A lot Does It Price To Snorkel In Silfra?
The price of snorkeling in Silfra varies relying on the tour supplier and sort of snorkel tour however ranges from 25,990 ISK to 30,000 ISK.
How Lengthy Does Snorkeling In Silfra Take?
Silfra snorkeling tour often lasts round two hours to 2 and a half hours. This consists of preparation time in addition to roughly an hour within the water.
Silfra, Iceland
Snorkeling Vs. Diving In Silfra
Each Silfra snorkeling excursions and diving journeys can be found to expertise the fissure in Thingvellir Nationwide Park. Nevertheless, it’s vital to notice that whereas snorkeling in Silfra is accessible to all, diving in Silfra requires numerous certifications, together with Open Water Diving Certification and Dry Go well with Diving Certification.
Because of the excessive water temperatures in Silfra (simply 2°C), any water actions within the fissure have to be carried out in a dry go well with. You might snorkel in a dry go well with with minimal or no dry go well with expertise. Dry Go well with Diving Certification, then again, is a 1-day course that have to be accomplished earlier than diving in Silfra.
Snorkeling In Silfra (Professionals & Cons)
Professionals:
- Alternative to snorkel between two tectonic plates
- Clear and pure glacial water with visibility of as much as 100 meters
- Appropriate for snorkelers of all talents (with a information)
- Distinctive exploration alternatives above the floor and beneath it
- An opportunity to get an unimaginable view from underwater with out getting too deep.
Cons:
- Costly
- Should be accompanied by a information
- Very chilly water (the temperature is between 2°C and 4°C all year long)
- Some areas have robust currents, so snorkelers ought to take their time and be further cautious.
Diving In Silfra (Professionals & Cons):
Professionals:
- A deeper exploration of the realm
- Unparalleled visibility and readability
- The prospect to discover a number of layers of the springs
- Alternative to go as deep as 18m (60ft) at one of the distinctive dive websites on the planet
Cons:
- Will need to have Open Water diving certification and Dry Go well with diving certification
- Might require extra tools
- Should be accompanied by a information
- Exploring underwater caves and overhead atmosphere is strictly prohibited
Regardless of being avid scuba divers with numerous expertise below our belt, we opted for snorkeling in Silfra, Iceland, with Dive.is, a good native tour firm providing snorkeling and diving experiences in Silfra. We have been so pleased with our selection and our total expertise.
Snorkeling in Silfra
Our Expertise Snorkeling In Silfra, Iceland
Dive.is affords 4-5 Silfra snorkeling excursions every day, ranging from as early as 9am. We opted for the earliest tour and have been completely satisfied to study that it was the most effective time to snorkel in Silfra. Our information defined that because the day progresses, sediment from the rocks will get kicked up by different snorkelers, murking the water.
We arrived at Thingvellir Nationwide Park simply earlier than 9am, assembly the tour information and the remainder of the group on the designated Silfra assembly level. The guides unloaded all of the snorkeling tools and invited us to make use of their Sprinter van for altering if wanted. The van was heated and really excessive, offering a surprisingly snug place to get into our dry fits.
Silfra snorkeling crossing!
The Prep
The dry fits have been a brand new expertise for us, however the guides did an ideal job explaining what to anticipate and the way to navigate the waters whereas wanting like a Michelin man. The dry fits had hoods and have been paired with neoprene booties and gloves to maintain our ft, arms, and heads heat all through the exercise.
On suggestion from the guides, we placed on an additional base layer – thermal leggings and a long-sleeve shirt. The get-up promised to maintain us dry and assist our our bodies keep a snug temperature within the water for so long as 45-60 minutes.
Fins in hand, we walked from the parking zone to the sting of Silfra and bought prepared for our massive descent!
Equipped and able to go!
The Descend
Snorkelers descended into the Silfra fissure in small teams at 5-10 minute intervals. Given the early begin, the platform was not but busy, and we may descend into the Silfra waters inside a couple of minutes of arriving on the fissure.
It was mere moments earlier than the chilly temperatures began to creep up our fingers and freeze our faces. Our our bodies have been heat, however our noses, cheeks, and lips grew numb as we floated away from the docks. The floatation of the dry suites and the freezing water on our faces took a second to get used to.
“Put your heads within the water,” reminded our information. “Don’t fear in regards to the fits, and benefit from the magnificence beneath you! And don’t overlook to take a sip of the water. It’s the cleanest water you’ll ever have!”
And so we did! It was a wide ranging second not solely due to the chilly water but additionally due to the unimaginable sight and pure fantastic thing about the fissure. Rock formations jetted out from either side of the fissure for so far as our eyes may see. The crystal clear blue water made it really feel just like the fissure was one million miles lengthy.
Drifting via the 4 important areas of Silfra: Silfra Corridor, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon, we forgot all in regards to the chilly and the cumbersome fits and misplaced ourselves in the great thing about Silfra. The intricacies of the naturally shaped rocks and hardened lava created a terrain that was unearthly in its look.
Our information was great all through, persistently checking that everybody was protected and comfy as we floated via the expertise. Child Silfra, ultimately, felt like an absolute honour, particularly as this shallow oasis was solely shaped in 2008 and remains to be very new.
Tie flew by, and earlier than we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Silfra and exit the water.
Again on land, we bought out of our dry suites, pleasantly stunned to search out our base layers to be utterly dry. Sizzling chocolate and cookies awaited as we marvelled on the expertise with fellow snorkelers. What an unimaginable journey that was!
Snorkeling in Silfra at Thingvellir Nationwide Park
Suggestions And Recommendation
If you wish to take advantage of your snorkeling Silfra day tour, some ideas and tips are value sharing.
- Observe that the minimal age for snorkeling at Silfra Fissure is 12 years previous. Anybody below 18 have to be accompanied by a guardian or dad or mum on the identical tour. Moreover, all tour members should be capable of swim independently.
- Parking for Silfra snorkeling expertise is at Silfra Automotive Park, a couple of 5-10 min stroll from the assembly level of the Silfra Tour. Take notice and be sure to convey your change of garments, GoPro, and different gadgets you may want for the tour with you to the assembly level.
- Don’t overlook to pack just a few important gadgets to make your Silfra snorkeling tour as snug and satisfying as potential. Your snorkel information will give you a dry go well with, however you need to convey the next:
- Lengthy underwear and a high layer (ideally thermal)
- Thick socks (two pairs add heat)
- Change of garments suited to the present climate
- Contact lenses for many who put on glasses
- Go for an early tour. If you wish to make your expertise higher when visiting Silfra for snorkeling, we extremely advocate selecting a time slot within the early morning. Whereas the water is at all times clear, the visibility is at all times greatest within the early hours.
- Make sure that your gear matches properly earlier than you enter the water. As soon as you’re within the water, you’ll be able to’t get again out. You’ll be given the choice to show again round a couple of minutes into the session, however when you go the entry part, there is no such thing as a alternative to show again or get out till the tip of the tour. So, if one thing feels fallacious together with your gear otherwise you don’t assume you’ll be able to deal with the chilly, it is advisable converse up!
- Convey a GoPro to doc your expertise! Alternatively, you’ll be able to pre-book a photograph bundle and seize just a few images and movies from the information. The underwater images are completely value it!
Snorkelers at Silfra in Thingvellir Nationwide Park
The Good Ending
Cap off your improbable day by going to Hvammsvik Sizzling Springs to heat up after snorkeling in Silfra. Iceland is famend for its pure scorching springs, one of many nation’s most pure scorching springs, so it’s value just a little detour for a heat soak! Admission consists of limitless entry to eight scorching springs, the onsite steam room, seashores, and use of paddle boards. There are altering rooms, non-public showers, and a bistro providing wholesome dishes created with domestically sourced substances.
Thingvellir Nationwide Park additionally has distinctive climbing routes that may take you throughout your entire space and previous the clear waters. The strolling routes are good if you wish to take a while to breathe within the contemporary Icelandic air and reap the benefits of its pure magnificence.
Öxarárfoss Waterfall is one other landmark of historic significance. Its previous is darkish, having been used to drown girls accused of adultery and little one homicide and being distinguished within the Icelandic witch trials. Nevertheless, it stays a stark and exquisite a part of the realm.
At Hvammsvik Sizzling Springs
The place To Keep Whereas Visiting Silfra
Thingvellir Nationwide Park is about an hour from Reykjavik, so for those who choose one thing just a little nearer to Thingvellir and away from the busy metropolis, there are many choices.
Farmhotel Efstidalur is nearer to the Silfra dive websites and set on a peaceable farm within the Golden Circle Area. This sustainable resort is a 15-minute drive away from the well-known Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir scorching springs and affords horseback driving excursions throughout the heat months.
The onsite restaurant affords warming consolation meals made with substances grown proper there on the proprietors’ farm or neighbouring farms. End off with home made natural ice cream made with cream from the farm’s personal cows.
Snorkeling In Silfra: The Backside Line
Is Silfra snorkeling value it? Completely. It might sound very chilly, however snorkeling in Silfra is a novel and unforgettable expertise you gained’t discover wherever else on the planet. The surreal fantastic thing about the icy waters will go away you in full awe!
Snorkeling in Silfra was in all probability one of many coolest adventures we had in Iceland. It’s a kind of moments that modifications your perspective and provides you new insights into the world round you.