Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location

Silfra, a unique snorkeling destination in Iceland, offers adventurous visitors the chance to drift between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. Carved by glacial meltwater, this captivating underwater rift features crystal-clear, turquoise waters and stunning geological formations. Guided by experienced PADI instructors, snorkelers can explore the rift’s distinct features, such as Silfra Hall and Silfra Cathedral, while seeing the dynamic forces shaping the Earth’s surface. With the opportunity to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies after the activity, this exceptional experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture into its enchanting waters.

Just The Basics

• Silfra is a unique snorkeling destination where visitors can drift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
• Guided snorkeling tours at Silfra provide all necessary equipment and an opportunity to explore the distinctive underwater rift landscape.
• Participants must meet specific height, weight, age, and water comfort requirements, and be able to communicate in English.
• The tour is led by a PADI-certified instructor, and hot chocolate and cookies are provided after the snorkeling experience.
• Visitors must meet at the DIVE.IS Meeting Point to access the Silfra snorkeling site, and the tour may be canceled due to poor weather or minimum participant requirements not being met.

Overview

Silfra is one of the world’s most dramatic snorkeling destinations, where visitors can drift between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America.

This glacier meltwater-filled rift was formed by the gradual drift of these continental plates, creating a unique opportunity to literally swim between continents.

Silfra offers a captivating underwater landscape, with clear, turquoise waters and stunning geological formations.

Drifting through this otherworldly environment is a truly exceptional experience, allowing snorkelers to enjoy the dynamic forces that continue to shape the Earth’s surface.

Tour Details

A guided snorkeling tour in Silfra includes all necessary equipment, such as a drysuit and snorkeling gear.

The tour allows visitors to explore the unique underwater rift formed by the drift of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Participants must meet certain height and weight requirements and be at least 12 years old, comfortable in water, and able to communicate in English.

The tour is guided by a PADI instructor, and there’s an opportunity to take souvenir photos, which are available for purchase.

After the activity, hot chocolate and cookies are provided.

Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience, and the tour may be canceled due to poor weather or minimum participant requirements not being met.

Logistics

To access the Silfra snorkeling site, visitors must meet at the DIVE.IS Meeting Point for Silfra tours. Participants must be at least 4 feet 11 inches (150 cm) in height and weigh between 100 to 264 pounds (45 to 120 kg). Plus, they must be at least 12 years old, comfortable in water, and able to communicate in English.

Requirement	Minimum	Maximum
Height	4’11" (150 cm)	6’7" (200 cm)
Weight	100 lbs (45 kg)	264 lbs (120 kg)
Age	12 years old	N/A
Ability	Comfortable in water, English proficiency	N/A

Participants must also complete a medical form, and those over 60 years old will require a doctor’s approval.

Highlights

Visitors can explore the rift’s distinct geological features, including Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon, all guided by a PADI-certified instructor.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Snorkeling through the crystal-clear, glacier-fed waters of the Silfra rift, a unique opportunity to swim between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
• Capturing stunning photos of the underwater landscape, which will be available for purchase after the activity.

Enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling adventure, a perfect way to end the experience.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for Silfra snorkeling tours offers a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience. This flexible policy ensures customers can easily adjust their plans if needed.

However, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum participant requirements aren’t met. In such cases, customers will receive a full refund.

Participants must also complete a medical form, and those over 60 years old need a doctor’s approval to join the tour.

Weather and Participants

Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining whether the Silfra snorkeling tour can safely proceed. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the experience if weather conditions are deemed poor or unsuitable, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants.

To be eligible for the tour, participants must meet specific requirements:

• Minimum height of 4ft 11in (150cm) and minimum weight of 100lbs (45kg)
• Maximum height of 6ft 7in (200cm) and maximum weight of 264lbs (120kg)
• Participants must be at least 12 years old, comfortable in water, and able to communicate in English

The tour operator takes these requirements seriously to provide a memorable and safe experience for all visitors to the remarkable Silfra rift.

Medical Form Requirement

Participants’ medical fitness is a crucial consideration for the Silfra snorkeling tour. The tour operator requires all participants to complete a medical form, disclosing any relevant health conditions that could impact their safety or ability to partake in the activity.

This is to ensure everyone’s well-being during the excursion. Conditions like heart or lung problems, pregnancy, or recent surgeries may disqualify individuals from participating. Participants over 60 years old must also obtain a doctor’s approval before joining the tour.

The medical form helps the guides assess each person’s suitability and make necessary accommodations. By prioritizing safety, the tour company can provide an exceptional and secure experience for all who venture into the rift between tectonic plates.

Snorkeling Equipment Provided

Alongside the medical form requirement, the Silfra snorkeling tour provides all the necessary equipment participants need to explore the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The tour includes:

• A drysuit to keep you warm and dry throughout the experience
• High-quality snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins
• All other essential items needed for a safe and comfortable snorkeling adventure

With this top-notch equipment, you can focus on the breathtaking underwater scenery and the unique opportunity to swim between two continental plates. The tour guides ensure everything is set up and ready, allowing you to learn about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Deep Is the Silfra Rift?

The Silfra rift is a unique geological formation that reaches impressive depths. It plunges up to 63 meters (207 feet) at its deepest point, providing a dramatic and captivating setting for snorkeling.

This glacial meltwater-filled rift is the result of the gradual drift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating an exceptional opportunity for adventurous visitors to experience swimming between the separating continental plates.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

No, participants can’t bring their own snorkeling gear for the Silfra snorkeling tour. The tour provider includes all necessary equipment, such as a drysuit and snorkeling gear, as part of the experience.

This ensures the gear is properly fitted and maintained to provide a safe and comfortable snorkeling adventure. Bringing one’s own gear isn’t permitted, as the tour operator needs to maintain control over the equipment used.

What Is the Water Temperature at Silfra?

The water temperature at Silfra is a brisk 2°C (36°F) year-round. This frigid temperature is due to the glacial meltwater that fills the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Participants will need to wear a dry suit provided by the tour operator to stay warm and comfortable during the snorkeling experience.

The cold water temperature is part of what makes Silfra a unique and dramatic snorkeling destination.

Can I Swim Through the Entire Rift?

While the Silfra rift is a dramatic and unique geological feature, guests aren’t able to swim through its entire length.

The snorkeling tour takes place within a specific section of the rift, known as Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. Participants will have the opportunity to drift and explore this distinctive area between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, but the rift extends far beyond the boundaries of the guided experience.

What Is the Visibility Like in the Water?

The visibility in the Silfra rift is exceptional, with underwater visibility reaching up to 100 meters.

The crystal-clear glacier meltwater that fills the rift provides unparalleled clarity, allowing snorkelers to see the incredible geological formations and the distinct separation between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

This unique underwater environment offers a truly remarkable and unforgettable snorkeling experience.

Final Words

Silfra’s snorkeling experience offers a unique chance to drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Guided by a PADI instructor, visitors can explore the rift’s captivating underwater landscape, with its clear turquoise waters and stunning geological formations.

After the activity, guests can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, completing this exceptional adventure.