Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra With Photos Included

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, a captivating rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offers adventurers a unique opportunity to explore a UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Guided by experienced professionals, visitors can marvel at the exceptional water visibility, stunning geological formations, and diverse marine life that call this crystal-clear glacial water home. With vivid turquoise hues and serene underwater scenes captured by GoPro cameras, the enchanting beauty of this one-of-a-kind destination is immortalized in stunning photos. Delving deeper into this aquatic realm, one can’t help but be captivated by the sheer scale and grandeur of this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Just The Basics

• Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park offers the unique opportunity to snorkel between the drifting North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• The glacial water in Silfra is renowned for its exceptional visibility, up to 100 meters, with a striking turquoise-blue hue.
• The snorkeling tour includes professional guides, GoPro photos, thermal dry suits, and other gear for a comfortable and memorable experience.
• Participants can expect to see diverse marine life, including native trout and Arctic char, as well as vibrant mosses and algae along the rocky walls.
• The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and all-inclusive pricing ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable snorkeling adventure between the continents.

Overview of Silfra Snorkeling

Situated within the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra Fissure offers a unique opportunity for snorkelers to explore the crystal-clear glacial waters that separate the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

This underwater canyon, formed by the slow drifting of the two continental plates, is renowned for its exceptional visibility and diverse marine life.

Snorkelers can marvel at the fissure’s stunning geological features, including the vibrant mosses and unique rock formations, while immersed in the chilly yet refreshing waters.

With professional guides leading the way, visitors can safely navigate the Silfra Fissure and capture unforgettable memories through GoPro photography during the tour.

Inclusions in the Tour

The Silfra snorkeling tour includes a professional English-speaking guide to lead the experience, providing commentary on the unique geology and marine life.

Participants receive GoPro photos taken during the snorkeling excursion, as well as all necessary equipment such as snorkeling gear and a thermal dry suit to ensure comfort in the chilly glacial waters.

Complimentary hot chocolate, tea, and a chocolate bar await guests after their underwater adventure. Parking fees are also included, making this a convenient and all-inclusive experience.

The tour ensures that guests can fully enjoy the stunning Silfra Fissure without worrying about additional costs or equipment rental.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Participants meet at the Troll Expeditions Silfra in Thingvellir National Park, and are advised to arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

The meeting point is easily accessible, as visitors can park at the P5 Thingvellir lot and take a short walk to the location.

Once at the meeting point, you will be greeted by their professional, English-speaking guide who’ll provide further instructions and ensure everyone is prepared for the snorkeling adventure.

With the meeting logistics taken care of, participants can look forward to an unforgettable experience exploring the clear glacial waters and unique geology of the Silfra Fissure, separating the North American and European tectonic plates.

Age and Physical Requirements

To participate in the snorkeling tour, individuals must meet certain age and physical requirements.

The minimum age is 12 years, with those under 18 required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plus, the maximum age is 69 years, though those over 60 need to obtain a medical waiver.

Participants must also fall within a specific height range of 150-200 cm and a weight range of 45-120 kg. On top of that, they must be physically fit and comfortable in the water, with no serious medical conditions that could pose a risk during the snorkeling activity.

These requirements ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants in the Silfra Fissure snorkeling experience.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience receive a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours prior are not accepted. Cancellations due to poor weather, however, qualify for a full refund or the option to reschedule for a different date.

Cancellation Timeframe	Refund Eligibility	Rescheduling Option
24+ hours before	Full Refund	N/A
Less than 24 hours	No Refund	No
Due to Poor Weather	Full Refund	Yes

This flexible cancellation policy ensures that guests can plan their snorkeling adventure with confidence, knowing that their investment is protected in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.

Exploring the Fissure’s Marine Life

Snorkeling through the crystal-clear waters of Silfra Fissure reveals a captivating underwater world teeming with diverse marine life and geological wonders. Glide effortlessly over the vibrant mosses and algae that cling to the fissure’s rocky walls, where curious trout dart between the crevices.

Admire the unique milky-blue hue of the glacial water, a result of the constant flow from the nearby Þingvallavatn lake. Spot schools of minnows and the occasional Arctic char, their scales shimmering in the diffused light.

Marvel at the otherworldly landscape, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart, carving this remarkable geological feature.

• Discover the fissure’s diverse marine ecosystem
• Observe the striking glacial-blue hue of the water
• Spot native trout and Arctic char swimming nearby
• Appreciate the unique geology of the drifting continents

Unique Glacial Water Geology

The glacial water of Silfra Fissure, which flows from the nearby Þingvallavatn lake, exhibits a captivating milky-blue hue due to the constant flow and unique mineral composition. This distinct coloration results from the high levels of dissolved minerals, including calcium and silica, carried by the water.

Mineral	Concentration
Calcium	11-13 mg/L
Magnesium	1.5-2.0 mg/L
Silica	10-11 mg/L
Sodium	2.5-3.0 mg/L

The clarity of the glacial water, often described as "liquid glass," is another remarkable feature, allowing visibility of up to 100 meters. This exceptional clarity is attributed to the filtration process as the water percolates through the porous volcanic rock, creating an otherworldly underwater environment.

Gopro Photos From the Tour

Throughout the guided snorkeling tour, the tour guides capture a stack of GoPro photos to document participants’ exhilarating experiences exploring the enchanting underwater world of Silfra Fissure. These stunning images showcase the breathtaking clarity of the glacial water, the captivating geological formations, and the diverse marine life that call this unique fissure home. Participants can expect to receive a selection of their personal GoPro photos as a memento of their adventure, allowing them to relive the magic long after the tour has ended.

Vibrant shades of turquoise and azure dance across the screen, inviting viewers to enjoy the serene aquatic realm.

Majestic tectonic plates, frozen in time, loom overhead, serving as a powerful reminder of the dynamic forces that shape our planet.

Schools of curious fish dart in and out of view, capturing the essence of the Silfra ecosystem in vivid detail.

Snorkelers’ expressions of pure wonder and delight immortalized, forever capturing the pure joy of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Water Temperature During the Snorkeling Tour?

The snorkeling tour takes place in the chilly glacial waters of the Silfra Fissure. The water temperature is typically between 2-4°C (35-39°F) throughout the year, making a thermal dry suit essential for this activity.

While the water may be cold, the incredible visibility and unique geological setting make this an unforgettable experience for those who are properly equipped and prepared for the low temperatures.

Are Wetsuits or Thermal Undergarments Provided?

The tour provides a thermal dry suit to keep snorkelers warm during the activity. This specialized suit is designed to insulate the body and protect it from the cold glacial waters, which maintain a year-round temperature of around 2-4°C (35-39°F).

No additional wetsuits or thermal undergarments are required, as the provided dry suit is sufficient to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable snorkeling experience in the chilly Silfra Fissure.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

For this snorkeling tour, all necessary equipment is provided, including a thermal dry suit and snorkeling gear. Participants aren’t permitted to bring their own equipment, as the tour operator ensures the gear meets safety and quality standards.

This helps maintain the integrity of the experience and allows the guides to properly fit and assist participants. The provided equipment is designed for the specific conditions of the Silfra Fissure, ensuring a safe and enjoyable snorkeling adventure.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure does offer a private tour option.

Guests can book a private snorkeling experience for themselves or a small group. This allows for a more personalized and exclusive tour, with the guide focusing solely on the participants’ needs.

Private tours are subject to availability and may have an additional cost compared to the standard group tour.

Interested parties should inquire about the private tour option when booking their snorkeling adventure.

Can I Purchase Additional Gopro Photos After the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional GoPro photos after the Silfra snorkeling tour.

The tour operator offers the option to purchase additional photos if you’d like more souvenirs from your experience.

Simply let the guide know if you’d like to purchase any extra photos at the end of the tour.

They’ll provide the details on how to access and purchase the additional GoPro images captured during your snorkeling adventure.

Sum Up

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Guided tours immerse visitors in the crystal-clear waters, showcasing the fissure’s exceptional geology, diverse marine life, and breathtaking turquoise hues captured through GoPro photography.

This UNESCO-listed natural wonder offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.