Iceland is full of adventurous outdoor activities. The harsh, out-of-this-world-looking landscape caters for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, cycling, rafting and snorkelling? Yep, if you are heading to the icy northern island don’t forget your swimsuit!

Iceland is continentally confused. Situated on the crack between the North American and Eurasian continents, the country is politically and culturally part of Europe, but culinary America. Well, that’s a personal view. Even though tourists are told the ‘traditional foods’ include shark, whale and puffins, I think the people eat enough burgers and pizza to compete with North America. 

Being an island between two continents doesn’t just effect the menu, it leaves it’s mark on the spectacular landscape. When you think about the separation between two continents, you probably imagine a giant crack through the earth. Yep, Iceland is cracked, and I’m not just referring to the mental state of it’s citizens. The land physically bears the mark of being torn between two tectonic plates. And it turns out to be a pretty nice place to go for a dip (or a snorkel).

Recently, my Icelandic lady Sigrun and I decided to go for a dip in the countries crack and see what all the fuss was about. I had heard only good things about the view and made a last-minute booking the night before the tour. I quickly texted Sigrun and being the naive Australian that I am (sometimes), told her to bring her swimsuit. I think we may have been the only two on the tour who had packed our bikinis to go snorkelling in 2 degree water…

Only a 45 minute bus ride from Reykjavik, Slifra is situated in the heart of Þingvellir national park, a UNESCO world heritage site both for its cultural and historical significance. The drive through the countryside was gorgeous, as usual, and eventually we made it to the drop off point.

The first challenge is putting on the gear. First you are given a ‘teddy bear suit’, which is basically a person-shaped sleeping bag that feels like you are wearing a hug from you mummy. Then there is the dry suit. With skin tight latex seals around your neck and wrists you can probably imagine how much fun it is to put those on. We were then given gloves and head covers, and flippers, goggles and snorkels. We were as ready as we would ever be.

The second challenge is the water temperature. Willingly immersing yourself in 2 degree water is like getting your legs waxed. It is unbearable at the beginning but eventually you become numb to the pain and leave room with no regrets. Snorkelling in 2 degree water will not make your legs smooth, but the beauty of the sight will leave you breathless.

I have snorkelled in the great barrier reef so I must admit, my expectations for snorkelling in water that is too cold for fish life were kind of low. I didn’t expect underwater views in Iceland could complete with the colourful beauty that I had seen in Northern Australia, but immersing myself in the continental crack turned out to be one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen sub-sea level.

The dry suit makes you super buoyant, so you literally just float along as the current lazily transports you through an underground paradise. The clearest blue water I have ever witnessed allows you to view over 100m of visibility. You can admire the unique rock formations and the bright green plant life that lurks below in extreme detail.

You only spend about 45 minutes in the water which is bittersweet. The view below is truly spectacular, but after a while you do start to miss what it is like to have feeling in your hands and lips. Floating in 2 degree water for 45 minutes is a novelty for the first 44, the final minute is a challenge. 

Silfra is the only place in the world where you can snorkel between two continents and it’s beauty is phenomenal. Snorkelling through Silfra is the best way to enjoy Iceland’s crack.

Experience it for yourself!

Into the Blue, Snorkeling Tour in Silfra

Arctic Adventures

Laugavegur 11
101 Reykjavik
Iceland
+354 562-7000
info@adventures.is