Silfra Snorkeling Tour: A Detailed Review

So, have you ever wondered what it might be like to float between two continents? That’s just what the Silfra fissure in Iceland offers, and it’s something else. A snorkeling tour here isn’t just some casual dip in a lake; very, very it’s an experience that you’ll remember. The pure water, plus the chance to touch both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at the same time, well, it makes for one wild story to bring back from your travels. In this article, too it’s almost I will share my detailed review of the Silfra snorkeling tour, offering you helpful advice and important tips to make the most of this exceptional adventure. Anyway, get ready for perhaps one of the coolest and most unique snorkeling adventures out there!

What is Silfra?

Okay, so what’s Silfra, really? Located in Þingvellir National Park, which is that historic and amazingly beautiful place in Iceland, Silfra is a fissure created in the space between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Each year, those plates drift a little bit more apart, that is almost 2 cm, which opens up the fissure a bit more. Now, what really makes Silfra unique is not only its location but also the water inside. It is glacial water that’s been filtered through lava rock for what could be up to 100 years. This natural filtration process makes the water some of the purest on earth, giving visibility of up to 100 meters! That, too it’s almost why it’s a top spot for snorkelers and explorers from pretty much all over the globe.

Booking Your Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Now, when it comes to experiencing Silfra, very, very you’ll want to book your tour in advance. A handful of tour operators offer snorkeling trips, and the best ones often get booked up fast, especially during peak season. As I was saying, do some shopping to compare packages. Most tours include your gear (that is, a dry suit, snorkel, and mask), plus guidance from certified pros. What I mean by “shopping”, by the way, is look for smaller groups; often that can really add to the experience because you’ll get more personal attention. Make sure you’re checking out what’s included too. Some packages might have photos, snacks, or pickup from Reykjavik. So, for a bit of an extra fee, that can make everything a bit more comfortable.

One really important consideration: double-check the requirements to participate. That you’ll need to be in acceptable physical shape and often you need to meet height and weight requirements to make sure the dry suit fits correctly. Don’t take this lightly, so failing to meet these can keep you from joining the tour, and no one wants to miss out! Generally you can find many packages starting around $150 to $250. Price can differ based on the tour length, group size, and inclusions. Reserving beforehand does mean a better chance of snapping up your preferred slot, so be an early bird, why not?

Preparing for Your Silfra Adventure

Preparing yourself for a Silfra snorkeling trip is about ensuring comfort and safety, especially in chilly water. Now the water temperature is consistently around 2°C to 4°C (35°F to 39°F). As a matter of fact that you will need a dry suit to keep you, well, dry and reasonably warm. Before your plunge, listen closely to your guides during the briefing; they will, like your demonstrate the correct way of using your snorkeling equipment plus offer advice about managing yourself in the dry suit. Dress warmly in layers. So thermal underwear is absolutely essential. What about a fleece or wool base layer too. Avoid cotton as that tends to keep moisture and it just won’t keep you as warm.

As I was saying, before you get into the water, practice sealing the dry suit around your wrists and neck properly to prevent leaks. Trust me; this step really does help to avoid an unexpected icy shower during your float. By the way bring a waterproof camera. The under landscape at Silfra is incredibly photo-worthy. GoPro or something similar is perfect. Anyway double-check your camera gear is totally charged. Also be sure it’s securely mounted before entering the water. Finally, psychologically prepare to embrace the cold, but mostly to embrace the wonderful experience! That almost icy bite fades as soon as you start to appreciate the views and uniqueness of being in one of the most exceptional places on the globe.

The Snorkeling Experience: What to Expect

When it comes to getting into the water at Silfra, too it’s almost you will find it to be a mix of thrilling and, to be honest, kind of strange. First of all the dry suit may feel really restricting on land, it gives you a great deal of buoyancy in the water, which will give a feeling almost weightless. The beginning can be tough: putting on that drysuit and getting into that freezing water does take getting used to. Once you are floating, very, very though, the sheer clarity and calmness take over. Basically the visibility is truly unparalleled. You might see an underwater place like this, not unlike something out of a nature documentary. As a matter of fact the blue shades will stun you! That’s not unlike looking through super clear glass.

A typical tour flows through Silfra’s four main sections. What about the Silfra Big Crack, it’s just about the narrowest part. Often it’s just where you can literally touch both continental plates. Next you drift into Silfra Hall, that really widens to give you space to float peacefully. Then there is the Silfra Cathedral. Its incredible depth and long visibility create a place that feels a lot like gliding inside a cathedral. Ultimately you finish in the Silfra Lagoon, which is a wider section that has superb views looking back towards the opening of the fissure. Throughout the whole float, the guides are usually documenting the experience, offering helpful advice. That’s so everybody stays secure, and of course pointing out things that you might miss.

Tips for an Unforgettable Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Want to make the most of your snorkeling tour in Silfra? Okay, here are a few pointers gleaned from experience: Firstly, by the way move slowly and deliberately when in the water. That’s really thr best way to conserve energy. More or less, limit splashing as it may disrupt visibility for you and others near you. So you really should breathe normally through the snorkel and try to relax. The cooler you are, the better you might cope with that cold. To be honest consider using a neoprene hood. It provides more thermal protection to your head, which helps significantly with retaining body heat. Just a little tip? Eat something small, just something before the tour begins. Very, very you’ll be burning calories to stay warm.

During quieter times when on tour, why not close your eyes briefly. Do it so you can enjoy the purity and calmness around. As a matter of fact the sound of the glacial waters actually is kind of soothing, but it might amplify your general feeling with being one with nature. Make an effort to keep away from touching the bottom and the sides of the fissure so you protect the area’s natural beauty. Moreover listen intently to the directions by the tour guides. That will contribute hugely with everybody’s safety plus give great insights on just what you’re seeing. Lastly remember just to smile and take in one of those unusual experiences the earth will offer. Snorkeling in Silfra actually isn’t just a tour, really; it’s that magical thing.

Is Silfra Snorkeling Right for You? Considerations Before You Go

Okay, so before you get ahead of yourself and go off booking a Silfra tour, too it’s almost make certain you’re ready for what this adventure requires. Think about your comfort level with cold water and confined spaces, that is when you have on a dry suit. In order to snorkel safely, generally, one must be in generally acceptable physical shape, so really not suitable for everybody. Think, for a bit, on those potential challenges like keeping that snorkel clear. Keeping your face in the water while staying still while in a dry suit. As a matter of fact, it may feel unnatural at times. Now, that said, the tour leaders are pros, often willing to support you overcome issues as much as possible. Just let the know. Should you have second guesses, generally discussing them earlier before heading out can greatly ease worry.

By the way give some thought to whether you often enjoy nature and more out of the way destinations. What’s great about Silfra mostly is its distinct natural environment, which should strongly appeal to outdoors fans and people hunting down a challenge outside those common activities. So weigh those pros, balance those cons, and, should you discover this experience is what you are looking for, by the way, I feel certain you may find it super rewarding!

Other Activities in Þingvellir National Park

Whilst visiting Silfra, why not maximize your trip with time in Þingvellir National Park? The spot isn’t only about the fissure; often the park comes fully packed with beautiful places of cultural and historical value. What I mean by “historical” is, first off, discover the Alþingi. As I was saying that’s the oldest existing parliament worldwide! That’s in the same place ever since 930 AD. So that tells of great tales about Iceland’s rich past. Nature enthusiasts often find that hiking on one the trails. The trails lead you to picturesque points like Öxarárfoss waterfall so provides fabulous walking journeys.

Often the park turns out a delight for photographers. Often that beauty shows through with images from that dramatic landscape that shows that merging of geology and heritage. What’s more? Think of packing one picnic so you’re able to unwind right in Þingvellir so you will experience Icelandic nature just outside from that hustle involving more typical tourist sites. That, also makes Þingvellir a spot really worth a spot to explore, often making your Silfra tour one part that is greatly enhanced using many sights Iceland provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to snorkel in Silfra?

To be honest, snorkeling in Silfra turns out to be possible year-round because the water is generally steady and, by the way, dry suits are employed. Most choose that summer for longer times of day. However in winter months turns the site kind of magical under winter snow.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

Usually, one requires absolutely no previous snorkeling or , let’s say diving history to snorkel with Silfra, you know, simply a typical comfort amount throughout that water along with the capacity to generally have a bit with a snorkel. All that said if the conditions are something of a worry in your head, maybe think about doing several snorkel sessions prior to the session just in case, right?

Are there age or physical requirements for snorkeling in Silfra?

Yeah, very, very there actually are age along with, like your physical necessities. That might normally range from something around 12 years to, for instance, 60 years of age, combined to specific tallness with a physical wellness specifications. Confirm those with the tour agent before you book, okay?

What should I bring with me on the tour?

Think of bringing thermal underclothing levels which do exclude natural cotton content in the combination. Take along thicker warm socks, one towel, also when you desire, just waterproof digital camera products that can record your experience that’s one of a kind.

Is it safe to drink the water in Silfra?

Sure, as a matter of fact which may be risk-free when you decide that the waters there are super purified; several trip courses really persuade participants to provide this a try and to drink directly to it!

Okay, so hopefully, now, with this review I’ve provided enough things to see for you to create a wise assessment should it interest someone in visiting Iceland to book on such one exceptional exploration over this unbelievable place between this intercontinental crack called Silfra and do a most unusual snorkel!

Key Takeaways

• Purest Waters: Witness exceptional underwater visibility due to glacial filtration.
• Tectonic Plates: Get a chance to touch both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Year-Round Adventure: Snorkeling is doable through all the seasons equipped with correct gear.
• Plan Ahead: Advance reserving makes sure tour spot in very famous moments on one calendar and tour.

So what’s the final decision with this, what do you feel with trying your snorkel equipment here when in Iceland for adventure of underwater in two continents over our marvelous country?

Okay, I guess that’s all!

By the way, here are some tags to explore!

#SilfraSnorkeling #IcelandAdventure #TectonicPlates #IcelandTravel #SnorkelingReview #ExploreIceland