Snorkeling in Iceland? Yup, you heard that right!

My second trip to Iceland was a quick 24 hour layover so I wanted to have a set plan of what to do with my time there. I already did the main touristy things on my first trip there like Black Sand Beach, exploring downtown Reykavik and the Golden Circle so I wanted to try so something new. This trip was also different in the sense that I was actually not traveling with my son, which is rare, so it allowed me to have more options on what we could do since there are certain things that are not toddler/kid friendly… like Snorkeling Silfra!

Silfra is one of the top dive sites in the world and situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir, only about 30 miles from Reykjavik. Silfra is a freshwater fissure about 200 feet deep, where you can almost see end to end as the water is so clear. It’s also one of the only places where you can dive or float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are gradually drifting farther apart.

I booked my tour with Adventure Vikings online through the site GetLocal. When we landed in Iceland we drove straight to Thingvellir to meet our guides. We were exhausted! Iceland is only a 6 hour flight from NJ – add in barely sleeping on the plane and that 5 hour time change and we were sleep deprived but nothing that touching that cold ice water, 35°F year round to be exact, couldn’t help.

While you can free dive in a wet suit, we decided to go with the dry suit. Click HERE to read about the difference between the two. The dry suit allows you to float on the surface but best of all, it keeps you dry & warm.

Snorkeling in Iceland turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences I have had while traveling. You quickly forget how cold it is outside when you stick your face in the water and the visibility seems endless with bright hues of blue and green surrounding you. Even though I was one of the first in our group to enter the water, somehow I was the last to reach the end. I was just in awe of the experience that I lost track of time and floated most of the way taking everything in. The water of Silfra is not only the clearest but the purest and that is why you are encouraged to take a sip while snorkeling. I did and it was so refreshing!

Snorkeling in Iceland is quite a unique experience… one I highly recommend.