Should you snorkel at Silfra?
Silfra, in case you're not aware, is the spot in Iceland where two tectonic plates are pulling apart, and you can actually get right between them.
Every year the Eurasian plate and the North American plate drift 2-3 centimetres apart. Between the two, you've got some freezing glacial run off that forms a beautiful little lagoon. What's more - it boasts some of the clearest waters in the world with about 200m visibility. So - should you snorkel (or, if you've got the experience - diving is also an option) there? Short answer: yes.
Well, you've got to do it with a guide. This is a good thing, or you'd get a crazy like me who'd be game for some bikini-clad swimming and would probably freeze themselves half to death. Companies like Dive.is will provide you with all the gear you need to be safe, warm and dry. Then they'll help you do seemingly 'easy' things like putting on flippers if you find yourself completely incapable of doing so.
How much does it cost?
Less than I expected, to be honest. For about a 45 minute snorkel (you don't want more than that... by the 40 minute mark you can definitely feel the chill in your fingers) you're looking at 16,990ISK. A friendly water enthusiast will also take unflattering pictures of you (but proof that you did the snorkel) for another 3000ISK. As far as 'adventure-y' packages go, I think this is pretty reasonable. Also, Iceland is pretty expensive to start with, so I thought it would be more.
Is there anything else I should know?
You've got to wear a drysuit, so don't be too antsy in restrictive clothing. Do a wee before you get in the water or you'll probably be busting the whole time. Make sure you go to the right meeting point and you'll be fine. They'll supply you with some biscuits and hot chocolate to help you warm up your cold, little fingers afterwards. Take a waterproof camera or a GoPro so you can document the whole mind-blowing experience. This stuff is some of the most beautiful things you could possibly see in the whole world. Legit.
How do I book?
Like everything in our space-age world, you book online.
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