This is the American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Iceland’s Silfra fissure! The water is glacier melt. It’s incredibly clean and pure and colorful. Yes, it’s also soooooooo cold, but you’re in a dry suit. Most importantly, it’s so beautiful. Would you do this??

In this post, I’ll cover what where you can snorkel between tectonic plates, what Silfra is and how cold it gets. After that, I’ll explain how and why the glacial water is so clear and colorful. Lastly, I’ll share pricing. Throughout the post you’ll see the colorful photos from snorkeling underwater.

What is Silfra?

This is a unique, year-round experience in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure, located in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park. You can swim directly between the North American and Eurasian plates in crystal-clear glacial water with over 100 meters of visibility. Loved!

Silfra is a fissure between two continental, tectonic plates with over 100m visibility underwater. Silfra is Iceland´s most famous dive and snorkel site.

How cold is is glacial ice melt in Silfra?

Glacier ice melt is very cold, but you get to wear a dry suit. I was surprisingly plenty warm, everywhere except my hands and face.

The water temperature remains a consistent 2–4° celcius, which is 35 to 39 degrees farenheit. year-round. I went in June, and we were comfortable in our dry suits.

I generally don’t like to do activities that are cold. However, this is worth it. And the dry suit really helps a lot.

How clear is the water?

The water is glacial meltwater filtered through underground lava rock for decades. That makes it some of the clearest water in the world.

Do you need to know how to swim?

Yes, it’s important that you can swim. However, this isn’t a rigorous athletic activity. You’re mostly just floating through beauty!

The four of us had such an amazing road trip all over Iceland. Great friends trip!

Snorkeling between tectonic plates at the Silfra fissure is a must-do activity in Iceland. It’s soooooo beautiful underwater. See below Silfra photo

Tectonic Plate Snorkeling at the Silfra fissure in Iceland is one of the most unique experiences!

it’s also so beautiful. This is such a unique experience! When else can you go snorkeling between tectonic plates? It’s the only place in the world where you can have this special experience.

Silfra doesn’t look impressive from above water. Underwater is incredible!

Where to find Silfa?

Here’s the link to Silfra Iceland on Google Maps. You’ll need to book through a tour . There’s nothing to see above ground.

How much does the Silfra snorkeling experience cost?

The cost is about $150 USD, but check with local tours.

Silfra Summary

In summary, drysuit snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. You can dive underneath the surface of Silfra in crystal clear water. As you can see from the photos, it’s incredibly beautiful!

Would you go snorkeling between tectonic plates in glacier ice melt water? You can actually do this in Iceland!

I recommend it!

Silfra is a great spot to visit before it’s too late. Some places don’t last forever. For example, Reynisfjara is no longer a place you can visit!

Are you ready to book? Before a trip like this, I also found it worthwhile to get my fitness and nutrition in better shape for my trip.