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During our unforgettable 9-day campervan road trip around Iceland, we chased countless waterfalls, explored volcanic craters, stood on massive glaciers, and walked on beaches in every shade imaginable. Iceland’s raw beauty is unmatched, but one experience completely surprised us and became a highlight of the trip: snorkeling between two continents at Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park.

This wasn’t just another adventure; it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to float in crystal-clear water right where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

Iceland: Where Two Continents Collide

Iceland sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a geological wonder where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly drift apart. This creates a dramatic landscape of volcanic activity, geothermal hot springs, and deep fissures, one of which is Silfra, the only place in the world where you can snorkel between two continents.

On our first day, we stopped at the Bridge Between Continents, where you can literally walk from “Europe” to “North America” in seconds. But it wasn’t until we reached Þingvellir National Park later in our trip that we got to swim between the continents.

Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure: What to Expect

Located in Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Silfra Fissure is famous for having some of the clearest water on the planet with visibility reaching up to 100 meters. That clarity comes from glacial meltwater filtered through volcanic rock for decades before reaching the fissure.

We booked a guided Silfra snorkeling tour and started our morning exploring Þingvellir’s rugged beauty before gearing up. The tour meeting point was conveniently located right across from our campsite.

Getting Geared Up for the Cold

Even though the water hovers around 35°F (2°C) year-round, the dry suits kept us surprisingly comfortable. We wore warm base layers underneath, then zipped into full-body dry suits complete with hoods, gloves, snorkels, and fins. The staff made sure everything fit snugly. Comfort is key when you’re floating in glacier-fed water.

The Snorkel Experience

After a quick safety briefing, we walked down to the water’s edge. The moment we entered, we felt our dry suits puff up, making it effortless to float. It reminded me of floating in the Dead Sea, relaxing and surreal.

The underwater world here is unlike anywhere else: electric blue water, moss-covered rocks, and the sheer drop between tectonic plates. We drifted with the slow current for nearly an hour, soaking in the views.

Pro Tip: Don’t swim with your arms! My husband learned this the hard way, ending up with one soaked arm after ignoring the guide’s advice. Apparently, there’s always “one person” on every tour.

Warming Up After

Back on land, we peeled off our dry suits and were greeted with steaming hot chocolate and cookies, a small but perfect touch after the chilly swim. It was the ideal ending to a truly extraordinary experience.

Why Silfra Snorkeling Belongs on Your Iceland Itinerary

Snorkeling at Silfra isn’t just a cool travel story—it’s one of Iceland’s most unique adventures. Where else can you:

Float between two tectonic plates
See some of the clearest water in the world
Experience an activity available in only one location on Earth

Whether you’re visiting Iceland for a week or just a few days, this tour is worth making time for. It’s an unforgettable addition to any Iceland travel itinerary.

Planning Your Silfra Snorkeling Trip

Location: Þingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (dry suits keep you warm even in winter)
Tour Requirement: You must book with a licensed tour operator as self-guided snorkeling is not allowed
Skill Level: No scuba certification needed, but you should be comfortable in cold water and able to swim
Pro Tip: Book in advance, especially during summer months

From chasing waterfalls to hiking across glaciers, Iceland overflows with bucket-list adventures, but snorkeling between two continents at Silfra Fissure is something truly special. The mix of geological history, otherworldly scenery, and pure novelty makes it a memory you’ll carry for life.

If Iceland is on your bucket list, make sure Silfra is too. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Snorkeling Between Two Continents in Iceland: Silfra Fissure Adventure Guide