Why go to Silfra fissure?
Silfra, also known as Pingvellir, is the only place in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates that broke apart, Eurasia and North America. I honestly think this is one of the most incredible activities you can do in Iceland. I am not even quite sure why, but something about this place just feels magical.
My expectations of Silfra
I couldn’t wait to swim in between the separated plates. Seriously, I talked about it for weeks, and I did a ton of research on Google. But, a few things were decidedly different from what I read online.
The snorkeling gear
I falsely assumed that wearing a dry suit meant that I would not get wet. And, if you have long hair, it will get caught in the hood or collar they place around your neck. It’s not a huge deal, but just know you will be losing a few tresses.
Put your hair in a low ponytail or braid so that when the hood goes over your head, you don’t lose tons of hair. And, remember that the hood that doesn’t actually keep you dry will break off any loose ends that stick out.
What’s the dry suit situation really like?
I have read countless articles saying that putting on the dry and rubber suits are huge productions. I actually thought it wasn’t difficult. Just make sure to tell the tour company your correct height and weight, and your gear should fit pretty easily.
Unfortunately, this process usually takes hours. This is because you are standing around waiting, not because you are in the back of a van trying to squeeze yourself into a suit that doesn’t fit.
Also, your hands and head will become drenched. I don’t mean they get a little wet; I mean they get soaked. Since we went through so much drama putting on the gear, I assumed my extremities would stay dry. Again, this is not a big deal. However, I wish I had understood this before getting in the water.
Silfra is a long day
This is a time consuming process. I went with an excellent company and a guide that made me 100% confident. However, my experience took hours, and there is really no need for it. There were only a few of us, and I understand that there were different companies all accessing the area simultaneously. However, the process could have been sped up tremendously. Just know that you are in for an extremely long day when you go, and some heavy duty boots wouldn’t hurt!
Want to score that epic tectonic plate photo?
If you want an amazing photo of yourself swimming in between (and touching) the two separated tectonic plates, you need to scuba dive. Unfortunately for snorkelers, the dry suit will not allow you to go vertical in the water.
Consider getting dry suit certified before your trip
I saw tons of advertisements for dry suit certifications at Silfra. However, I recommend against this. No matter what time of year it is, the temperature will be freezing when you get out of the water.
If possible, become certified before diving. The water is unbelievably clear and taking this extra step for an even better experience is worth it. At the time, I was only open water certified, and I wish I had been able to explore more of the area.
Age requirements?
I’m not sure what the minimum age is for Silfra. However, my thought is that unless your kids are made of insanely sturdy stock, this activity probably isn’t for them. I cannot stress enough how cold it is, and, yes, their head and hands will be soaked for the duration of the swim. So, this is most likely not a kid friendly activity.
Overall
If you are considering Silfra for your Icelandic adventure, I hope this gives you a realistic picture of what your day will look like. Swimming in between the broken plates is surreal. Seriously, this is an incredibly special experience that you will remember forever. Don’t be put off by any inconveniences, because most things worth doing require some effort. Happy swimming!
[…] Lake contains a giant fissure, called Silfra, which is the only place in the world where scuba divers can swim between two tectonic plates. The underwater geology that can be viewed is amazing and changes constantly as these tectonic […]
These pictures look amazing! I would love to try scuba diving once!
Yes, I wanted to dive there, as I am a scuba diver. However, I do not have my dry suit certification. If this is the experience you want, I highly suggest getting this certification ahead of time.
I had heard rumors that getting into the drysuit was a hot mess, so I’m glad to hear it wasn’t too difficult for you, lol! We have some family friends who teach diving/scuba classes, but the thought of swimming so deep is nerve-wracking to me… Maybe one day I’ll get up the courage to try it for myself. Xx
Yes, I read online that getting in the drysuit was a disaster. And, I promise that is not the case at all unless you give them incorrect measurements. Seriously, it took so little time. As for diving, I am a certified scuba diver, but I do not have dry suit certification. The next time I swim in Silfra, I want to scuba dive. I really do think it’s worth the hassle.
This looks amazing! I am planning an Iceland trip for 2022, so I will definitely have to check out this once-in-a-lifetime spot. Thanks for the inspirational guide!
It’s an amazing experience, and it’s the only place in the world you can swim between Tectonic plates. I highly suggest this!
Wow! That actually looks very incredible. My problem is that I don’t know how to scuba dive and I hate cold water. But I sure enjoyed living vicariously through you. Truly looked beautiful!!
Actually, you don’t have to scuba dive here. You can just float. Either way, it is very cold. So, if you get cold easily, you might want to take a pass on this activity.
It’s my first time reading about Silfra and I’m interested. The view looks so good and I could imagine swimming there thinking I’m in between Eurasia and North America.
Yes, swimming in between tectonic plates is an amazing experience!
What an incredible experience! I can only imagine how cold it must have been, but wow! What a memorable adventure! Thanks for sharing all your tips with us…saving them for my bucket list trips!
Hi there, yes it’s very cold. However, it is magical, and it’s an activity that I highly recommend!
Only place in the world where you can swim between tectonic plates?! Wow that really is a once-in-a-lifetime activity! I’d love to dive it too!
Hi…. Yes, Silfra is truly magical.
What a unique experience. I’m not big into water activities, but I have snorkeled a couple of times so I’d be interested in doing something like this just because there’s nothing else really like it.
Yes, Silfra is unique! This is the only place in the world that you can swim in between 2 tectonic plates. It’s pretty amazing when you realize what are doing!
We missed out on this when we were in Iceland! I don’t think we could have fit it into our itinerary to be honest but I’ll be doing it next time!
Yes, it takes some time, but it’s totally worth it!
Wow, Silfra looks like an amazing experience! I didn’t realise you could swim between tectonic plates! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of the experience before! That being said, I might take some coaxing to get into the cold water! But it definitely looks well worth it! Thanks for sharing your honest experience!
H there …. I will be honest, it’s freezing, but it’s worth it! Swimming in between 2 tectonic plates is pretty surreal!
What an incredible, insightful and honest post! I value how open you are and not just make out it was super easy like so many posts do! Thank you!
Hi. Thank you so much for your commentary; it means a lot to me! Yes, I always try to be honest with people about how easy or difficult an activity will be. And, if you visit Iceland, I highly suggest Silfra.
This was so interesting to read. I’d considered doing this but as we were visiting in February/March, I just wasn’t up for even considering being that cold. If I was going to do it I’d definitely want to dive. You’re absolutely right though – I would definitely want to do my dry suit cert first!!
Yes, I wish I had my dry suit certification, because I regret not scuba diving in Silfra. But, either way, it’s still an amazing experience. And, yes, it’s ridiculously cold, but it’s worth it!
This is something I am hugely interested in whenever I get to Iceland (which was supposed to be this April 😢). I didn’t know that you needed to be dry suit certified…. I’ll have to dig deeper. I have my advanced diving cert. thanks for the heads up!!
Well, you can go without being certified, but then you can only float on the surface. I was so bummed I didn’t get this certification before going to Silfra. I plan on getting dry suit certified this summer, because I really want to have this experience 🙂
Ha, as a mother to two crazy boys, I can tell you we are very familiar with changing in the car to ready for the beach! Looks like a lovely place, will have to put it on the bucket list
Ha ha …. I love your comment!!! And, if your family visits Iceland, Silfra is such a cool almost surreal experience!
This sounds INCREDIBLE!! How have I never heard about this???? I want to go now.
Hi there … yes, this is such a cool experience. If you visit Iceland, I highly suggest it.
Okay, this looks amazing! How long have you been scuba certified for? I haven’t taken the leap yet. My safe zone is snorkeling!
I have been certified for scuba diving for 5 years. I think it’s totally worth it, if you enjoy swimming. Unfortunately. you need extra certifications (dry suit) to dive in Silfra. I intend on getting them over the summer. But, if you don’t want to dive, you can still float on the surface. That’s what I ended up doing during at Silfra.
I chickened out about going snorkelling in the cold water, but watched my brother do it from my dry spot with a hot chocolate atop the bridges. It’s so cool to hear about your experience – and the tip on dry/wet suits!
Hi there, I must agree that it is indeed cold! Once you shock yourself, your body acclimates quickly. And, I do remember having warm cider after I finished that tasted so warm and yummy!
The first time I heard about this activity was through a Vlog by Kara and Nate. It definitely does look dreamy and is on top of my bucket list! Thank you for all the details..
Yes, it’s a really cool experience! If you scuba dive, I highly recommend becoming dry suit certified before your trip 🙂
This look like such a cool adventure! I am way too scared of the ocean’s depth to do this, but your photos are really cool, and swimming between the plates sounds insane! Thanks for sharing your experience
Hi there, this truly is an amazing experience. And, I think it’s so cool that it’s found in nature. If you visit Iceland, I promise that it’s not scary, but it is cold.
The photos look incredible. I too would get the certification so I could see more. I imagine the water is quite cold.
It’s freezing, and it’s definitely magical! Silfra is worth the trouble.
Happy to read all about this experience! I am a wimp with the cold so it wasn’t really on my radar but glad you got to do this!
It’s magical, but, yes, it’s soooooo cold!
I’ve never even heard of Silfra, but it sounds so fun! Iceland is so so high on my list – hopefully one day I can do this there! I also got a good laugh from the dry suit comments, lol!
Silfra is an awesome experience! And, I read ahead of time that the dry suit experience was a real pain. Honestly, it’s not a big deal at all. I thought it was easier than putting on a wetsuit.
I didn’t know this place existed, sounds amazing! And loved the article!
Silfra is a truly magical experience 🙂
Wow this is total bucket list goals! Definitely agree that most things worth doing are not always convenient!
Tess, I completely agree with you, my friend!
Oh wow, that must have been a special swimming experience.
Oh, yes. Swimming in between the tectonic plates is one of the most unique experiences that I have ever had!
This is such an amazing place! I can’t wait for travel to be back to normal and visit this and similar stunning places!
I agree … I miss travel so much! And, the towns in Alsace (especially Colmar) are so dreamy!
[…] of the most popular activities to do in Þingvellir National Park is swimming at Silfra which is between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. I also believe this is the only […]