Silfra Snorkeling

What continent is the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, located on? Apparently... North America. Iceland actually crosses two continental plates that are slowly drifting apart from one another. The Silfra fissure is located at the center of this split, a channel of glacial freshwater. Amazing Race teams snorkeled thru the channel last season so we decided that we had to give it a try!

The water is 34 degrees so dry suits are required. We arrived at noon and walked to the parking area staging area. There are a half dozen companies operating the snorkeling adventure so it can be busy, especially for the popular midday times. When we got to the staging area, there were several dozen folks getting geared up with different companies. The gear is fairly intense- underlayer, dry suit, hoodie, gloves, fins and snorkels. The gear has seen better days, but the guides are pros at assisting and were able to find us all workable options. 

After we geared up, we walked across to the snorkeling channel where a line of folks were waiting to begin. The wait was probably 40 minutes or so and then it was our turn to enter the water. Though it was sincerely freezing, only my hands and face were cold as the dry suit was quite effective. The snorkeling itself was stunning- exceptionally clear blue water with flourescent strands of algae that my son dubbed 'silly string'. The snorkeling is easy with a slight current pushing along our bouyant wet suits. It only takes about 30 minutes to get to across the fissure and then it's back to take off our gear and celebrate with hot chocolate!

The Silfra fissure is located in  Thillenger National Park near to Oxararfoss waterfall so we headed there next. Above the falls is the wall of the North American continental shelf. A short hike takes you to the base of the falls.