Divers explore a vibrant underwater canyon, their silhouettes stark against the sunlit, rippling surface.

Between Two Continents

Snorkelling between tectonic plates in Silfra, Iceland

Underwater view of a clear blue fissure filled with rocks, with a snorkel mask floating on the surface.

Into the Deep

For a snorkeling experience like no other, our Charter Specialists can arrange a private tour to Thingvellir National Park, a short journey inland from Iceland’s Western Fjord. Here you can take a plunge into the Silfra fissure, the underwater canyon that is formed by the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly ripping apart. It’s 60 metres deep, filled with Glacial Meltwater, and it’s the only place in the world where you can swim directly in the gap between two continents.

No Ordinary Snorkelling Experience

The fissure is easily explored by even the most novice snorkelers. Equipped with a drysuit and led by an expert guide, you can drift gently downstream, admiring the beauty of the rift below, with little effort required. It’s cold – the glacial meltwater is a year-round temperature of just 2-4ºC – but it’s also staggeringly beautiful, and as you lower your snorkel under the waterline, you’ll see why snorkeling here is on every diver’s bucket list. Silfra is a watery wonderland. The seemingly-bottomless bare rock walls, the vibrant shades of blue, the multicolored algae, and the water that is as clear as air all work together to make you feel as if you are flying.

A diver glides through the crystal-clear waters of a fissure between tectonic plates.

Divers prepare to explore the crystal-clear waters of a fissure between tectonic plates.

The Clearest Water In The World

The water in the fissure originates at the Langjokull Glacier, the second largest in Iceland - and spends 30 – 100 years travelling underground through a vast lava field. At the point of arriving in Silfra, this water has already undergone the finest natural filtration process in the world, making it so pure that you can drink any water which may enter your snorkel. In fact, it’s known as the clearest water in the world, with visibility extending to 100m - over twice the visibility of some of the best diving sites in the world.

Mesmerizing Thrills

The experience of snorkeling between two tectonic plates is just as much about the sensation as it is the geology. Head down in the water, with your body insulated from the cold, you are mesmerized by the ragged stone walls and endless palette of blues below, the only sign of life the occasional flick of your hand, to steer you away from the rocks in the narrowest segments. It is, in parts, thrillingly claustrophobic, although it will become less so in the years to come. The continental plates are moving apart at around 2.5 centimeters a year and so the fissure will gradually grow wider, with the walls further apart. By the time you return to your waiting yacht, you’ll be awestruck.

Divers in full wetsuits explore the crystal-clear, vibrant blue waters of a rocky Icelandic fjord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any previous snorkelling experience?

No. Silfra is suitable for beginners as well as experienced snorkellers. The current gently carries guests through the fissure, and an expert guide accompanies the experience throughout.

What makes Silfra different from other snorkelling destinations?

Silfra is the only place in the world where you can swim directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Combined with its crystal-clear water and dramatic underwater landscapes, it offers a truly unique experience.

How cold is the water?

The water remains between 2-4°C year-round. However, guests are provided with specialised drysuits designed to keep them insulated and comfortable during the experience.

Is the experience physically demanding?

Not particularly. The gentle current does much of the work, allowing guests to drift through the fissure while taking in the scenery below. A basic level of mobility and comfort in the water is all that is typically required.

What should I bring for the experience?

Swimwear to wear beneath your drysuit and warm clothing for afterwards are recommended. Your guide will provide the specialist equipment required for the snorkelling experience itself.

Why is the water in Silfra so clear?

The water originates from Langjökull Glacier and filters slowly through underground lava fields over several decades before reaching the fissure. This natural filtration process creates some of the clearest water found anywhere in the world.

What will I see beneath the surface?

Guests can expect to see impressive rock formations, deep fissures, vibrant shades of blue and exceptional underwater visibility. The clarity of the water creates the sensation of floating through an underwater canyon.

Why is Silfra considered a bucket-list experience?

Few places offer the opportunity to explore such a unique geological feature firsthand. Floating between two continents in remarkably clear glacial water is an experience that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Can the experience be combined with other Iceland adventures?

Yes. A visit to Silfra can be paired with a variety of other experiences during an Iceland yacht charter, from glacier adventures and volcano excursions to geothermal spas and scenic helicopter flights.

What will I remember most about snorkelling in Silfra?

For many guests, it's the surreal feeling of floating through water so clear it barely seems there. Combined with the knowledge that you're drifting between two continents, it creates a perspective and sense of place that stays with you long after returning to the yacht.