Bucket list experience:
Iceland
The Silfra Rift running right through the middle of Thingvellir Lake is the tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates. The glacial meltwater is pure and crystal-clear, creating excellent visibility and emphasising the striking underwater scenery.
This is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates and two continents – the rift between Eurasia and America. The water is never warmer than 4°C (you’ll need to wear a drysuit) and the glacial meltwater is so clear, it makes some divers feel dizzy.
Family-friendly snorkelling trips are available in summer, so non-divers can go too, and it all takes place in the beautiful surrounds of the Thingvellir National Park.
Silfra Restaurant at the brilliant Ion Adventure Hotel, near Thingvellir, serves delicious, modern Icelandic dishes with a slow-food ethos and foraged ingredients – including Arctic char caught in Thingvellir Lake.
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Destination Guide >Full-day (8-hour) diving trips operate from Reykjavik all year round. The price includes two guided dives, pick up from your accommodation, all equipment, and some snacks. You’ll need a minimum PADI Open Water qualification to dive.
There’s also a family-friendly snorkelling version available from May-August, which lasts 4-8 hours, so non-divers can go with divers.
Diving and snorkelling are in dry suits; the water is a glacial 2-4 degrees Centigrade, even in summer. Take warm clothes with you and thick socks.
Full-day tours run all year round. From May-September, pick-up is around 8am, returning around 3pm; in winter, it’s a few hours later depending on the daylight.
Snorkelling is only available from mid-May to August.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Nesjavellir, Iceland[16.7 miles]
The ultimate Icelandic design hotel, combining industrial style with an incredible setting near a geothermal power station, on the edge of Thingvellir National Park.
Official star rating:
Hveragerdi, Iceland[27.9 miles]
An attractive village boutique hotel located beside a geothermal-heated river, with hot tubs, an outdoor pool and balconies overlooking the Reykjadalur hills.
Official star rating:
Reykholt, Iceland[31.4 miles]
Spend a night in a transparent glass bubble, with 360-degree landscape views – and keep your fingers crossed for the Northern Lights. Glamping at its best.
Official star rating:
Selfoss, Iceland[39.3 miles]
Experience a night in a traditional Icelandic turf house – only with all the modern luxuries you could ask for, including a renowned neo-Nordic restaurant and a basalt hot pool.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland[0.6 miles]
A wonderous landscape of geological wonders – lakes, lava flows, striking rock formations, and tectonic rifts – only 40km from Reykjavik.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 night
Iceland[39.8 miles]
The world’s most famous water spout, and the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s one of Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ sights, including Gullfoss and Thingvellir.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 night
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland[40.1 miles]
A once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel down inside a dormant volcano, the only place in the world where it’s possible to do so.
Best for ages: 8+ | £260 | 4-5 hours
Reykjavik, Iceland[41.3 miles]
A high-tech museum that recreates Iceland’s geological wonders: volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, sea cliffs and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1 night
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Iceland[37.6 miles]
One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.
Best for ages: 6+ | £45
Reykjavik, Iceland[39.3 miles]
An art museum and sculpture collection featuring white Viking figures and curvaceous shapes, housed in the former studio of Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 1 night
Reykjavik, Iceland[40.7 miles]
An art museum showcasing modern paintings and sculptures by well-known Icelandic artists, notably Johannes Kjarval, housed in a striking Nordic Modernist building. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12 | 1 night
Reykjavik, Iceland[41.1 miles]
Iceland’s tallest church, built from 1945 to 1986, has become a symbol of Iceland’s identity and a Reykjavik landmark. It’s striking design is inspired by Iceland’s geothermal geology – it’s supposed to resemble basalt lava and trap rocks. It’s also a decent viewpoint. Take an elevator ride to the top for sweeping views over the city.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Passionate scuba diver, journalist, author and diving expert Tim Ecott recommends the world’s best scuba dives, from spellbinding wrecks to dazzling reefs, whale sharks to wobbegongs.
