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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

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.

While you're there

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.

Price from: £80
Minimum age: 6
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 4-8 hours

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates - Meet on Location

Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates - Meet on Location

Reykjavik

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a snorkeling tour of Silfra fissure! Float between two tectonic plates, between the continents,...

$119 | Rating 4.96 / 5 [2476 ratings]

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Small-Group Snorkeling Experience at Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Small-Group Snorkeling Experience at Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Reykjavik

Discover the underwater wonderland that glitters beneath the surface of Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park on this 2 hour snorkelin...

€141 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [136 ratings]

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Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included

Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included

Reykjavik

You'll arrive at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once there, you'll take a short journey through the volcanic, moss...

€149 | Rating 4.92 / 5 [2060 ratings]

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Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling - Meet on Location | Free Photos

Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling - Meet on Location | Free Photos

Reykjavik

Snorkel in between two continents at one of the top diving sites in the planet! Silfra is located in Iceland’s National Park, Thingvellir. I...

$152 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [814 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Ion Adventure Hotel

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:

Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

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:

Buuble Hotel

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:

Torfhus Retreat

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.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Thingvellir National Park

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

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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

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Perlan Museum

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..

People visiting the Raufarholshellir lava tube tunnel and caves, one of the longest in Iceland.
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front view of the Hallgrimskirkja
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Hallgrimskirkja

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

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Round-ups that include this experience

23 World’s best scuba dives

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