The day after we arrived in Iceland, Michael, Trevor, William and I did a snorkeling tour in the Silfra Fissure. The Silfra Fissure is the rift between North America’s and Eurasia’s tectonic plates. We learned that the plates are said to be drifting 2cm away from each other each year and the reason that the glacial water in the fissure is so clear is because in getting there it filters through lava rock for 30-100 years. The clarity was unbelievable!
We bought the photos from our tour but our tour guide wasn’t the greatest photographer. The other photos from the tour company came with it so here are some of those as well (of just the scenery).
Our friend, Jeff Davis, initially mentioned this idea to us and we are so glad that he did (thanks Jeff!) — this was such a neat experience. Probably one I will never repeat (OH MY, my hands have never been so cold/in so much pain in my life!), but I’m so glad we did it 🙂 The temperature of the water is about 35-37 degrees Fahrenheit and the tour through the fissure lasted about 30 minutes. We found a company online that allowed 12 year olds (so that William was allowed to participate; he’s 13) but most companies don’t allow children under 14 years. I’m glad William was able to join us and he did great but any younger really wouldn’t be any fun for the child. I think our younger three would’ve hated it at the ages they are. It’s like snorkeling in iced water (I guess it pretty much is).
To keep as warm as possible, we wore a wool layer underneath a big puffy one-piece (footless) insulated suit, and then on top of that we had on a neoprene dry suit that had connected shoes/boots. Until we actually stepped into the water, I hadn’t been that warm since arriving in Iceland! As we were getting ready, I asked one of the guys helping us get suited up if we were supposed to wear our socks (the clothing guidance was all very specific so I was just trying to follow the rules) and he answered, “Yes, of course, you will need your socks; it is 2 degrees Celsius in the water.” Hmm. In the end, I don’t think my cotton ankle length socks really did me any good but I followed his instructions. We also had a really tight hood as well as gloves (wet gloves…they didn’t keep our hands dry), fins, a mask, and snorkel. William and I stayed totally dry aside from our face and hands. Unfortunately, Michael’s drysuit had a hole in it and he was completely wet.
The water was unbelievably clear and the scenes below water beautiful. We could see so far and so deep which was amazing (and slightly terrifying). I would totally recommend doing this to anyone! (Celinda, when you and Chris are here next month you should do a Silfra snorkel tour!)
During the last five minutes or so of the tour, my fun and fascination turned to extreme hand pain and rising (though mild) panic from the extreme hand pain. I was so ready to get out. Our guide, Louis, had told us we could spend a few extra minutes snorkeling around the area where would exit the water, but none of us had any interest in that. Our group was six people: our four and an older couple. The man of that couple snorkeled for another 15 minutes (his wife said he doesn’t get cold!)! I got out of the water as quickly as possible, used all the rest of my energy to pull off my gloves, and felt even slightly more panicky at the puffiness and discoloration of my hands. We walked quickly back to where we had started, changed out of our dry suits (etc.), and drank some terrible (but very warm and satisfying) hot chocolate.
I am so jealous, but so glad you did it! Harry was too young at he time and we had to pass. It’s a country that still has me in awe. We will go back and we will swim the fault.
I’m putting this on my travel bucket list!
So glad to get caught up on your adventures. Thank you for bringing us along with updates and pics. A person recently shared that when he ends his prayers he says ‘in Your name we play.’ I like this because I think His creation is to be delighted in and this is what your family is doing. 🙏💕 Karen
That looks so amazing!