This Snorkeling Expertise Between 2 Tectonic Plates in Iceland Was Simply Named One of many Greatest Experiences within the World

Waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic formations greet your eyes at each flip in Iceland, so when our tour information pulled as much as a nondescript lake in the course of a moderately muddy patch of land in Thingvellir Nationwide Park, I used to be moderately unimpressed. Skeptically, I adopted his directions placing on a dry go well with and snorkeling gear, and lowered myself down the metallic staircase into the water.

However the expertise that unfolded in entrance of me within the subsequent few moments was fully out of the unusual. Right here we had been in Silfra, a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates stuffed with glacier meltwater. As an alternative of feeling like I used to be underwater, it was as if I used to be suspended in mid-air above a dramatic rocky valley. 

Whereas I went on that journey with a non-public information almost a decade in the past, extra Icelandic guests have additionally been taking a dip into the expertise, which was simply named one of many prime experiences on the planet in Tripadvisor’s Vacationers’ Selection Awards.

Incomes the No. 10 spot, the successful tour is operated by Dive.is. Assembly on-site, the two.5-hour tour contains all the mandatory gear, the snorkeling tour with a PADI-certified information, the Silfa entry charge, and scorching chocolate and cookies to heat up afterward. 

Whereas within the water, guides will level out the 4 major options of Silfra. First, there’s the Large Crack, the narrowest part, the place the 2 plates are so shut that you may virtually contact them. It then opens up into Silfra Corridor, stuffed with all of the pure colours of the formation. There’s additionally the Silfra Cathedral, with sections as deep as 75 ft — the world the place I felt like I used to be flying. Lastly, there’s Silfra Lagoon, the place visibility appears to float by way of eternity.  

Each day excursions begin at $139 per individual and may be booked on-line. For security causes, restrictions might apply for sure vacationers, so make sure to learn the main points earlier than committing. 

Different iconic experiences to earn spots on Tripadvisor’s prime experiences listing this 12 months embrace Machu Pichcu’s Inca Path hike, Amsterdam canal cruise, and a champagne balloon experience in Cappadocia.