This Snorkeling Expertise Between 2 Tectonic Plates in Iceland Was Simply Named One of many Finest 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 midst of a quite muddy patch of land in Thingvellir Nationwide Park, I used to be quite 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 utterly out of the peculiar. Right here we have been in Silfra, a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates crammed with glacier meltwater. As a substitute 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 personal 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 this 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 consists of all the required tools, the snorkeling tour with a PADI-certified information, the Silfa entry payment, and sizzling chocolate and cookies to heat up afterward. 

Whereas within the water, guides will level out the 4 predominant options of Silfra. First, there’s the Massive Crack, the narrowest part, the place the 2 plates are so shut that you would be able to virtually contact them. It then opens up into Silfra Corridor, crammed with all of the pure colours of the formation. There’s additionally the Silfra Cathedral, with sections as deep as 75 toes — 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.  

Day by day excursions begin at $139 per particular person and will 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 embody Machu Pichcu’s Inca Path hike, Amsterdam canal cruise, and a champagne balloon trip in Cappadocia.