Waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic formations greet your eyes at every turn in Iceland, so when tour guide pulled up to a nondescript lake in the middle of a rather muddy patch of land in Thingvellir National Park
In Silfra, a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates filled with glacier meltwater.
More Icelandic visitors have also been taking a dip into the experience
Earning the No. 10 spot, the winning tour is operated by Dive.is. Meeting on-site, the 2.5-hour excursion includes all the necessary equipment, the snorkeling tour with a PADI-certified guide, the Silfa entry fee, and hot chocolate and cookies to warm up afterward.
While in the water, guides will point out the four main features of Silfra. First, there’s the Big Crack, the narrowest section, where the two plates are so close that you can practically touch them. It then opens up into Silfra Hall, filled with all the natural colors of the formation. There’s also the Silfra Cathedral, with sections as deep as 75 feet — the area where I felt like I was flying. Finally, there’s Silfra Lagoon, where visibility seems to drift through eternity.
Daily tours start at $139 per person and can be booked online. For safety reasons, restrictions may apply for certain travelers, so be sure to read the details before committing.
