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 course of a relatively muddy patch of land in Thingvellir Nationwide Park, I used to be relatively unimpressed. Skeptically, I adopted his directions placing on a dry swimsuit 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 odd. Right here we have been in Silfra, a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates full of 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 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’ Alternative Awards.

Incomes the No. 10 spot, the profitable tour is operated by Dive.is. Assembly on-site, the two.5-hour tour consists of all the required gear, the snorkeling tour with a PADI-certified information, the Silfa entry price, and sizzling chocolate and cookies to heat up afterward. 

Whereas within the water, guides will level out the 4 primary 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, full of 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 eternity.  

Day by day excursions begin at $139 per particular person and could be booked on-line. For security causes, restrictions might apply for sure vacationers, so you’ll want to learn the small print earlier than committing. 

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