Iceland: Snorkel and Dive Between Tectonic Plates

Descend into a magma chamber. Dive between tectonic plates. Hike across the back of an ancient glacier.

The Silfra Fissure is one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural environments. A deep rift that carves its way through Thingvellir National Park, this mysterious void marks the meeting point of two ancient tectonic plates. Today, it is filled with deep, electric-blue and incredibly clear glacial water. This makes it one of the world’s most remarkable sites for diving and snorkelling. 

On your bespoke, luxury trip to Iceland, we can arrange for you to dive into these spectacular and mysterious waters alongside an expert tutor and guide. Here, we’ve penned an example itinerary of what you might experience; including nights at some of Iceland’s best design hotels and complimentary expeditions into Iceland’s rugged and otherworldly interior. A descent into the heart of a dormant volcano. A hike across a hulking glacier.

Head into the heart of a dormant volcano

You’ll be collected from the airport and taken straight to the relaxing surrounds of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Opening onto the famous waters of the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have some time to enjoy the warm temperatures and thermal healing properties before things take an altogether icier turn in a few days. Head to your Reykjavik base at Sandhotel where you’ll have enough time to explore the hip happenings of Reykjavik, with its cutting edge bars and restaurants, before an introduction to going beneath the earth’s surface tomorrow.

Get to know the workings of the earth with a visit to the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano where you’ll be able to descend deep into the vast magma chamber for a peek at what lies beneath. The first of two completely unique Icelandic experiences, it sets the perfect tone for the highlight of the trip. The next morning, you’ll be collected by Super Jeep and driven through the ethereal beauty of the Golden Circle to the Silfra Fissure. Get fully kitted up before plunging into crystal clear water and experiencing the utterly unique feeling of diving between continents.

Dive into the electric blue depths of the Silfra Fissure

As you swim through the freezing glacial water, you’ll be totally absorbed by the dramatic and craggy sharp rocks which seem to close in on you and the vast expanse of nothingness that seems to lie ahead. This is an intrepid, awe-inspiring experience which you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Though if you’re looking to take it up that extra level, the drysuit diving certified amongst you can explore the Rift’s deepest depths to get an up-close look at the plates. An incredible experience no matter the time of year, each season brings something a little different. We’ve done all four now though and summer is hands down our favourite. With the midnight sun blazing overhead to cast a glow over the water (and warm it up a touch), it elevates this already out of this world experience to something that more unbelievable.

Hike to the heights of Sólheimajökull glacier

After the icy waters of Silfra, only one place will do to warm your bones – Hotel Ranga. A luxury country lodge, its cosy charm will have you never wanting to leave. Though there’s still time for one last adventure as you head out the next morning on a guided tour of the South Coast with its black sand beaches, thundering waterfalls and massive glacier tongues, before culminating in an epic glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. Getting the full sense of Icelandic landscapes – it’s the perfect note to end your trip on as you fly home the next morning.