Reykjavik, Iceland:
Snorkeling at Silfra in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland was an experience I’ll never forget, though it started with a fair amount of trepidation. As someone who really, really doesn’t like cold water, I was super nervous about plunging into the icy depths of the Silfra fissure. The thought of the glacial water, which hovers around 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, had me on edge. But the thought of snorkeling between two tectonic plates, a unique experience found nowhere else on Earth, was too compelling to resist.
This experience is unique not only because of the geological context but also due to the purity and clarity of the water. It’s filtered through porous lava rock for decades before entering the fissure, which makes this location one of the top diving and snorkeling sites in the world!
Suiting Up: The Challenge of Dry Suits
The first challenge was suiting up. The dry suits provided are essential for keeping you insulated and buoyant in the frigid water. However, they are incredibly tight, particularly around the neck. This tightness is crucial to prevent any water from leaking in, but it did feel a bit like I was being choked. The staff assured me that this snug fit was normal and necessary for my safety and comfort in the water. Still, it was a disconcerting sensation at first, and it took some time to get used to it.
The Unflattering Reality
Dry suits are not the most flattering attire. They are bulky and can make even the most confident person feel a bit self-conscious. However, their importance cannot be overstated. These suits keep you dry and help maintain your body temperature, making the otherwise unbearable cold water tolerable. As I looked around at my fellow snorkelers, we all shared a laugh at our inflated appearances, which helped ease some of the initial anxiety.
Overcoming Cold Water Fears
Entering the water was the moment of truth. The initial shock of the cold was intense, and my nerves were on high alert. However, as I floated through the crystal-clear water, the beauty of Silfra quickly overshadowed my discomfort. The visibility was over 100 meters, and the colors and rock formations beneath the surface were otherworldly. It was like swimming in a giant, liquid crystal. Despite my initial fears, the experience was surreal and breathtaking.
Floating through the fissure takes about 30-40 minutes, giving you just enough time to be awestruck before the intense cold starts to seep in. After the main swim, there’s a brief window to explore the end of the fissure before you need to get out of the water. I didn’t stay long as I started to develop a headache – likely a combination of the cold and the tight mask. As incredible as it was, I was definitely ready to get back to the warmth by the end of it.
The Hunger Pangs
When we got out of the water, I was overcome by an overwhelming feeling of hunger. It turns out that both nerves and exposure to cold water can indeed make you hungry. The body uses a lot of energy to keep warm in cold conditions, and combined with the adrenaline from overcoming my fears, it left me with a ravenous appetite. Apparently being cold can increase your body’s energy expenditure, leading to increased hunger as your body seeks to replenish the calories burned to maintain your core temperature. I was incredibly thankful to have brought a sandwich from Sandholt, a gorgeous bakery near where we were staying.
Reflecting on the Experience
Despite my initial fears and the physical discomforts, snorkeling at Silfra was an unforgettable experience. The tight, unflattering dry suit and the icy water were minor inconveniences compared to the incredible sights I witnessed. Floating between the tectonic plates and seeing the underwater world in such clarity was worth every moment of anxiety and discomfort. If you ever get the chance to snorkel at Silfra, I highly recommend it – just be prepared for the cold and the tight suit. And definitely bring a snack for afterward!
Check out my 5-day itinerary for Reykjavik, Iceland!
