Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates- Silfra

Iceland is known for being cold. Therefore, one can assume the water would be frickin' cold. Yet travel companies suggest snorkeling? How is this possible? Can you survive? Why would you do something so crazy?

Well I did that crazy thing, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had...

The Process

Contrary to a hopefully not popular belief, you do not jump in the water with a bikini and a snorkel and get on with the exploring. Because with water literally hovering around freezing temperature, that's how you die. So there's a process.

Firstly, you have to team up with a qualified program. I went with Dive.IS, and they were amazing. Unfortunately, they do cost money, but for a once in a life time experience I say it's worth it to splurge.
Layer it up, I wore thermal leggings and a thermal long sleeve top, with 2 pairs of thick wool socks. Over that I had a thermal suit provided by Dive.IS, and then on top of that I had my drysuit. The drysuit is designed to prevent water from getting in, so the arm holes and neck hole are pretty much suctioned to you. Lastly I had thick neoprene gloves, fins, and the snorkeling gear.
​

And now the question you've all been waiting for, WAS IT COLD?

Not really.

With all the layers, most of my body was perfectly fine. My hands were mildly cold, since neoprene isn't waterproof, but does warm up the water. My lips were cold, but as that was such a small bit of exposure it went mostly unnoticed.

What Was It Like?

Now that's tough to explain, as it was unlike anything I'd ever seen. 

The visibility is the best in the world, so you float along with a slow current and it feels as though you're on another planet, but on said planet you are a mermaid. The water is just noticeably cold enough to feel refreshing and invigorating. You weave through rocks, in the frickin' tectonic ridge. At some parts of the river, you can see 50ft below you, while at others you can practically touch the rocky bottom. There's nowhere like it, and nothing can compare to the experience. If you are afraid that it's too crazy, do it anyways... because the crazy things make for the best adventures.