Diving Between Continents & Walking Through Lava Tubes in Iceland
After arriving at 5am at the international airport, we drove straight to Reykjavik to make it in time for our Silfra Snorkeling & Lava Caving Tour. We were half asleep, but once we arrived at the hostel, we quickly changed into comfortable/ warm clothing then walked to the pick up spot just around the corner. Before we knew it, a large 4x4 arrived and we were introduced to our friendly, Icelandic tour guide & we were on our way.
Since the weather cooperated, we started at Thingvellir National Park for the first order of business: Silfra Snorkeling. I don’t think we realized how cold Iceland was until we were changing into our dry suits outside. We started to question our decision-making, and I started to get dirty looks from the gals since snorkeling in Silfra was my idea.
Silfra Snorkeling was the activity I was looking forward to the most, and the one that I was petrified of the most. You’re covered from head to toe with your dry-suit except for a patch of your face (sexy, I know). It's brutal when you first jump in but eventually your face numbs up and the water becomes too pretty to take your head out. Trust me when I say Iceland is just as beautiful underwater, and just as cold.
The water in Silfra is the clearest and freshest water in the world thanks to the constant filtering by lava rocks. All-year round the water is about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll be floating between two continental plates, the American and Eurasian plates, while hypnotized by the different shades of crystal-clear blue. It really is spectacular, and you won’t be able to physically feel your face due to how cold and beautiful Silfra is.
Just as I imagined, snorkeling in Silfra was epic. Who would've thought that 30 degree water would feel incredibly refreshing after 30 minutes of snorkeling. Our skin felt great, and we even drank the water for hydration at the end!
After snorkeling, we had a quick lunch then headed to the second order of business: Lava Caving. There was a huge snow storm the day before so the entire area was covered in snow. With all the snow and wind, the walk to the cave felt like an expedition to Mt. Everest.
Lava Caving was a great bonus to the tour. Due to Iceland's volcanic landscapes, the country comprises of many lava tubes that were formed by eruptions. Walking through the lava tube may feel claustrophobic, but it's a cool experience + our guide gave us a great lesson inside the cave on the geology of Iceland.
The Iceland crew!
After 8 active hours, this tour wiped us out! But after 6 months of anticipation, it was well worth the clogged nose and achy legs. I mean, how many times in your life can you say you swam between two continents then walked through a lava tube? Not many my friends...
$220 for 8-hour tour w/ transport, equipment, guide, and tickets
