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Discover Nesgjá: The Silfra of the North

Snorkel in 100m+ visibility in the Silfra of the North

Nesgjá is another lovely fresh water fissure with the crystal clear water that is so unique to Iceland. It is often called the Silfra of the North as it has such similar qualities as the famous Silfra in the South.Due to the activity of the tectonic plates, tension builds up in the earth’s crust. Every couple of years this tension is released through earthquakes. These earthquakes create cracks that can be seen from the south west of Iceland all the way to the north east. The Eurasian and North American continental plates meet deep down under the earth’s crust along this line.Some of these fissures are filled with water, usually glacial water that has been filtering through lava fields for many years, before it flows into rivers, the ocean or these fresh water fissures. After dripping for a such long time through porous lava rock, the water has been filtered perfectly and is literally as clear as it gets.Nesgjá is quite shallow but amazingly beautiful. The lagoon is huge and as one of our instructors says: “The visibility depends solely on the quality of your snorkel mask.” You can see further than 100 meters.Sometimes we get to see arctic charr, a certain type of salmonide in the fissure. Sea fleas have also been known to hang out at the bottom of the fissure.This location is on the Diamond circle about 30 minutes from the whale-watching town of Húsavík and a short distance from Ásbyrgi canyon, making this the perfect Diamond circle selfdrive tour. Other destinations on the Diamond circle include Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods), the infamous Dettifoss waterfall and the beautiful Lake Mývatn.

Availability
Summer
Duration
2.5 hours

TourID: NDT

Activity provider: Dive.is

Need to know

Participants are not allowed on tour without signing the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement and, if necessary, a physician’s approval which can be found on the second page of the Medical Statement document. Please read the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement prior to booking to make sure that you are eligible for the tour. Each participant must sign our liability release form at the start of the tour.

Please bring with you: long thermal underwear, thick socks, suitable clothes for the weather of the day, if you wear glasses, please bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you have one.

Requirements

  • have read, signed, and followed directions on the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement
  • sign our liability release form at the start of the tour
  • be between 150cm and 200cm in height
  • be between 45kg and 120kg in weight
  • fit within our dry suit size chart
  • be minimum 12 years of age on the year
  • be comfortable in the water and be able to swim
  • be physically fit
  • be ready to wear a sometimes tight and constricting dry suit
  • be able to communicate in English or have a translator available at all times during the tour
From €138/person
  • Flexible Cancellation
  • No Booking Fees

Tour itinerary

Nesgjá Snorkeling Tour

What’s included and what to bring on this tour

It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip

See full equipment list

Included

  • Guided snorkeling tour
  • 1 guided 40min snorkel
  • All necessary snorkeling equipment
  • Hot chocolate and cookies after the diving tour

Not included

  • Clothing to be worn under the dry suit and undergarments are not provided

Tour highlights

Nesgjá Fissure
FAQ

Are you wondering about something?

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip

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