32 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List

12. Snorkel Between Two Continents in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure

Imagine swimming in crystal-clear glacial water, where you can literally touch two continents at the same time. In Iceland’s Silfra Fissure, located in Þingvellir National Park, adventurers can snorkel or dive in the only place on Earth where you can explore the tectonic boundary between North America and Eurasia. Formed by the slow-moving separation of the tectonic plates, Silfra is one of the clearest bodies of water in the world, with visibility reaching up to 100 meters (328 feet). Even though the water is a chilly 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, the experience is incredibly serene and meditative, with the feeling of floating through an ancient and untouched world. Wearing a dry suit, snorkelers stay warm while gently drifting through the slow-moving current, passing through sections like the Cathedral, where towering rock walls rise up around you like an underwater canyon. This is one of the most unique snorkeling experiences on the planet, offering a rare glimpse into the geological forces that shape our world—all while swimming in some of the purest water on Earth. Best Time to Go: Year-round, though summer (June–August) offers slightly warmer air temperatures.