Imagine floating in water so clear you can see for over 100 meters, all while standing literally between two continents. That’s exactly what this Silfra snorkeling tour offers: a chance to glide through one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural sights, the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park.
We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on countless glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, this experience promises a mix of geological wonder, adventure, and incredible scenery. We love that it’s accessible to most people (no diving certification needed), that guides are generally considered knowledgeable and friendly, and that the water’s visibility is unparalleled.
One thing to keep in mind is the cold — even with the provided dry suits — so dressing warmly and being prepared for the chill is a must.
This tour is best suited for travelers over 12 who feel comfortable in water and want an unforgettable, visually stunning experience. It’s perfect for nature lovers, geology buffs, and anyone eager for a bucket-list adventure with a touch of educational insight.
Good To Know
- Unmatched clarity: The water in Silfra offers over 100 meters of visibility, making it one of the clearest waters in the world.
- Expert guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, ensuring a safe, comfortable experience.
- All skill levels welcome: No diving certification needed, suitable for anyone over age 12 who can swim.
- Beautiful setting: Located in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in geological and scenic beauty.
- Affordable for such a unique experience: At $146, it provides excellent value given the exclusivity and quality.
- Limited group sizes: Small groups of up to 6 participants keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Introduction: Why This Silfra Snorkeling Tour Is a Must-Experience
If you’re visiting Iceland and craving something truly out of the ordinary, the Silfra snorkeling tour is a highlight that shouldn’t be missed. Floating between two tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacier waters sounds almost surreal — because it is. From the moment you step into Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’re surrounded by dramatic landscapes and geological history.
What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the chance to see where the Eurasian and North American plates are drifting apart. Second, the water’s unparalleled clarity allows for stunning views of underwater rock formations and the floating boulders. Third, the experience is accessible to most travelers, with excellent guides ensuring safety and comfort.
One consideration? The water temperature can be quite cold, even with the dry suit, so packing warm clothes for before and after is essential. This experience is best suited for travelers who love nature, geology, or unique adventure activities, and who are comfortable swimming or snorkeling in cold water.
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Silfra: The Highlight of the Tour
What to Expect at Silfra
Standing at the entrance to Silfra feels like stepping into a different world. The guide will brief you thoroughly on safety and equipment before you don the provided drysuit, wetsuit, and warm undersuit. Once suited up, you will descend onto the entry platform and begin your underwater journey.
Float through the Big Crack, where the two tectonic plates are so close you’ll almost think you can touch them. The narrow fissure is a stunning sight, with walls of lava rock and glacial silt that sparkle in the clear water. Moving into the Silfra Hall, the water widens, and you can see all the way to Lake Thingvallavatn, over 150 meters away, making it a truly picturesque float.
The highlight for many is Silfra Cathedral, at 23 meters deep, where the underwater scenery resembles wandering through an otherworldly cathedral of stone and light. Many reviewers mention feeling like they’re “flying over boulders,” and the colors of the mineral-rich water create an almost surreal environment.
The Water and Visibility
The water in Silfra is fed by glacial melt, filtered through volcanic rock, which keeps it incredibly pure and clear. According to reviews, water clarity is often over 100 meters, making this a visual feast. It’s warm enough for a dry suit to keep you comfortable, with some reviewers mentioning the water feels “not as cold as expected.” Still, you’ll want to dress in thermal layers for before and after the tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGuide Insights and Safety
Guides like Henry, Konrad, and Papi have earned high praise for their professionalism, patience, and friendliness. Many reviewers appreciated guides who went out of their way to ensure they captured photos or answered questions, making the whole experience more personal. One reviewer mentioned, “Papi knew exactly what was up and made the trip so wealthy in knowledge and good times,” highlighting how engaging the guides are.
The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Experience
Starting Point and Transportation
The tour begins at the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, with options for pickup or direct meeting at the site. The meeting point is straightforward, marked by parked Dive & Snorkel Tours Iceland cars, and includes detailed instructions for arriving.
Safety Briefing and Gear Up
Once onsite, you’ll receive a safety briefing that covers how to use the snorkel gear, hand signals, and important safety tips. The gear includes snorkeling gear, a drysuit, and a warm undersuit, providing protection against the cold and ensuring a dry experience. Reviewers note that the suits are comfortable and effective, with some saying they kept them “completely dry.”
Snorkeling in Silfra
The actual snorkeling lasts around 45 minutes, but the entire water experience, including gear-up and breaks, spans about an hour and a half. You’ll pass through several sections: the narrow Big Crack, the expansive Silfra Hall, and the Silfra Cathedral. Many find the underwater views breathtaking, with some mentioning the vivid colors and the feeling of “flying over boulders” at depth.
Break and Free Time
After your underwater adventure, there’s a 30-minute break to relax, chat with guides, and take photos. Many reviewers praise guides for their willingness to help with photos, which enhances the memory of the trip.
Return and Post-Tour Warm-Up
The tour ends with a return to the meeting point, followed by hot chocolate and cookies — the perfect way to warm up after the chilly water. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that many travelers appreciate, and it helps you unwind and reflect on the experience.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts between 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the selected option and group size. It’s limited to small groups of six for a more personalized experience, which is ideal for safety and interaction. Reviewers often mention how guides make the experience relaxed and fun, even with limited time.
Cost and Value
At $146 per person, this tour offers remarkable value given the exclusivity of floating between tectonic plates in such pristine waters. Reviews frequently mention that it feels worth every penny, especially considering the stunning visuals and knowledgeable guides.
What’s Included and Not
Included are certified guides, snorkeling gear, drysuits, heated changing vans, hot chocolate, cookies, and the entrance fee to Silfra. Not included are hotel transfers and parking fees, so plan accordingly.
What to Bring
Warm clothing for before and after, contact lenses if needed, and potentially an extra base layer beneath the dry suit, as recommended by experienced travelers. Many stress that the suits keep you dry, but layering ensures warmth.
Restrictions and Requirements
Participants over 60 need medical approval, and the activity isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those outside specific height and weight limits. Participants must sign a medical statement and demonstrate comfort in water.
Authentic Experiences from Guests
Reviewers consistently rave about their guides, like Konrad, Hugo, and Papi, describing them as “funny,” “professional,” and “helpful.” Many mention the guides going beyond expectations to take photos, answer questions, and ensure safety. One reviewer, Olga, even noted the guide’s effort to wish her daughter a happy birthday, adding a personal touch.
The water’s clarity and the scenery often leave visitors speechless. Carmen described the activity as “amazing,” and Liam called it “fully recommend[ed]” for anyone visiting Iceland. Several reviews highlight how comfortable the dry suits made the cold water, with one mentioning “it wasn’t as cold as I thought,” which is a relief for those hesitant about icy waters.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?
This snorkeling tour in Silfra is a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines nature, geology, and a touch of adrenaline. If you’re someone who appreciates stunning landscapes and isn’t put off by cold water, this is a must-do activity. It offers excellent value, especially considering the private, small-group setting and the expert guidance.
It’s perfect for curious travelers, geology enthusiasts, or those wanting a unique story to tell. It’s also well-suited for anyone over 12 who can comfortably swim — the underwater scenery alone makes it worth the effort.
However, if you’re particularly sensitive to cold or prefer dry land activities, this might not be your first choice. The experience is also ideal for those who enjoy guided tours with personalized touches, as many reviewers praise their guides’ enthusiasm and helpfulness.
FAQs
Do I need to be a certified diver?
No, you don’t need diving certification. This snorkeling activity is suitable for anyone over 12 who knows how to swim and feels comfortable in water.
What makes the water in Silfra so clear?
The water comes from glacial melt, filtered through volcanic rock, resulting in crystal-clear waters with visibility over 100 meters.
How cold is the water?
While the water can be cold, many reviews say it’s not as cold as expected, thanks to the drysuits. Still, dressing warmly before and after is recommended.
Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides like Henry, Konrad, and Papi are praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and helpfulness, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers snorkeling gear, drysuits, a heated van for changing, guides, hot chocolate, cookies, and the entrance fee to Silfra.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely. Guides often take photos for you, and many travelers say these pictures are a highlight of their trip. Note that some guides mention photos are an extra cost (around 3000 ISK).
Is it suitable for travelers with physical limitations?
Participants over 60 need medical approval, and the activity isn’t suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or those outside certain height and weight limits. Always check your comfort level with cold water and snorkeling.
To sum it up, this Silfra snorkeling tour is a striking blend of adventure, natural beauty, and education. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it a comfortable and memorable activity, perfect for those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Iceland’s stunning wilderness. Whether you’re a geology buff or simply eager for a breathtaking photo opportunity, this tour delivers on all fronts.
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