Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates – meet on location

If you’re eyeing a trip to Iceland, chances are you’ve heard about the incredible opportunity to snorkel between two continents at Silfra. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve gathered enough details and traveler reviews to give you a well-rounded picture of what you can expect. This experience offers a rare chance to float in crystal-clear glacial water, surrounded by otherworldly rock formations, and to be right in the middle of Earth’s tectonic activity.

What really sells this tour for us is the thoughtful inclusion of gear and guidance — everything from dry suits to snorkeling equipment is provided, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned swimmer. Plus, the post-snorkel warm-up with hot chocolate and cookies sounds like the cherry on top after an icy adventure. On the flip side, a potential snag is the need for participants to be comfortable in water, and there’s a slight physical requirement to get into the gear, which might be a challenge for some.

This tour seems perfect for those craving a one-of-a-kind, adventurous experience and are okay with the cold. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring nature’s quirks, appreciates safe guided activities, and doesn’t mind a bit of gear-up time, you’ll likely find it to be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Snorkeling between tectonic plates in one of the world’s clearest waters
• Safety & Comfort: Guided by professional PADI instructors with all gear included
• Included Amenities: Entrance fee, snorkeling equipment, dry suit, warm undersuit, hot chocolate, and cookies
• Small Group Feel: Max 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention
• Convenient & Accessible: Heated changing van and clear safety instructions
• Value: All essentials covered for $119, making it a solid buy for such a unique experience

What Is Silfra and Why Is It Special?

Silfra is not just any snorkeling spot — it’s a crack in the Earth’s crust, formed by the drifting of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This creates a dramatic underwater landscape that you can actually swim between. The water here is fed by melting glaciers, making it some of the clearest water on the planet, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. That means you’ll be able to see into the depths and appreciate the surreal beauty of the rocky walls and underwater formations.

Travelers consistently mention that the chance to be “swimming between continents” makes Silfra truly one-of-a-kind. According to reviews, the scenery under the water is breathtaking, with many describing the experience as a “once in a lifetime” event. The vibrant colors and clarity of the water are often highlighted as major draws, with some noting that the underwater views surpass expectations.

The Tour Itinerary — Step by Step

The process starts at the DIVE.IS meeting point, located conveniently in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended so you can check in smoothly and get comfortable. The check-in involves a quick medical form and a chance for the guides to gather your height, weight, and age info — essential for fitting the dry suits properly.

Once your small group (up to 6 people) is assembled, your guide will supply you with a drysuit, a warm undersuit, and all necessary snorkel gear. The guides are typically PADI instructors, meaning they’re well-trained to ensure safety and comfort. They’ll spend about an hour helping you gear up in the heated changing van and explaining how to breathe, move, and stay safe during the snorkel. This prep session is crucial because dry suits can feel tight, and proper fitting makes sure you’re warm and comfortable.

Next, there’s a short 5-minute walk to the water’s edge, where you’ll start your underwater journey for about 30-45 minutes. This includes exploring Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon — each offering different sights and formations. The water is cold but manageable thanks to the dry suits, and many reviews note that guides do a great job helping everyone stay warm and relaxed.

After exiting the water, the guides offer hot chocolate and cookies, giving everyone a chance to chat about the experience, ask questions, and view photos taken during the snorkel. It’s a warm, friendly ending to a chilly but awe-inspiring adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The $119 ticket covers all the essentials: a guided snorkeling experience, the necessary equipment, dry suit, warm undersuit, and entrance fees. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciated. The guided instruction is thorough, and safety is a priority, making it suitable for those comfortable in water and able to swim.

Post-snorkel, you’ll be treated to hot chocolate and cookies — a simple but thoughtful touch that keeps the experience friendly and relaxed. If you want photos of your underwater adventure, you can purchase them separately, though they aren’t included in the basic package.

It’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include souvenirs or additional transportation, so plan accordingly if you want a keepsake or need to get back to Reykjavik.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their professionalism and friendliness. Many mention how knowledgeable they were about Silfra, the park, and the geology of the area. For example, one reviewer said, “Boris was our amazing guide! He made us feel completely at ease, was super knowledgeable and our snorkel was fantastic.” The guides’ attentiveness seems to be a standout feature.

Travelers also rave about the scenery — “the views are amazing,” and “the color of the water” blows many away. Multiple reviews mention the clarity of the water, confirming that it really is as spectacular as photos suggest.

Comfort is another common theme. While the dry suits can feel tight or constricting, guides help everyone get into gear and stay warm. Several reviewers commented that despite the cold water, they remained comfortable throughout thanks to the gear and the guides’ assistance.

Some travelers got lucky with timing, noting that early morning trips resulted in almost private experiences. “We went early and had the entire Silfra to ourselves,” one said, emphasizing how peace and solitude add to the magic.

The Practical Side: Duration, Group Size, and Price

This tour lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes — a good chunk of time for a unique activity, including prep, snorkeling, and post-activity relaxation. The actual snorkeling takes about 30-45 minutes, which is enough to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Group size is capped at 6, fostering a more intimate experience. Smaller groups mean more personalized guidance and fewer distractions, which is appreciated in chilly water situations.

At $119, the tour offers solid value considering that it includes gear, entrance fees, and a professional guide. When you think about the cost of equipment rentals elsewhere or the price of similar experiences, this feels like a fair deal, especially given the small-group setting and quality of guides.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy trying new things and are comfortable in water. It’s not suited for pregnant women or those with health issues that prevent swimming or wearing a dry suit. Participants should be at least 12 years old, with some physical fitness required for gear-up and movement in the water.

If you’re someone who loves exploring natural wonders and doesn’t mind cold temperatures, you’ll find this trip exhilarating and unforgettable. For those who prefer more relaxed or dry activities, this might not be the best fit, as it does involve some physical effort and comfort with water.

Final Thoughts

Snorkeling at Silfra is one of those bucket-list experiences that can elevate your trip to Iceland from good to extraordinary. The combination of expert guidance, top-notch gear, and the thrill of floating between two continents makes it genuinely special. The tour’s all-inclusive approach, with the addition of hot chocolate afterward, ensures you stay warm and relaxed after braving the chilly waters.

While it’s not the cheapest activity, the value is reflected in the quality of the experience and the memories you’ll take home. If you’re keen on a safe, guided adventure that offers a peek into Earth’s geological marvels, this tour deserves your consideration.

This experience suits travelers eager for a unique story to tell, those comfortable in water, and anyone looking to add a touch of adventure to their Iceland itinerary. Just prepare for some gear and a bit of cold — the stunning sights under the water make it all worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this snorkel tour suitable for people who don’t swim well?
You should be comfortable in water and able to swim, as the tour involves floating and moving in the water. Guides are experienced and help ensure safety, but a basic swimming ability is recommended.

How cold is the water during the snorkel?
The water is glacial meltwater, so it’s cold enough to require a drysuit. The suits, along with the warm undersuit, help keep you comfortable throughout the 30-45 minute snorkel.

What should I wear under the dry suit?
Most travelers wear long underwear and thick wool socks underneath, as recommended by guides, to stay warm and comfortable.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including check-in, gear-up, safety briefing, snorkel time, and post-activity relaxation.

Are photos included?
No, photos are available for purchase separately, but the guides often take pictures during the snorkel, which you can view afterward.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 6 travelers, making it an intimate and personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

If you’re looking for a hands-down incredible adventure and don’t mind some cold water, this Silfra snorkeling tour offers a genuine highlight. Just remember to come prepared, listen to your guides, and enjoy one of the most extraordinary sights Iceland has to offer.