The 15 Best Snorkeling Experiences in Reykjavik
Reykjavik isn’t just about geysers, waterfalls, and puffins. Thanks to its location amidst tectonic plates and crystal-clear waters, Iceland’s capital offers some of the most remarkable snorkeling opportunities in the world. For travelers who love a splash of adventure, snorkeling in Silfra is the crown jewel—it’s like swimming through a postcard of otherworldly blue waters between two continents. One of our favorite picks is the Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavik with Free Photos, which combines a full day of sightseeing with the thrill of snorkeling in one of Iceland’s top sites. The convenience of round-trip transport and guided expertise makes it perfect for those with limited time or who want a stress-free experience.
If you’re after a more personal adventure, the Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group offers a tailored experience with underwater photos and exclusive access. For a shorter, budget-friendly option, the Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on location will get you into the water with all gear provided, perfect for those who want to dip their toes into Icelandic waters without a full-day commitment.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of our favorite snorkeling tours, highlighting what makes each one unique, who it’s best for, and practical tips to help you choose.
1. Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From ReykjavÃk with Free Photos
At number 1, this tour is a fantastic way to combine Iceland’s most iconic sights with the thrill of snorkeling. The 10-hour journey includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir—key stops on the Golden Circle. The highlight, however, is the guided snorkeling in Silfra, where you’ll explore the diver’s paradise of crystal water between two tectonic plates.
The tour includes all snorkeling gear rental and a guided experience, taking the hassle out of organizing logistics. Rated 5.0/5 by over 500 reviews, travelers love how smoothly the trip runs, praising the guides for safety and patience. “This was an amazing experience,” writes one reviewer, mentioning the free photos as a nice bonus—though some found the pictures not perfect, the experience itself is unforgettable. The $307 price includes all transportation, making it a great value for a comprehensive day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want both sightseeing and snorkeling, with a dependable guide and all-included logistics.
2. Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos – From Reykjavik
Number 2 on our list is the Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour. For around $189, you get a 5-hour small-group adventure exploring Silfra’s captivating fissure. What sets this tour apart is the dry suit gear, enabling you to stay warm even in icy water—most reviews emphasize how effective the suits are at preventing cold discomfort.
Your guide will help you don gear and teach you how to navigate the underwater landscape, with photos included to remember your journey. Rated 5 stars by over 500 travelers, many mention how comfortable and safe they felt, praising guides like Dori and Marieke for their patience. “I was hesitant at first but ended up loving it,” shares a reviewer. Hot chocolate afterward offers a cozy end to the adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a comfortable and well-supported snorkeling experience with excellent photo souvenirs.
3. Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on location | Free Photos
Number 3 is the Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling, a 3-hour small-group tour for $152. All equipment and wetsuits or drysuits are provided, and it’s a perfect choice for travelers on a tighter schedule or budget. The focus is on personal service—the small group size (limit six) means more attention from guides who are certified PADI professionals.
Guests rave about the spectacular clarity of the water and the underwater landscape. Many comment on how well the suits work to keep them warm, with one saying, “It was terrific, the guide was great, and the whole experience was great.” The tour’s shorter duration makes it accessible for families or those trying multiple activities in one day.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, well-organized option that delivers a top-tier snorkeling experience without taking up your entire day.
4. ReykjavÃk: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling between Two Continents
Number 4, the ReykjavÃk: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling, offers a 3- to 5.5-hour adventure, including optional transfers. This tour emphasizes the thrill of snorkeling in one of the world’s top dive sites with the chance to swim over the continental divide. Rated 4.6/5, travelers often mention the crystal-clear water and informative guides who help them enjoy safely.
The tour provides all necessary equipment and guides you through the unique geologic features of Thingvellir National Park. Many comments highlight the spectacular underwater visibility and the sense of standing between two continents. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience with flexible timing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a moderate-length, well-guided tour with excellent photographic opportunities.
5. From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos
Number 5 is the Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos. This 4.5-hour tour includes round-trip transport from Reykjavik, making it very convenient. The visibility over 100 meters makes it a surreal experience, and guides are known for their friendly and professional demeanor. Many reviewers love the hot chocolate at the end and the chance to relive the moment through their free, high-quality photos.
Guests describe how the guides monitor safety and help even nervous swimmers enjoy the water. It’s priced at $142, offering good value with all gear included and a relaxed schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want an easy, stress-free experience with memorable photos.
6. Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour – Self Drive
Next, at number 6, the Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour is unique for combining snorkeling with relaxing hot springs. For $206, you drive yourself between Silfra and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Pool, enjoying saunas and steam rooms along the way. The self-drive element appeals to independent travelers who prefer flexibility.
The tour includes snorkeling gear and instruction from guides who ensure safety and comfort. Many reviews mention the relaxing hot springs as the perfect way to unwind after the brisk underwater swim. It’s perfect for those who enjoy combining adventure with relaxation.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a personalized and relaxing experience with the option to drive themselves.
7. From ReykjavÃk: Golden Circle Tour and Silfra Snorkeling
Number 7 is a combination tour that offers both the Golden Circle and Silfra snorkeling for $294. Starting early, it includes visits to Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, with a 2.5-hour snorkeling portion at Silfra. Rated 4.8/5, travelers appreciate the smooth organization and the well-paced itinerary.
The guide explains the geological significance of Þingvellir and ensures safety during the underwater portion. The full day is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive Iceland experience, all in one trip.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing plus snorkeling without multiple bookings.
8. Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group – Meet on Location – with Underwater Photos
Number 8, the Private Silfra Snorkeling offers an exclusive experience for up to six people at $899. The 2.5-hour trip includes underwater photos and a private guide, making it ideal for special occasions or travelers wanting a more intimate adventure.
Guests praise the personalized attention and the convenience of having their photos taken. The tour focuses on learning and enjoying in a relaxed setting, with guides helping to ensure safety and comfort.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups or couples wanting a more exclusive, photo-rich snorkeling experience.
9. Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos – From Reykjavik
Number 9 is the Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour, costing around $189 for about 5 hours. It emphasizes small group sizes (max six), and includes photos of your underwater adventure. Many travelers comment on the helpfulness of guides like Ed and Nebo, who assist in making everyone comfortable in the cold water (around 2°C).
Guests highlight the excellent organization and the ability to warm up with hot chocolate afterward. It’s suitable for those who want a personalized, photo-enhanced experience.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want good value, personal attention, and photo keepsakes.
10. Reykjavik: Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour
Coming in at number 10, this tour combines snorkeling with a spa experience. The self-drive format allows you to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for independent travelers. You’ll snorkel in Silfra and then relax in geothermal pools, with the saunas and steam rooms enhancing the experience. Many reviews mention the relaxing hot springs as a perfect way to unwind after the water.
This 5-hour tour costs $206 and is a good pick for those who want adventure plus relaxation. The small group maximum (6) ensures personalized service and safety.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want flexibility and a dual experience of adventure and relaxation.
11. Silfra Fissure Snorkeling From ReykjavÃk – Free Underwater Photos
Number 11, the Silfra Fissure Snorkeling From ReykjavÃk offers a 5.5-hour small-group adventure with all gear and free underwater photos. Rated 4.5/5, travelers love the professional guidance and the stunning underwater scenery. The tour emphasizes education about the tectonic plates and the geology of Thingvellir.
The tour includes hotel transfers and is praised for its smooth organization and warm hot chocolate afterward. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, photo-enhanced experience.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a full, photo memorable snorkeling trip with educational insights.
12. From Reykjavik- Silfra Snorkeling transfer included
Number 12 is the Silfra Snorkeling transfer. This 6-hour tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers, with round-trip transportation included for $235. The guided experience features snorkeling in the famed Silfra fissure and hot chocolate afterward.
Guests appreciate the easy logistics and the professional guides like Gerys and Vero. Many highlight the crystal-clear water and geologic wonders as unforgettable.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who value convenience, professional guidance, and photo souvenirs.
13. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Silfra Snorkeling
At number 13, this full-day tour combines the Golden Circle with a snorkel in Silfra for $236. The itinerary covers Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, with the snorkeling part lasting about 2.5 hours. Rated 4.6/5, travelers praise its well-organized schedule and informative guides. Many mention how cold the water is (3°C) but also how worth it the experience is.
This tour suits those who want a balanced day of sightseeing and adventure. It’s a reliable option for travelers who prefer structured excursions with everything included.
Bottom Line: best for those wanting comprehensive sightseeing and snorkeling in one package.
14. Snorkeling in Silfra & Fly Over Iceland Virtual Experience – Self-drive
Number 14 is a combo experience combining a virtual flight over Iceland with snorkeling in Silfra. For $179, you get storytelling from guides and snorkel gear for a 7.5-hour adventure. The virtual tour offers a unique perspective of Iceland’s landscape before plunging into its waters.
Guests mention the engaging storytelling and the clear waters of Silfra, making it a fun, educational experience. The photos included help you remember your trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a multi-sensory experience—virtual and real—along with all gear provided.
15. From ReykjavÃk: Silfra Snorkeling with free photos
Number 15, the Silfra Snorkeling with free photos offers a 6-hour all-inclusive trip for $192. Rated 4.9/5, it’s praised for professional guides, comfortable transportation, and beautiful underwater scenery. Many reviewers comment on how calm and patient the guides are, helping even nervous swimmers enjoy the experience.
The tour features hot chocolate afterward and underwater photos to remember your trip. It’s a solid choice for those seeking ease and quality in a snorkeling tour.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full, hassle-free experience with excellent photo keepsakes.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Experience in Reykjavik
When picking your snorkeling tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interest in combination experiences. If you want a full-day adventure with sightseeing and snorkeling, options like the Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra or the Golden Circle Tour with Silfra are perfect. For a more personal, photo-rich experience, the Private Silfra Snorkeling offers exclusivity. Budget travelers or those with limited time might prefer the Wetsuit Snorkeling Meet on location, which still delivers stunning underwater scenery.
If you’re interested in adding relaxation, the self-drive tours that include hot springs—like the Silfra Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa—are excellent. For those seeking a combination of virtual and real experiences, the Snorkeling & Fly Over Iceland blends storytelling with underwater adventure.
Remember, booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and gear.
Final Thoughts
Reykjavik offers a wide range of snorkeling experiences, from quick dips to multi-day adventures with spa relaxation or spectacular combination tours. If you’re a geology enthusiast, snorkeling between two continents at Silfra is a must-do. For a more relaxed outing, the private tours with photos provide a memorable, personalized touch.
No matter which tour you choose, be prepared for cold water—but with quality gear and guides, you’ll stay comfortable enough to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime underwater sights. Book early, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to see Iceland from a completely different perspective.