If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a truly unique experience, snorkeling in Silfra is often on the list. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve seen enough reviews and details to give you a clear idea of what it’s like. This tour offers a chance to float in some of the clearest waters on the planet, with the added thrill of traveling between two continents—Europe and North America—without leaving the water.
What really appeals to us about this trip is the stunning underwater visibility that reaches up to 100 meters and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable and safe. Plus, the fact that it’s a small group activity ensures everyone gets plenty of attention. On the flip side, the price of $159 might seem steep to some, but considering the quality, scenery, and included photos, it’s generally seen as good value.
One thing to consider is the cold water temperatures—even with a drysuit, it can be chilly, especially in winter months. You’ll want to come prepared with warm clothing, socks, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture the moment. This tour is ideal for those who are comfortable swimming and want a truly memorable adventure, though it’s not suitable for children under 12 or travelers with certain physical restrictions.
This experience tends to attract travelers who love nature, are curious about geology, or simply want something different from the typical Iceland sightseeing. If you’re looking for an activity that combines adventure, stunning scenery, and a dash of education, this could be a perfect fit.
Key Points
- Unmatched underwater clarity with visibility up to 100 meters, making it almost surreal.
- Travel between two continents in a single activity—standing on one side of the rift, snorkeling to the other.
- Expert guides who are friendly, attentive, and make safety a priority.
- Small group size (limited to 6 participants), ensuring a personalized experience.
- Includes all snorkeling gear, with options for wetsuits or drysuits, plus free photos and hot chocolate.
- Weather-dependent; activities may be canceled if conditions are unsafe, but refunds or rebookings are offered.
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour is a rare opportunity to experience one of the most pristine natural wonders in Iceland. The fact that visibility is so high means you’ll see incredible details of the underwater landscape—brightly colored rocks, tectonic plates, and the clear water almost makes it feel like you’re floating in a different world. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, helping everyone feel comfortable regardless of experience level.
The price of $159 covers nearly everything—gear, guide, photos, and hot chocolate—so you’re paying for convenience and quality. Many reviews emphasize how accurate the photos are to real life, which isn’t always the case with outdoor adventures. The small group size adds to the intimacy and makes it easier for the guide to give you attention if needed.
A point to keep in mind is the weather impact—since this is an outdoor water activity in winter or unpredictable conditions, sometimes weather causes cancellations. However, if the weather is good, you’ll find the experience well worth it.
Planning more time in Silfra? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
The tour begins at the Silfra parking lot within Thingvellir National Park, a site renowned for its geological significance. Once you arrive, you’ll check in, gear up, and meet your guide. The group is small—just up to six people—which helps keep things personal and manageable.
You’ll be handed all necessary equipment, including a wetsuit or drysuit based on your choice. The drysuit option is popular, especially in winter, since it keeps you warm and dry throughout the snorkel. Reviewers note that the drysuit is comfortable and doesn’t hinder movement, even for first-timers.
The highlight of the experience is snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You’ll start on the surface, looking at the vibrant scenery around you before slipping into the water. Once submerged, you’ll glide through the clear waters, with views of the underwater landscape that seem almost too perfect to be real—bright colors, interesting formations, and the sensation of floating between two continents.
Most participants enjoy viewing Silfra from the surface as the slow current carries them along, feeling almost weightless. The water temperature is cold, but with the drysuit, most find it manageable. If opting for the wetsuit, you’ll feel the coolness more directly, but it’s still an enjoyable experience.
The tour concludes with a relaxing float into a lagoon often called “the real Blue Lagoon” due to its intense blue hue. Here, you can take a moment to relax and enjoy the beauty of this natural pool while reflecting on your adventure.
Throughout, the guides provide expert assistance, helping everyone feel confident in the water. They also take plenty of photos—something many reviewers love, as the pictures are authentic and capture the magic of Silfra.
Practical Details and Tips
- The duration of the tour is about 3 hours, including check-in, gear-up, and the snorkeling itself.
- The meeting point is at the Silfra parking lot in Thingvellir National Park, close to the main road. Parking is available, and the vans to the site are easily recognizable.
- The price of $159 includes all necessary gear, the guide, free photos, and hot chocolate afterward. Additional costs might include renting a GoPro or bringing your own waterproof camera.
- You’ll need to bring warm clothes, a towel, snacks, a waterproof camera, socks, and swimwear. It’s recommended to eat breakfast before the tour.
- The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health issues.
- Weight and height restrictions are in place—minimum 50kg (110 lbs) and 150 cm (4’9″), maximum 120kg (264 lbs) and 200 cm (6’7″).
- No glasses are allowed unless you wear contacts or own a prescription diving mask.
- Participants should be able to swim comfortably and be in good health.
- The tour is conducted in English, with guides known for their friendliness and knowledge.
What Users Say
Many reviews highlight how photo accuracy is a huge plus, with travelers sharing how the pictures captured during the tour match what they saw in real life. Several mention their guides—like Doris, Niko, and Hugo—as being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making the experience even better.
Reviewers also point out that the water isn’t as cold as expected when suited up properly, especially in drysuits. Some mention the long wait times to get into the water, but most agree it’s worth it once you’re floating in that brilliant blue. The hot chocolate at the end is often praised as a small but welcome touch after the chilly adventure.
A few reviews talk about the difficulty of hearing guides when in the water, especially if you’re last in the group, so staying close is advised. The consensus is that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many would recommend.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Sum Up
If you’re after a truly unforgettable Icelandic adventure and don’t mind a bit of cold water, snorkeling in Silfra is hard to beat. The combination of spectacular clarity, geological wonder, and the chance to float between continents makes this a standout activity. The guides are well-reviewed, making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable—even if it’s your first time snorkeling.
The price point reflects the quality of the experience, including gear, expert guidance, and memorable photos. It’s especially appealing for those who value small-group atmospheres and personalized service. Keep in mind the weather dependency, but if conditions are good, you’re in for a surreal, bucket-list-worthy outing.
This tour is best suited for curious, water-safe travelers who want an active but manageable adventure, and who are comfortable in water and able to meet height and weight requirements. If you’re into geology, nature, or simply looking for something extraordinary, Snorkeling Silfra could be the highlight of your Iceland trip.
Silfra: Half-Day Snorkeling Day Trip with Underwater Photos
“It is the only activity I have done where pictures online are exactly like in reality. 100% would recommend.”
FAQ
Do I need to be a certified diver for this tour?
No, you don’t need to be certified—you just need to be comfortable swimming and in good health. The tour is designed for anyone who can handle basic water activity.
Is the tour suitable in winter?
Yes, many reviews mention snorkeling in winter months, especially with the drysuit option. Just be prepared for cold conditions and check if weather might cancel the activity.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes, a towel, snacks, a waterproof camera, socks, and swimwear. Eating breakfast beforehand is recommended to stay energized.
Can I rent a camera?
Yes, you can rent a GoPro for 6900 ISK if you want to capture underwater moments yourself.
How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 3 hours, including check-in, gear-up, and the actual snorkeling.
What’s the group size?
Limited to 6 people per guide, making it a more intimate experience.
What if the weather is bad?
The activity might be canceled due to weather conditions, but you’ll receive a full refund or can reschedule.
If you’re ready for an adventure that’s equal parts breathtaking and educational, snorkeling in Silfra with Adventure Vikings could be just the thing. It’s a chance to see Iceland from a totally different perspective—floating between Earth’s continents in waters so clear they seem almost unreal.
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