Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive

We’ve reviewed countless adventure tours, and the Silfra snorkeling experience stands out for one reason that few other activities can claim: you’re literally swimming between the North American and European tectonic plates. This isn’t some theoretical geography lesson—you’re physically floating in the gap where two continental plates are slowly pulling apart. The water is so impossibly clear (visibility extends over 100 feet in some spots) that you can see the otherworldly geology beneath you with startling precision.

What really impressed us about this tour is how well-organized Troll Expeditions handles what could be an intimidating experience. The company provides everything you need, including a thermal dry suit that actually keeps you warm in water that hovers around 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Your guide takes GoPro photos throughout, so you get professional-quality images without fumbling with your own camera while wearing gloves.

The main consideration is that this requires your own transportation—there’s no public bus access to Thingvellir National Park, so you’ll need to rent a car. Also, if you wear glasses for vision correction, this tour has a significant limitation that deserves upfront attention. We’ll address both of these points in detail below.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a genuinely unique Icelandic memory, have moderate fitness levels, and don't mind bracing cold water in exchange for something truly unforgettable.

The Real Value Proposition

At $152 per person for roughly three hours, you're looking at about $50 per hour—reasonable for a guided activity in Iceland that includes professional equipment rental, a certified guide, and photos. But the actual value goes deeper than the hourly rate. You're paying for access to one of the world's few places where you can snorkel between tectonic plates, equipment that costs hundreds of dollars to purchase separately, and the expertise of guides trained in both snorkeling and dive safety.

Consider what you're getting: a thermal dry suit (these typically rent for $30-50 on their own), a complete snorkeling setup, professional photography, hot chocolate and a chocolate bar afterward, and the peace of mind that comes with a small-group experience capped at six people maximum. Most travelers book this 54 days in advance, which tells you something about demand. The 98% recommendation rate from nearly 3,500 reviews suggests this tour consistently delivers on its promise.

What to Expect: The Complete Experience

Before You Go: Practical Preparation

You'll need a rental car to reach Troll Expeditions' meeting point in Thingvellir, located about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik. Arriving early is crucial—one experienced traveler recommended showing up at least 30 minutes before your start time to handle parking (which can be tight during peak season), find the meeting location, and get suited up properly. This tour requires you to fill out a medical form beforehand, which you can complete online or at the meeting point.

The physical requirements are specific: you must be between 135 and 200 centimeters tall, weigh between 30 and 140 kilos, be comfortable swimming, and be under 69 years old (though those over 60 need a medical waiver). If you're over 45 and have a history of pipe smoking or heavy alcohol use, you'll need a physician's clearance. These requirements exist because you're entering an environment where proper equipment fit and physical capability directly affect your safety.

The Important Glasses Conversation

Here's where we need to be direct: if you wear eyeglasses for vision correction, you face a real problem. Standard snorkel masks don't fit over glasses, and the tour operator doesn't provide a solution. One honeymoon couple paid $300 and couldn't participate because they only learned about this limitation upon arrival. The reviews note that "contact lenses" are recommended for the best experience—this should have been prominently featured in the tour description, and it's a legitimate frustration if you discover it too late.

If you wear glasses, contact lenses are genuinely your best option. If you don't have contacts, ask Troll Expeditions directly whether they can provide a prescription mask (some operators offer these for an additional fee). Don't assume—confirm this before booking.

Suiting Up: More Comfortable Than You'd Think

When you arrive, the guides walk you through putting on the thermal dry suit step by step. One reviewer noted that the staff are "extremely helpful and knowledgeable," adjusting "each and every strap and zipper and sleeve as much as you would need." You'll wear a thermal undersuit beneath the dry suit, plus a hood, gloves, and fins provided by the tour company.

Here's what travelers consistently report: the suits work. One guest who "was warm so much warmer than I thought I would be" noted that "even the water in my gloves was lukewarm." Another experienced family brought their own tight-fitting layers underneath and stayed comfortable throughout. The cold primarily affects your face and lips—one guide described the sensation as "tingly for all of a minute before there is no pain at all." The numbness goes away once you're in the water and moving.

The Main Event: Snorkeling in Silfra

You'll descend into the fissure with your guide and a small group (maximum six people). The water is a shocking shade of blue—glacial meltwater filtered through porous lava rock creates visibility that feels almost unreal. One traveler described it perfectly: "Everything was amazingly clear, and you felt like you could reach down and touch the bottom, even though it was 10-20 meters or more in places."

Your guide practices basic snorkeling positions with you first—how to breathe through the snorkel and how to float on your back if you need a rest. Then you begin moving through the rifts and waterways. The geology is the star here: you're swimming through cracks in the Earth's crust, with massive rock walls on either side. The water's extreme clarity means you can see details of the underwater landscape with startling precision.

The actual time in the water varies but typically runs 30-50 minutes, though the total tour is listed as approximately three hours (accounting for arrival, preparation, and post-tour refreshments). One guest who initially worried about making it to the 10-minute mark was surprised to discover the 50-minute snorkel had flown by. The guides manage pace well—if you need a break, you can float on your back; the gentle current does some of the work for you.

The Bonus: Professional Photos and Hot Chocolate

Your guide photographs you throughout using a GoPro, capturing both underwater and above-water moments. These images are included in the tour price—a nice touch that means you actually have professional evidence of the experience rather than just your own blurry snapshots. After you exit the water, the tour wraps up with hot chocolate and a chocolate bar, which tastes genuinely wonderful after spending time in cold water.

Timing Matters: When to Visit

The tour operates year-round, but timing affects your experience. Silfra gets "very busy in summer," so the tour operator recommends booking either the earliest morning or late afternoon tours to avoid crowds. Several reviewers specifically mentioned that booking the early morning tour helped them enjoy the experience with fewer people around.

Winter visits have their own appeal—one guest called it a "very unique experience for a winter holiday" with "top notch" organization and views. The water temperature remains essentially the same year-round (around 34 degrees), so cold isn't really a seasonal variable. What changes is daylight and crowds.

The Guides Make All the Difference

Reading through the reviews, certain names appear repeatedly: James, Vlad, Kevin, Laura, Anna, Augustin, and others consistently receive praise for being "friendly," "knowledgeable," "patient," and "encouraging." One guide apparently speaks eight languages. Another took time to learn every participant's name. These aren't generic tour operators—they're trained PADI-certified dive/dive-master guides who genuinely care about making the experience comfortable and memorable.

A particularly detailed review from someone whose teenage son had doubts during preparation illustrates how the guides handle anxiety: "Our guide was always encouraging and gentle, and repeated again that as soon as we got in the water, everything would be great! And our guide also reminded us, if we were not totally comfortable with the snorkeling, there was a location (maybe 10 minutes?) that we could get out of the water at." That kind of attention to both safety and reassurance is what separates good tours from great ones.

The Weather Wildcard

This tour requires good weather. If conditions deteriorate, Troll Expeditions will offer you either a different date or a full refund. Given Iceland's notoriously changeable weather, this is a legitimate consideration. However, the company's flexibility with rescheduling means you have options if your original date doesn't work out.

Cancellation and Logistics

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund, which is standard and fair. Anything closer than 24 hours forfeits your payment. Parking at the meeting point isn't free—you'll pay a small fee to park in Thingvellir, though this is minimal compared to the tour cost itself.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Skip It)

This experience is genuinely special for travelers who want an unforgettable Icelandic memory and don't mind cold water. You should be a reasonably comfortable swimmer and in moderate physical condition, but you don't need to be an athlete. The 98% recommendation rate speaks for itself—most people who book this tour leave thrilled.

Skip it if you require glasses for vision and can't arrange contacts. Also reconsider if you have any of the medical conditions listed in the requirements (respiratory, circulatory, neurological issues) without proper clearance. If you're uncomfortable in water or claustrophobic in tight-fitting gear, this isn't your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I actually spend in the water?
The total tour is approximately three hours, but you'll spend roughly 30-50 minutes actually snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure. The rest of the time accounts for arrival, suiting up, safety briefing, photos, and post-tour hot chocolate.

Will I get wet even though I'm wearing a dry suit?
Dry suits are designed to keep you dry, and reviewers consistently report staying dry inside them. However, the tour operator notes that "slight water leakage around the neck and sleeves area may happen, and that is considered normal." Most travelers don't experience significant leakage if the suit is fitted properly.

Can I wear glasses under the snorkel mask?
No. Standard snorkel masks don't fit over glasses. The tour recommends wearing contact lenses for the best experience. Contact the operator directly before booking if you wear glasses and don't have contacts—they may offer prescription masks, though this isn't mentioned in the standard tour description.

How cold is the water, really?
The water temperature is approximately 34 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Your face and hands will get cold—this is unavoidable and something you should mentally prepare for. However, the thermal dry suit and undersuit keep your body warm, and the cold sensation becomes less noticeable once you're actively snorkeling.

What's the group size like?
Groups are capped at a maximum of six people, which keeps the experience personal and manageable. This isn't a massive tour with dozens of participants.

Do I need my own car to get there?
Yes. This is a self-drive tour, and there's no public transportation to Thingvellir National Park where the tour meets. You'll need a rental car to reach the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If poor weather forces cancellation, Troll Expeditions will offer you either a different date or a full refund. You're not losing your money if conditions deteriorate.

Are the photos worth it?
The GoPro photos are included in the tour price (not an upsell), and reviewers consistently praise them. One guest specifically noted, "Get the picture package because it's well worth it"—except in this case, it's not a package; it's included. You'll have professional-quality images of your experience without having to manage your own camera.

What should I wear underneath the dry suit?
Wear thermal underwear or long johns—nothing cotton, as it retains moisture. Multiple reviewers emphasized this: "Wear your long underwear/base layer. You're in the water about 30-45 mins and it will be a once in a lifetime experience." The tour provides the suit, but you need to bring appropriate underlayers.

This tour genuinely delivers on its promise of a once-in-a-lifetime Icelandic experience at a reasonable price point. With 98% of nearly 3,500 travelers recommending it, consistently excellent guides, and the sheer novelty of snorkeling between continental plates, it's easy to understand why this books out 54 days in advance. If you can arrange contact lenses (or confirm prescription mask availability), have your own transportation, and don't mind bracing cold water, this is one of Iceland's most memorable adventures—and at $152 per person, it's genuinely good value for what you're getting.