Silfra Snorkeling Adventure, Reykjavík

4.8 (32 reviews)
Snorkel the world's clearest water and float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on this day trip from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park.

Overview

Snorkel the world's clearest water and float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on this day trip from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park. Led by experienced PADI divemasters, you'll swim the cold Silfra fissure's breathtakingly clear waters—with visibility up to 394 feet, featuring sections dubbed the Big Crack and Silfra Lagoon. This activity, best for adventure seekers not afraid of getting a little cold, includes a dry suit fitting and snorkeling gear, with a heated changing area and post-snorkel warming cup of hot cocoa.

Highlights

  • Snorkel between two continents in Silfra's crystal-clear glacial waters
  • Follow PADI-certified divemasters who ensure you have a memorable and safe experience
  • Check out Silfra's four main sections: Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon
  • Enjoy an après-snorkel treat of cookies and hot chocolate
  • Learn about Iceland's geology and cultural history on the drive to Þingvellir National Park

Know before you go

Duration
2h 30m
Recommended for
12 years old & up
Group
Small group, 6 people or less
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and cookies

What you'll do

Your snorkeling adventure begins upon meeting your guide near the steps leading into the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, where you'll receive all the necessary snorkeling gear, including a dry suit to keep you warm (and dry) in the chilly waters. The guides, trained PADI divemasters and instructors, will ensure your comfort and readiness before you "dive" in. They'll explain how to use the equipment and what to expect as you float through each of the sections of Silfra, including the Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon.

As you snorkel, you'll be amazed by the vivid underwater colors and incredible clarity, with visibility stretching up to 394 feet (120 m). Throughout the swim, you'll also take in the surreal notion of floating between two tectonic plates—the North American and Eurasian plates—a geological marvel. The day trip wraps up with a post-snorkel treat of hot chocolate and cookies.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm

What's included

  • Silfra entrance fee
  • Snorkel guide
  • Snorkeling equipment (including dry suit)
  • Hot chocolate and cookies

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Traveler reviews

32 total ratings, 23 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.9
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
5.0
B
Barbara K.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on May 27, 2025
The water was very clear. There was a padded insulating layer to put on under the drysuit which was very helpful. A double layer of long underwear also helped. The staff were very knowledgeable and highly skilled. Read more

The water was very clear. There was a padded insulating layer to put on under the drysuit which was very helpful. A double layer of long underwear also helped. The staff were very knowledgeable and highly skilled.

Tips for future travelers

Only wear SCOOP NECK long underwear. Turtlenecks will be tucked down to the base of your neck to help maintain the seal of the wetsuit and add to bulk about your neck. The neck of the suit will be tight enough that you can feel it on your Adam's apple while not constricting it. It is a balancing act since a snug neck is less comfortable but more likely to keep you dry. I recommend lifting your head to look at the sky to gauge how comfortable you are with the band and if it needs to be adjusted. This will mimic you raising your head out of the water when you are in Silfra.

Quality of Experience
The wet suit was not the most comfortable thing in the world, Wonderful views and had good time in the water.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ashlie
ashlie g.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024
Such a neat experience! You have to wear thermal underwear of some sort and warm socks. You put on a suit, and then a dry suit over it. It is tight, and uncomfortable around the neck and wrists - but it's to keep the 2°c water out sooo it's worth it. There's a short walk to the entry point. We had to wait about 20 mins to get into the water because of other groups ahead of us. Once you are in the water, it naturally propels you and the suit loosens up a bit. You barely have to do work. Our... Read more

Such a neat experience! You have to wear thermal underwear of some sort and warm socks. You put on a suit, and then a dry suit over it. It is tight, and uncomfortable around the neck and wrists - but it's to keep the 2°c water out sooo it's worth it. There's a short walk to the entry point. We had to wait about 20 mins to get into the water because of other groups ahead of us. Once you are in the water, it naturally propels you and the suit loosens up a bit. You barely have to do work. Our guide was funny and nice. At the end we all drank hot chocolate and talked about the experience.

Tips for future travelers

Look at what your tour group recommends like the day before and listen to them. Smaller, younger kids are going to be turned away without a refund - doesn't matter how good of a swimmer they are. If you are unsure, I'd call talk directly to them.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We had James and he was wonderful!
J
Jesse R.
Iselin, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2024
Great guide and staff. Wish it was longer. really cool experience. Read more

Great guide and staff. Wish it was longer. really cool experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Andrew
Andrew H.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2024
Exceeded expectations. This was a highlight of the trip and one of my favorite travel experiences. You go in groups of 6 per guide so you get a really good experience and attention from the guide. Read more

Exceeded expectations. This was a highlight of the trip and one of my favorite travel experiences. You go in groups of 6 per guide so you get a really good experience and attention from the guide.

Tips for future travelers

Do not fear the cold.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was great
Krista
Krista D.
Fayetteville, AR | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023
Very cool experience! Highly recommend doing it! Read more

Very cool experience! Highly recommend doing it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jennifer
Jennifer R.
Hanover, PA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Did this with her two teenage boys. It was very cool. It was a bit cold, but not intolerable. The staff was awesome. Read more

Did this with her two teenage boys. It was very cool. It was a bit cold, but not intolerable. The staff was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
P
paul B.
Tysons Corner, VA | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2023
The Silfra Snorkeling was a unique experience and I'm glad we did it. The dry suit is quite an experience if you have not used one before, and while not comfortable, they work well in the cold water. The guide was great and took great care of us. We are not sure we would do this again, although one of our group would consider a scuba tour. Read more

The Silfra Snorkeling was a unique experience and I'm glad we did it. The dry suit is quite an experience if you have not used one before, and while not comfortable, they work well in the cold water. The guide was great and took great care of us. We are not sure we would do this again, although one of our group would consider a scuba tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cara
Cara W.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2023
Leon loved this very unique experience! Unlike anything else he has ever done. Read more

Leon loved this very unique experience! Unlike anything else he has ever done.

Tips for future travelers

In the information about the experience it says you have to be a good swimmer, however, Leon said you really just floated along. I have a bad shoulder from a Segway accident, but still would have been able to do the experience. However if you are not able to do the snorkeling, there is Thingvellir Park that you can go hiking in.

Quality of Experience
It is an experience that you can only do in Iceland.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff was well trained and worked well with the group.
Transport
Everything was well organized and set up.
S
Steve H.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2023
Carla was amazing. The water is clear (and cold). This exceeded our expectations. Being able to see where the tectontic plates come together is amazing. Read more

Carla was amazing. The water is clear (and cold). This exceeded our expectations. Being able to see where the tectontic plates come together is amazing.

Tips for future travelers

The dry suits are not very comfortable if you are a reasonable body weight. If you are overweight, it can be very, very uncomfortable. You don't have to be a strong swim; you float in the dry suit.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jennifer
Jennifer B.
East Tremont, NY | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
Amazing. Staff was also helpful and made everyone comfortable with their gear. The water is cold…not sure this would have been as fun in the winter! Everyone enjoyed this. Read more

Amazing. Staff was also helpful and made everyone comfortable with their gear. The water is cold…not sure this would have been as fun in the winter! Everyone enjoyed this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent help
Transport

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Itineraries with Silfra Snorkeling Adventure