Silfra: Half-Day Snorkeling Day Trip with Underwater Photos

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Iceland, the Silfra Half-Day Snorkeling Tour from Adventure Vikings offers an unforgettable adventure. For $159 per person, this 3-hour activity takes you into one of the world’s premier dive sites, where crystal-clear waters and the chance to travel between two continents make it stand out. The tour features all snorkeling equipment, including drysuits or wetsuits, and includes free photos of your experience, so you can relive the moments later.

This tour begins at the Silfra parking lot in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is suitable for anyone comfortable in water, with no certification required, but there are some minimum height and weight requirements. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a safe, guided introduction to snorkeling in cold waters and enjoying spectacular underwater scenery. While the group size is limited to six participants, the experience remains intimate and personalized, with guides known for their friendly expertise.

Key Points

• Price: $159 per person for a 3-hour snorkeling trip
• Location: Silfra in Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
• Inclusions: Snorkeling gear, drysuit or wetsuit, guide, free photos, hot chocolate
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times
• Group Size: Limited to 6 participants for a more personal experience
• Accessibility: Suitable for non-certified snorkelers who can swim and meet specific height and weight requirements

You can check availability for your dates here:

Snorkeling in Silfra: An Experience Between Continents

The Silfra fissure offers some of the clearest waters on the planet, with underwater visibility reaching up to 100 meters. This natural wonder is part of Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet—making it possible to travel between two continents during your snorkel. The water’s brightness and purity make the scenery almost surreal, with bright colors and sharp underwater features visible from the surface.

This tour emphasizes dry suit snorkeling, which keeps you dry and warm while providing freedom of movement. Tour guides explain the significance of the site and lead you through the magnificent underwater landscape, often viewed from the surface while gently carried by a slow current. The experience is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and safe, even for those new to snorkeling.

Meeting Point and Logistics in Þingvellir National Park

The activity begins at the Silfra parking lot in Þingvellir National Park. Participants are instructed to park at Thingvellir P5 and walk about 400 yards to the designated small parking lot where the snorkel vans are ready. The meeting point is straightforward, and guides handle the logistics of gear fitting and safety instructions.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it simple for travelers to plan their day. Since no transportation is included, visitors should arrange their own transport from Reykjavík or other locations. The small group size ensures everyone receives attentive guidance.

Equipment and Suit Options for Comfort

Participants choose between wetsuits or drysuits, depending on their comfort level with cold water. The drysuits are especially popular, as they keep you completely dry, preventing the cold from affecting your experience. Snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and wetsuits, is provided.

Guides assist with gear fitting, ensuring safety and comfort. Photos of your underwater adventure are included free of charge, captured by the guides during the tour. For those wanting to capture their own footage, a GoPro rental is available for an additional fee of 6900 ISK.

Physical Requirements and Safety Considerations

This snorkeling experience does not require certification, but participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water. Specific height and weight limits are in place: minimum 150 cm (4 ft 11 in), maximum 200 cm (6 ft 7 in), and weights between 45 kg (99 lbs) and 120 kg (264 lbs).

Participants must also communicate in English and eat breakfast beforehand to ensure energy and readiness. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 12, or individuals with heart problems, mobility impairments, or if they are wheelchair users. Glasses are not allowed, but contacts or prescription diving masks are acceptable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Guides Known for Knowledge and Friendliness

The guides are frequently praised for their friendly demeanor, knowledge, and attentiveness. Reviews highlight guides like Gretar, Oliver, Hugo, and Niko for their patience and helpfulness throughout the process. Many mention that guides explain the site’s significance and assist with gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Guides also handle getting participants into and out of drysuits, easing worries about the cold or equipment. The guides’ professionalism and warm personality significantly enhance the tour’s appeal, especially for first-timers.

The Scenic Underwater Landscape and Visibility

The underwater scenery in Silfra is truly spectacular, with bright colors and intricate formations visible thanks to the 100-meter visibility. The natural light penetrates the water, creating a bizarre, almost unreal, environment. Many reviews mention the crystal-clear quality of water and the breathtaking views beneath the surface.

The movement of the slow current offers a gentle ride through the fissure, making it an accessible activity even for those who are less experienced swimmers. The water’s natural coolness is offset by the drysuit, which keeps participants warm and dry.

The “Real Blue Lagoon” and Final Lagoon Stop

After snorkeling through Silfra, the tour concludes in a lagoon that is often called “the real blue lagoon” because of its intense blue hue. This lagoon provides a beautiful setting to relax after the underwater adventure. Participants often stay longer here to enjoy the bright blue water and take photos, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

The transition from the fissure to this lagoon emphasizes the variety of underwater environments in the area, from the narrow cracks to the broad, open water of the lagoon.

Included Perks and Optional Extras

Included in the tour are all snorkeling equipment, guidance, and free photos, which are highly valued by participants. Hot chocolate is served at the end, providing warmth and comfort after the chilly adventure. For those wanting to capture their experience, a GoPro rental is available.

It’s important to bring warm clothing, a towel, snacks, and a waterproof camera if desired. Participants should also wear socks to stay comfortable in the gear.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour may be canceled due to weather conditions; in such cases, travelers receive a full refund or can choose an alternative date. The activity is designed to proceed regardless of weather, provided conditions are safe, but safety remains the priority.

Travelers should be prepared for cold water temperatures even with a drysuit, especially in winter months, and dress accordingly before and after the tour.

The Sum Up: A Unique Icelandic Adventure

The Silfra Half-Day Snorkeling Tour from Adventure Vikings offers a rare opportunity to snorkel between tectonic plates in some of the world’s clearest waters. The expert guides and personalized small group setting make it suitable for non-divers and first-time snorkelers alike. The free photos and spectacular scenery add great value to the experience.

While the cold water and group size limitations are factors to consider, the overall quality of guides, the remarkable underwater sights, and the ease of access make this a highly recommended activity in Iceland. It appeals most to those seeking a fun, safe, and visually stunning adventure that will leave lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to join this tour?
No, certification is not required. The tour is designed for anyone comfortable in water who can swim.

What should I wear before and after snorkeling?
Bring warm clothing, a towel, and snacks. It’s recommended to eat breakfast before the activity.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 years old are not allowed, and participants must meet height and weight requirements. It’s best suited for those aged 12 and above.

Can I rent a camera during the tour?
Yes, a GoPro camera can be rented for 6900 ISK to capture your experience underwater.

What if the weather turns bad?
The activity can be canceled due to weather, with a full refund or rescheduling options available.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby