SuperSaver: Small Group Golden Circle Tour + Silfra Snorkeling

Explore Iceland’s Iconic Sights and Unique Snorkeling Experience

This SuperSaver tour offers a 9-hour adventure in Reykjavik that combines the natural wonders of Iceland with an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Priced at $300.97 per person, it includes pickup from most Reykjavik hotels, making logistics straightforward. The tour’s highlights include visits to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the chance to snorkel in Silfra Fissure—a crack between two continents with exceptional visibility.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to float in crystal-clear waters between European and North American tectonic plates. The guided experience is designed for safety and enjoyment, with professional dive guides leading the way. While the entire day can be long, the combination of scenic stops and the snorkeling adventure offers a memorable way to see Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

A key consideration is the physical requirement: travelers should have moderate fitness and be able to swim. The tour is best suited to those comfortable with cold water and outdoor activity. Some reviews note logistical hiccups, especially in winter, but overall, the tour offers an exciting mix of natural beauty and adventure.

Key Points

• Includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels for seamless access.
• Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure between two tectonic plates, with crystal-clear waters and underwater vistas.
• Visit to Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the location of Silfra.
• Stops at Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Kerid Crater for iconic Icelandic landscapes.
• Small group experience with a maximum of 19 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Requires moderate physical fitness and swimming ability; pregnant women cannot participate in snorkeling.

The Tour Starts with Reykjavik Hotel Pickup and Scenic Minibus Transit

The day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, with climate-controlled minibus transport taking you across the scenic Icelandic countryside. The route is a 186-mile (300 km) loop that covers some of Iceland’s most famous natural sights. The transportation features free Wi-Fi, making the journey comfortable and connected.

The small-group setting helps keep the experience intimate and flexible. The guide provides insights into each stop, making the drive educational as well as scenic. Be prepared for timing that can be tight, especially in winter months, so punctuality is important to maximize your day.

Visiting Þingvellir National Park: Cradle of Icelandic Democracy

Your first major stop is Þingvellir National Park, a site with geological and historical significance. This UNESCO-listed site is famous as the location of the world’s oldest parliament and the meeting point of the European and North American tectonic plates. The park’s dramatic landscapes feature fault lines, volcanic rock formations, and lake views.

You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore this scenic area, walk along the fault lines, and take photos of the striking scenery. It’s here that you’ll also visit the Snorkeling Center for your equipment fitting and safety briefing before entering Silfra’s crystalline waters.

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure: Floating Between Continents

The highlight of the tour is the approximately 3-hour snorkeling session in Silfra Fissure. Here, you drift through glacier-filtered water that offers visibility extending to over 100 meters. You will pass through four main sections: Silfra Deep Crack, Hall, Cathedral, and Lagoon, all showcasing unique underwater geological features.

The experience is safe and guided, with certified PADI dive guides leading you through the fissure. You’ll receive a dry suit and snorkeling gear, and the guides ensure your safety in the cold waters. The water temperature hovers just above freezing year-round, but the dry suit keeps you warm and dry throughout.

The underwater scenery includes neon-green seaweed, lava fields visible 328 feet (100 meters) below, and the sensation of floating between two continents is genuinely captivating. Several reviews praise the clarity of the water and the friendly guides, though some mention challenges with gear fit and crowding at the water entry point.

Lunch and Hot Springs Stop in the Golden Circle Itinerary

After snorkeling, the tour includes a hot chocolate and cookies break, allowing you to warm up after the underwater adventure. You then proceed to Geysir Hot Springs, a geothermal area home to the famous Geysir geyser, which historically inspired the name for geysers worldwide. The area features bubbling hot springs and steaming vents.

Next, the Gullfoss Waterfall offers a dramatic view of double-tiered cascades plunging into a deep canyon. Visitors often enjoy photographing rainbows that form over the mist on sunny days. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing an opportunity to appreciate this natural marvel.

The last scenic stop is Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater lake with a vivid red volcanic rock rim and a turquoise lake at its base. This site offers fascinating geological features and photo opportunities before returning to Reykjavik.

Logistics, Group Size, and Equipment Details

This tour is operated by Arctic Adventures and features a small group size capped at 19 travelers, allowing for personalized interaction and a relaxed pace. The pickup service simplifies logistics at most Reykjavik hotels, with free Wi-Fi onboard for the journey.

All necessary snorkeling equipment, including dry suits, is provided, and the guides are certified PADI dive experts. The gear fit is crucial; some reviews note issues with suits being too large, especially for participants around 5’3”, so accurate sizing is important. Travelers are advised to bring warm base layers, wool socks, and a change of clothes.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness and the ability to swim. Due to safety concerns, pregnant women cannot participate in snorkeling, and participants must be at least 12 years old. The company suggests bringing prescription goggles or contact lenses if you wear glasses, as you cannot wear glasses underneath snorkel masks.

Notable Challenges: Crowds, Timing, and Weather Considerations

While the tour showcases stunning sights, some reviews mention challenges with crowding at the water entry point in Silfra, which can cause long wait times. Winter weather can also cause logistical delays, such as late departures or reduced daylight hours, affecting the overall experience.

The itinerary can be altered for safety or weather reasons, and some stops like the Althing Parliament may be canceled in poor conditions. Planning for adequate time at each site helps ensure a full experience despite these potential limitations.

Honest Review of the Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

This Golden Circle and Silfra snorkeling tour offers a balanced mix of iconic Icelandic landscapes and an exceptional underwater adventure. The guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach, enhancing the experience. The crystal-clear waters and spectacular scenery make the snorkeling particularly memorable.

However, some logistical issues, especially crowding at Silfra and timing challenges in winter, may impact the overall enjoyment. The gear fit can also be inconsistent, so selecting the correct size is vital. The long bus ride with limited stops can be tiring, but the scenic views and stops compensate for the length.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and do not mind cold water. It’s especially suited for those seeking a small group experience with guided insights. If you’re looking for a well-organized day with professional guides and scenic diversity, this tour offers excellent value.

SuperSaver Price and Booking Considerations

At $300.97, the tour includes all major sightseeing stops, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup, providing good value considering the full-day itinerary. Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is often reserved 50 days ahead.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility if plans change. Keep in mind that good weather is essential for the experience, and minimum traveler numbers apply, so early booking helps secure your spot.

Final Advice for Potential Participants

Participants should come prepared with warm clothing suitable for outdoor Icelandic weather. Remember to bring a packed lunch or plan to purchase food during stops, as the tour does not include meals. Be aware of the medical requirements for snorkeling, and consult the snorkeling handbook if you have health concerns.

The small group size and personalized guiding make this tour a valuable experience, especially for those eager to see Iceland’s natural wonders in a manageable, intimate setting. The snorkeling in Silfra remains the highlight for many, offering a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on Iceland’s geological marvels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup available from my Reykjavik hotel?
Yes, pickup from most Reykjavik hotels is included, making the start of your day hassle-free.

What’s included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment and dry suits, guided sightseeing, hot chocolate and cookies, and Wi-Fi onboard.

How long is the snorkeling in Silfra?
The snorkeling experience lasts about 3 hours, guided by certified professionals.

Can pregnant women participate in snorkeling?
No, pregnant women cannot participate in the snorkeling section due to safety risks.

What should I bring?
Bring warm base layers, wool socks, a small towel, and extra clothes for after snorkeling. Also, a packed lunch is recommended.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is dependent on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age is 12 years; minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How crowded can Silfra get?
Some reviews mention long lines for water entry, so arriving early and being patient can improve the experience.

What’s the difficulty level of snorkeling?
Participants should be able to swim comfortably and have moderate fitness; gear fit can be a challenge for some.

Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
The tour involves outdoor walking and water activities, so it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by Arctic Adventures, a trusted provider known for Iceland excursions.

This Small Group Golden Circle and Silfra Snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to combine Iceland’s natural beauty with a rare underwater adventure, making it a worthwhile experience for those prepared for a full day of exploration.