Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling with Free Photos – Meet on Location

Snorkeling between tectonic plates at Silfra offers a one-of-a-kind adventure just outside Reykjavik, Iceland. This 3-hour small-group tour, priced at $152 per person, provides an immersive experience in the crystal-clear waters of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by PADI-certified guides, the tour emphasizes safety, comfort, and stunning scenery, making it ideal for those wanting to explore one of the world’s most fascinating geological wonders.

What sets this experience apart is the inclusion of dry suits and wetsuits, ensuring warmth and dryness in the frigid waters that average around 2°C. The maximum group size of six participants guarantees personalized attention, and the hot chocolate served at the end adds a warm finishing touch. While the tour is generally well-structured, some reviews note that the duration can be shorter than perceived, especially if equipment setup or queues cause delays.

Key Points

• Small-group tour capped at six participants for an intimate experience.
• Includes dry suits and wetsuits to keep you warm in icy waters.
• Duration is approximately 3 hours, with around 40 minutes spent snorkeling.
• Underwater photos are included, capturing your adventure.
• Tour starts at Thingvellir National Park, about 50 km from Reykjavik.
• No certification needed, guides are PADI-certified professionals.

Snorkeling at Silfra in Iceland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour begins at Thingvellir National Park, about 50 km from Reykjavik, where your PADI-certified guide greets you and explains safety protocols. After a gear fitting session, you head to the underwater canyon called Silfra, a stunning fissure formed by the drifting of the continental plates—the North American and Eurasian plates. Silfra’s waters are so clear that visibility exceeds 100 meters, creating the feeling of flying over a surreal landscape beneath the surface.

The experience involves roughly 40 minutes of snorkeling in the pristine waters. The cold is managed with dry suits and wetsuits, which are included in the price. Participants are advised to wear thermal underwear and wool socks underneath the suits for added warmth. The guides ensure everyone feels comfortable, and the small group size enhances safety and personal attention.

The Unique Geological Setting of Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is not just a scenic location but also a significant geological site. The park’s silfra fissure is a visible boundary where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. This slow separation has created a deep, narrow canyon filled with glacial water that filters through porous lava, resulting in unparalleled water clarity.

The fissure’s spectacular colors and underwater features are a highlight for visitors. After snorkeling, travelers are encouraged to explore the lagoon area, where they can observe the breathtaking water contrasts and enjoy free time in the tranquil setting. The hot chocolate served at the end provides a comforting warm-up after the cold immersion.

Equipment and Comfort: Wet Suit and Drysuit Options

The tour offers both wetsuits and dry suits, with the latter recommended for those who want to stay warm and dry throughout the roughly 40-minute in-water experience. The dry suits can feel tight and constricting, especially around the neck and wrists, but they are excellent at keeping the cold out.

Wetsuit booking is available separately, which allows for more mobility and is a good option if diving down or if the participant is a confident swimmer. For beginners or those with less water confidence, the dry suit is often the safer choice. Proper clothing—such as thermal underwear and thick wool socks—must be worn underneath to optimize warmth.

The equipment is well-maintained, and guides assist each participant in ensuring their gear fits correctly. Given the cold water temperature, dressing appropriately before the tour is advised, and participants should bring contact lenses or their own prescription masks, as glasses are not suitable.

The Guide Experience: Expertise and Personal Touches

Guides like Arnold, Edgar, Klaudyna, Niko, Hugo, and Wilmar receive high praise for their knowledge, patience, and friendly demeanor. They take the time to explain safety procedures and assist with gear fitting, making sure everyone feels confident before entering the water.

Reviews highlight guides’ storytelling abilities, with some guides sharing interesting geological facts or personal stories, enriching the experience. Many guides also take outstanding photos during the snorkeling, which are included in the package and serve as memorable keepsakes.

Guides are attentive to individual needs, and some reviews mention their encouragement for nervous participants. The guides’ professionalism and patience make the tour accessible even for those new to snorkeling.

Meeting Point and Ease of Access

The meeting point is located at Silfra Adventure Vikings, with precise directions to Thingvellir National Park. The group size is limited to six participants per guide, and the activity ends back at the initial meeting spot. The short walk from the parking area to the entry platform is easy, and the equipment setup takes place in a warm van, helping participants stay comfortable before entering the water.

Travelers should arrive prepared with appropriate weather clothing and a change of clothes afterward. Since most of the tour involves gearing up and briefings, punctuality helps ensure a smooth experience.

Timing, Pacing, and Duration of the Tour

While the advertised duration is around 3 hours, the actual time in the water is about 40 minutes. The rest of the time is spent gear fitting, briefings, and getting to the entry point. Some reviews note that the tour can be shorter if equipment fitting and queues are quick, but the overall experience remains highly valued.

Participants are advised to eat breakfast beforehand, as the tour involves some cold exposure and physical activity. Weather conditions can influence the pace, but the guides do their best to maintain a comfortable flow.

The Safety and Medical Requirements

All participants must be able to swim and communicate in English. A medical form needs to be filled out before participation, with special considerations for those over 65, who require physician approval. The minimum height is 150 cm (49 inches), and the maximum height is 200 cm (67 inches), with weights ranging from 50 kg (99 lbs) to 120 kg (264 lbs).

Dry suits can feel tight, and some individuals might find constricted around the neck and wrists. The tour is not recommended for people with claustrophobia. Participants are encouraged to bring contact lenses instead of glasses and wear thermal clothing underneath the suits.

Customer Feedback and Notable Highlights

This tour consistently earns high praise for its guides’ professionalism and spectacular scenery. Photos taken during the experience are a favorite addition, providing lasting memories. The hot chocolate at the end is a popular and appreciated touch, especially after enduring the cold water.

Some reviews mention minor equipment leaks or shorter-than-expected times in the water, but these are balanced against the overall quality and value of the experience. Guides like Nando, Hugo, Wilmar, and Niko receive special mention for making the adventure fun, safe, and memorable.

The Best Fit for This Tour

This small-group snorkeling experience suits adventurers, geology enthusiasts, and beginners looking for a unique activity. The age limit of 12 years makes it accessible for teens and older children, provided they are comfortable swimmers.

Participants should be in good health, able to swim confidently, and prepared for cold water and tight gear. The tour’s personalized attention and spectacular environment make it an ideal choice for those wanting to see an extraordinary geological feature in a controlled and guided setting.

Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling in Iceland: Final Considerations

The Silfra snorkeling tour offers a rare opportunity to swim between two tectonic plates in one of the clearest waters on Earth. The expert guides and included photos elevate the experience, making it both informative and memorable.

While the cold and tight suits may challenge some, the warm welcome, professional instructions, and breathtaking scenery compensate fully. This tour generally receives top ratings and is highly recommended for those seeking an adventure in Iceland’s unique landscape.

For travelers prepared to dress appropriately, listen carefully to guides, and embrace the cold, this activity promises a truly unforgettable experience beneath the Icelandic sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be certified to snorkel at Silfra?
No certification is required. The guides are PADI-certified, and they provide all necessary instructions for beginners.

What should I wear during the tour?
Participants should wear long thermal underwear and wool socks beneath the suits. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended for outside the water.

How cold is the water at Silfra?
The water temperature is approximately 2°C, but dry suits and wetsuits help keep you warm during the 40-minute snorkeling session.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years. Participants must be comfortable swimmers and in good health.

What is included in the tour package?
The package includes snorkeling equipment, dry suits or wetsuits, underwater photos, and hot chocolate afterward.

How long does the entire tour last?
The total duration is around 3 hours, with about 40 minutes actually spent in the water.

Are photos really included?
Yes, free underwater photos are part of the package, taken by guides during the snorkeling.

Can I book a wetsuit instead of a dry suit?
Yes, wetsuits are available as an option, especially recommended for scuba divers or those wanting more mobility.

What if I have medical conditions or concerns?
All participants must complete a medical form. Those over 65 require physician approval. The tour is not suitable for those with claustrophobia.

What should I bring with me?
Bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask, a change of clothes, snacks or breakfast, and weather-appropriate outerwear.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.

Exploring Silfra in Iceland promises a unique blend of geology, adventure, and stunning scenery. With professional guides, included photos, and the thrill of snorkeling between two continents, this tour remains a top choice for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.