Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos
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Overview
Snorkel in one of the clearest bodies of water on Earth on this small-group tour at the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park. Wearing a warm dry suit, you float through a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, filled with glacial water so clear that you can see more than 100 metres. A certified PADI guide leads groups of up to six, takes underwater photos for you and serves hot drinks and biscuits afterwards. It suits confident swimmers who want a truly unique Icelandic adventure.
Highlights
- Snorkel in the Silfra fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates
- Visibility of more than 100 metres in filtered glacial meltwater
- A warm dry suit and all snorkelling equipment provided
- A certified PADI guide and small groups of up to 6 people
- Underwater photos of your snorkel to keep
- Hot drinks and biscuits after you leave the water
Full Description
The Silfra Fissure
Silfra is a water-filled crack in the rift valley at Þingvellir, formed as the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart by about 2 centimetres a year, with earthquakes widening the gap over time. The snorkelling route leads through four sections: the Big Crack, the narrow start between two rock walls; Silfra Hall; Silfra Cathedral, a long, deep channel of blue; and the calm Silfra Lagoon.
In the narrowest places you can almost touch both continents at once, which makes Silfra snorkelling famous around the world. The fissure is shallow enough for snorkellers to float over the top while divers go deeper below. The entry and exit points are platforms with steps, and the snorkel itself takes around 40 to 50 minutes.
Glacial Water with Record Clarity
The water in Silfra begins as snow and ice on the Langjökull glacier, about 50 kilometres to the north. It seeps into the porous lava rock and travels underground for decades before emerging in springs at Þingvellir. The lava acts as a natural filter, so the water is pure enough to drink and clear beyond 100 metres on good days.
It stays between about 2 and 4 degrees Celsius all year, which is why a dry suit is essential. Plant life is limited, but bright green algae with long, hair-like strands cover parts of the rocks, and you may spot small fish such as the Arctic char. Is Silfra worth it? For the colours alone, the answer is yes.
Þingvellir National Park
Silfra lies inside Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, first met in 930. Around the fissure you see the landscape of the rift valley: lava fields, moss, birch scrub and the long walls of the Almannagjá gorge on the western side.
Before or after your snorkel, it is worth walking to the Law Rock and the Öxarárfoss waterfall, both a short drive from the Silfra parking area. Þingvellir is about 45 minutes by car from Reykjavik, and the drive itself crosses moorland with views of lakes and mountains. Getting to Silfra requires your own transport, as pickup is not included.
What Snorkelling in a Dry Suit Is Like
Unlike a wetsuit, a dry suit keeps the water out, so you stay dry underneath and only your face and hands feel the cold. You wear a thermal undersuit and your own warm base layers, plus a hood, neoprene gloves, mask, snorkel and fins. The suit is tight around the neck and wrists, and it keeps you floating naturally on the surface.
After a safety briefing of about 30 minutes, your guide leads the group into the water, gives tips on breathing and moving, and takes photos as you glide along. The main requirements are that you can swim, feel comfortable in water and are reasonably fit. The best time to snorkel at Silfra is any time of year; winter trips add snow on the rocks above.
Itinerary
- Meet at SilfraMeet your guide at the Silfra meeting point in Þingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavik.
- Safety briefing and suit-upAbout 30 minutes to learn the safety rules and put on your dry suit and snorkelling gear.
- Walk to the entry pointA short walk in your gear to the platform at the start of the fissure.
- Snorkelling in SilfraAbout 40 to 50 minutes floating through the Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral and the Lagoon.
- Hot drinks and photosChange out of your suit, warm up with hot drinks and biscuits and receive your photos; about 3 hours in total.
What's included
- Certified PADI dive guide
- Dry suit and all snorkelling equipment
- Underwater photos
- Hot drinks and biscuits after the snorkel
- Small group of up to 6 people
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking fees at Þingvellir
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 12–17
- A half-day plan — about 3 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.9/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Non-swimmers or people uncomfortable in water
- People shorter than 145 cm or taller than 200 cm
- People weighing less than 45 kg or more than 120 kg
- People aged 70 and over
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
The tour meets at the Silfra meeting point in Þingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavik; the exact spot and check-in time are shown on your booking confirmation. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need your own car or transfer. Parking at Þingvellir is charged separately and is not included in the booking.
Important information
- You must be able to swim, be comfortable in water and be physically fit.
- Participants must weigh 45 to 120 kg and be 145 to 200 cm tall, and must be able to communicate in English.
- Guests aged 60 to 69 need a medical statement signed by a doctor; a medical form must be completed by everyone.
- Wear a warm base layer (thermal socks, leggings and a long-sleeved top) and bring a change of clothes.
- Remove jewellery, earrings, bracelets and watches before the snorkel; wear contact lenses instead of glasses if you can.
- Hotel pickup and parking fees at Þingvellir are not included.
- The dry suit can feel tight and constricting, especially around the neck.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does Silfra snorkelling cost?
The price depends on the date and time you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the available option.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the guide at Silfra in Þingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes' drive from Reykjavik. Parking fees there are also not included.
How long is the Silfra snorkeling tour?
About 3 hours in total, with around 40 to 50 minutes in the water.
Is Silfra snorkelling suitable for children?
Only for older children and teenagers who meet the height and weight limits, can swim confidently and speak English well enough to follow the briefing.
How cold is the water in Silfra?
It stays at about 2 to 4 degrees Celsius all year. The dry suit keeps your body dry and warm, while your face and hands feel the cold.
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
You must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water. The dry suit keeps you afloat, and you float along the surface with gentle movements.
What should I wear under the dry suit?
Warm base layers such as thermal leggings, a long-sleeved top and thick socks. Bring a change of clothes in case they get damp.
Why is the water in Silfra so clear?
It is glacial meltwater filtered for many years through porous lava rock, which removes almost all particles and gives visibility of more than 100 metres.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
If places are free, yes. Groups are small, so the booking panel shows the dates and times still available.
Do I get photos of my snorkel?
Yes, your guide takes underwater photos during the tour, and they are included.
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