Silfra Snorkeling Tour | Snorkeling between tectonic plate

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Information

Duration

3 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

Small

Available

All year

Minimum age

12

Pick up / Self Drive

Self Drive

Languages

English

Tour starts

Thingvellir

Duration

3 hours

Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

Small

Available

All year

Minimum age

12

Pick up / Self Drive

Self Drive

Languages

English

Days

Day Tour

Departures

Thingvellir

(4)
5.0/5

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Silfra snorkeling tour in Iceland. Discover the unique experience of snorkeling between tectonic plates with a knowledgeable professional guide, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Swimming between the continents
  • Swimming in the clearest water in the world

About Tour

Silfra is one of the most famous snorkeling destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This natural wonder is located in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, and it’s the only place in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates. The crystal-clear water, stunning underwater views, and unique geological formations make snorkeling in Silfra an unforgettable experience.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at Silfra is the color of the water. It’s a brilliant shade of blue that’s almost otherworldly. The water is so clear that you can see for over 100 meters, and the visibility is truly incredible. You’ll feel like you’re swimming in a giant aquarium, surrounded by fish and plants that seem to glow in the sunlight.

Snorkeling in Silfra is an incredible experience that’s not to be missed. The combination of crystal-clear water, stunning underwater views, and unique geological formations make this a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime. If you’re visiting Iceland, be sure to add snorkeling in Silfra to your itinerary!

Included

  • Certified Snorkeling Guide
  • Warm Under suit and Dry suit
  • Free GoPro Underwater Photos
  • Hot chocolate and cookies
  • All necessary snorkeling equipment
  • Silfra Admission fee

What to bring

  • Change of clothes (just in case)
  • Thick warm socks
  • Warm underwear
  • Contact lenses if you wear glasses

Itinerary

The snorkeling itself is easy, and you don’t need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the experience. You’ll be wearing a dry suit, which will keep you warm and dry, and a mask and snorkel, which will allow you to breathe comfortably underwater. You’ll be guided by a professional snorkeling instructor, who will ensure that you’re safe and comfortable throughout the experience.

As you swim through the narrow fissure between the tectonic plates, you’ll be amazed by the unique rock formations that surround you. You’ll pass through different chambers, each with its own geological features, and you’ll see a variety of underwater flora and fauna. You might even catch a glimpse of a freshwater jellyfish, which is unique to this area.

At the conclusion of your tour, you will enjoy a friendly chat with the guides over a warm cup of hot chocolate and cookies. Don’t fret about the photos – they will be sent to your registered email after the tour. Rest assured, there’s no need to feel skeptical about the dive. Our highly trained guides will supervise and support you throughout the dive, ensuring that you can fully explore the fissure in its natural wonder.

Scuba Diving in Iceland - Silfra tectonic plates

Is Snorkeling in Silfra Dangerous?

Snorkeling in Silfra is generally considered safe, but it’s important to be aware of certain factors. The water in Silfra is incredibly clear and cold, as it comes from a glacier and is filtered through porous lava rock. However, the water temperature can be quite cold, typically around 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round.

Additionally, snorkeling in Silfra requires you to wear a dry suit to stay warm, which can restrict movement for some people. It’s essential to follow the instructions of your guides and ensure that you’re comfortable with the equipment.

While the activity itself is not inherently dangerous, individuals with certain medical conditions or those who are not comfortable in cold water should exercise caution or consult with a medical professional before participating. Overall, with proper guidance, equipment, and adherence to safety protocols, snorkeling in Silfra can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

two people on a Snorkel Silfra tour in Thingvellir National Park

Good to know

  • The Snorkel Iceland Silfra tour is operated in small groups – maximum 6 persons per guide
  • Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.

Important information

Requirements for Silfra Snorkeling:

  • Participants must be comfortable in the water and capable swimmers.
  • Pregnant individuals cannot participate due to the small risk of cold water entering the suit.
  • Medical Condition: Prior to booking, please complete the medical statement form in our Snorkeling Handbook. If you have any medical concerns, medical approval from a doctor is required.
  • Weight Limit: 45-120 kg.
  • Height Limit: 150 cm – 200 cm.
  • Age Limit: Minimum age requirement is 12 years old. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.
  • English Proficiency: It’s essential to understand and communicate effectively in English to participate in the tour.

Meeting Point

FAQ

Snorkeling in Silfra is possible during the winter months, although it’s important to note that the water temperature remains quite cold year-round, typically around 2-4°C (35-39°F). However, with the appropriate equipment such as drysuits provided by tour operators, snorkeling in Silfra can still be an incredible experience even in winter. The stunning clarity of the water and the unique geological features make it a popular destination for adventurous snorkelers throughout the year. If you’re considering snorkeling in Silfra during winter, be sure to dress warmly and follow the guidance of experienced guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Snorkeling in Silfra is a safe and enjoyable experience, as long as you’re in good health and capable of swimming on your own. Previous snorkeling experience is not required for this activity, as a professional guide will be with you throughout to ensure a smooth and secure experience. However, if you’ve encountered any health issues recently, we advise that you consult with your physician before embarking on this adventure to confirm whether it’s suitable for you to be snorkeling in the chilly waters of Silfra. It’s important to note that you’ll be provided with a dry suit to keep you warm throughout the excursion.

The meeting point for the Snorkel Iceland Silfra tour is by our company’s van at the companies’ parking lot in Silfra Fissure. You need to park your car in parking lot P5 and walk back to the companies’ parking lot where the guides will meet you. 

You can also look up Silfra Diving on Google Maps to find the exact location. 

We will see you at our meeting point 20 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket. Please note that if you arrive after departure time, your place on the tour can’t be guaranteed or refunded.

The estimated driving time from Reykjavik to Silfra is 40-50 minutes in good road conditions.

 

There is a parking fee of ISK 750. You can pay by cash or card. You need to display the parking ticket in the window of your car. This fee is not included in the tour price. 

Our dry suits are buoyant and float on the water, however, it is mandatory that all participants know how to swim and feel comfortable in water to join the tour. You do not need to be a very strong swimmer, just to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water.

Yes. GoPro photops are included in the price of the tour. Your guide will take photos through your tour, both outside the water and under the water and they will be sent to you via email after the tour.

 

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