Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates and Pick up From Reykjavik

Silfra fissure in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park offers a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure. Snorkelers can float between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates, enjoying crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 100 meters. This small-group tour includes hotel pickup from Reykjavik, all necessary gear, and post-activity treats. With the right certifications and fitness, adventurous travelers can dive into this remarkable experience. But what makes Silfra truly exceptional?

Key Points

• Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, offers snorkeling between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates with up to 100-meter visibility.
• Small-group tours with PADI-certified instructors provide an intimate snorkeling experience in the crystal-clear glacial waters.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary gear, including dry suits and warm undersuits, are included in the tour package.
• Participants must be at least 17 years old, have PADI Open Water and Dry Suit certifications, and possess strong physical fitness.
• Safety is a priority, and individuals unable to handle the experience safely will not be allowed to participate.

Discovering the Silfra Fissure

Where does the Silfra fissure lie? The fissure lies within Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, dividing the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

It’s a unique spot where you can snorkel or dive between the two continental plates. The crystal-clear glacial waters provide incredible visibility, allowing you to see up to 100 meters deep.

Exploring the fissure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the dramatic geological forces that shape our planet. Adventurous travelers come from around the world to experience this incredible natural wonder and peer into the abyss between the drifting continents.

Crystal-Clear Snorkeling Experience

Stepping into the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure, snorkelers are treated to an unparalleled underwater experience.

Visibility can reach up to 330 feet, allowing them to admire the striking geological features of the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The small-group tours, capped at three participants, provide a personalized and intimate adventure.

Equipped with dry suits and other necessary gear, snorkelers can comfortably explore this unique underwater world.

After the dive, participants can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and even purchase souvenir photos to commemorate their adventure.

Small-Group, Personalized Adventure

The small-group tours, capped at three participants, ensure a personalized and intimate adventure in the Silfra fissure. With a PADI instructor leading the way, you’ll experience the crystal-clear waters and stunning geological features up close.

Highlights	What’s Included	Participant Requirements
Ultra-clear visibility up to 330 feet	Hotel pickup and drop-off	Minimum age: 17 years
Guided snorkeling with PADI instructor	Dry suit and warm undersuit	PADI Open Water and Dry Suit certified
Souvenir photos available	Hot chocolate and cookies post-dive	Strong physical fitness required

This small-group exploration provides an unforgettable opportunity to learn about the breathtaking beauty of the Silfra fissure, the meeting point of the Eurasian and American tectonic plates.

Essential Gear and Amenities

Divers receive all the necessary equipment for their Silfra adventure, including a dry suit and warm undersuit to protect against the chilly waters.

The dry suit can feel snug, so thermal underwear and thick wool socks are recommended.

Once suitably attired, divers are guided by a PADI instructor through the crystal-clear waters.

After the dive, participants can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies.

Photos of the journey are available for purchase as a memento.

All necessary gear, entrance fees, and pickup/drop-off in central Reykjavik are included in the tour price.

Participant Requirements and Preparation

To participate in the Silfra fissure snorkeling adventure, divers must meet specific requirements.

Minimum age is 17 with guardian approval for minors. Divers need PADI Open Water and Dry Suit certifications or equivalents, plus proof of recent dry suit diving experience.

Physical prerequisites include height between 4’11" and 6’7", and weight between 100-264 lbs. Medical forms must be completed, and participants over 60 require doctor approval.

This thrilling experience requires strong swimming skills and fitness. Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions can’t join.

All communication is in English. With proper preparation, divers can safely explore the crystal-clear Silfra waters.

Health and Safety Considerations

Although the Silfra fissure snorkeling experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it’s not suitable for everyone.

Participants must be physically fit and comfortable in the water. Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions, like back problems or heart issues, are advised against joining.

The tight-fitting dry suits can be challenging, so wearing thermal underwear and thick wool socks is recommended.

All participants must communicate in English. Safety is a top priority, and the tour company won’t allow anyone to dive if they’ve any concerns about the person’s ability to handle the experience safely.

Pricing and Booking Details

The Silfra fissure snorkeling experience is priced from $309.00 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

Pickup service is offered from selected hotels and bus stops in central Reykjavik. This small-group tour is capped at just three participants, ensuring a personal experience.

With a 100% traveler recommendation and over 800 reviews, this dive between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates is a must-do activity for those visiting Iceland.

Convenient Reykjavik Pickup Service

Where’s the pickup service available for the Silfra fissure snorkeling tour?

The pickup service is only available at selected hotels and bus stops in central Reykjavik. This convenient service ensures you don’t have to worry about transportation to the tour’s starting point.

Simply meet at your designated pickup location, and the tour operator will handle the rest. This service is included in the tour price, so there are no additional costs.

With the pickup, you can focus on enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of diving between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

No, participants must use the provided diving equipment. The tour requires specialized gear, including a dry suit, which is included in the tour price. Bringing your own snorkeling equipment is not permitted on this specialized Silfra fissure experience.

How Deep Is the Silfra Fissure?

The Silfra fissure in Iceland has a maximum depth of around 60 feet (18 meters), allowing for excellent visibility up to 330 feet (100 meters) in its ultra-clear waters.

Is the Water Temperature Warm Enough for Snorkeling?

No, the water temperature is not warm enough for snorkeling. The tour provides dry suits and warm undergarments to keep participants comfortable in the near-freezing waters of the Silfra fissure, which average around 2°C (36°F) year-round.

Can I Combine This Activity With Other Tours in Iceland?

Absolutely! The Silfra snorkeling tour can be combined with other popular activities in Iceland. Many travelers opt to pair it with scenic drives, geothermal spa visits, or glacier hikes for a well-rounded Icelandic adventure.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the day of the tour, the activity may be postponed or canceled. In this case, the tour operator will work with participants to reschedule or provide a full refund.

Final Words

Silfra offers a truly unique opportunity to snorkel between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates in Iceland’s stunning Thingvellir National Park. With incredible visibility and the guidance of PADI-certified instructors, this small-group adventure allows adventurous travelers to explore the crystal-clear glacial waters. Convenient hotel pickup from Reykjavik and all necessary gear make for a hassle-free experience, while physical fitness requirements ensure participants can safely enjoy this remarkable underwater journey.