From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos

Exploring Iceland’s natural beauty often means waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes— but one of the most unique adventures is snorkeling in the Silfra fissure. This tour promises not only the chance to float between the North American and Eurasian plates but also an experience filled with jaw-dropping views, professional guidance, and memorable photos.

We love that this tour combines geological wonder with adventure, offers small group sizes for a personalized experience, and includes free photos to relive the moment. Plus, round-trip transport from Reykjavik makes it super convenient. However, it’s worth noting that the experience is suited for those who are comfortable in water and can handle the cold— it’s not for everyone. This adventure is perfect for travelers craving a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime activity that’s both exciting and educational.

Key Points

• Unparalleled clarity: You’ll snorkel in water with over 100 meters visibility, making it almost unreal.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety, comfort, and fun, sharing interesting facts about the geology.
• All-inclusive: Equipment, drysuits or wetsuits, hot chocolate, and photos are all included.
• Small groups: Limited to six participants, providing a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• Transport convenience: Round-trip transfers from Reykjavik make logistics effortless.
• Suitable for non-divers: No need for certification, just the ability to swim comfortably.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Silfra Snorkeling Tour All About?

This tour offers an unforgettable look into one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural sites—the Silfra fissure, located within Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience involves guided snorkeling through crystal-clear waters, traveling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are visibly separating here at a pace of a few centimeters per year.

The water’s clarity is astonishing, with visibility consistently over 100 meters (300 feet), allowing you to see bright blue hues and underwater landscapes that feel almost surreal. The water, filtered through lava rock for years, is some of the purest you’ll find anywhere, giving you an almost otherworldly swim.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Most tours last around 4.5 hours, with pickup from Reykjavik starting 90 minutes before your scheduled activity time. The day begins with a comfortable transfer from your accommodation, a journey that takes you into the stunning surroundings of Þingvellir. Your guides, who are often praised for their professionalism and friendliness, will help you get suited up in either a drysuit or wetsuit— the choice depends on your comfort with cold water.

The drysuits, which are six millimeters thick, are a popular choice among those wanting to stay dry and warm, but wetsuits provide a more natural feel and are great if you’re comfortable with colder temperatures. Several reviewers have highlighted how well the suits work, with one mentioning they stayed warm and dry despite the cold weather.

Once in the water, you’ll be floating gently, experiencing the sensation of holding your breath for brief moments as you explore the fissure. The guides often help with positioning and offer fascinating insights about the geology, making the journey educational as well as exhilarating.

At the end, you’ll relax with a hot chocolate— a thoughtful touch appreciated by many— and receive professional photos capturing your adventure, allowing you to relive the moment long after you’ve returned home.

Guides and Service

Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ professionalism, friendliness, and reassurance. Names like Edgar, Wilmar, and Doris come up repeatedly as guides who go the extra mile to ensure safety, comfort, and fun. Many comment on how they helped beginners feel at ease, even those who were nervous about the cold or the gear.

One reviewer praised Edgar for his calming presence, especially when a participant’s flipper fell off. Another mentioned Doris making the experience enjoyable despite the freezing temperatures. The guides’ attention to safety and their genuine enthusiasm contribute significantly to the positive feeling of the tour.

The Equipment and Comfort

The snorkeling gear is well-regarded. The wetsuits and drysuits are clean, well-fitted, and effective at insulating from the cold water. Most participants find the suits keep them warm enough, with many noting that they were surprised at how comfortable and manageable the experience was, even for first-timers.

While the water temperature is cold (as expected), the suits and the warm hot chocolate afterward help mitigate the chill. A few reviewers point out that it’s important to bring warm clothes for before and after the activity, as well as a waterproof camera to capture those incredible underwater moments.

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The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour is accessible for anyone comfortable swimming and who has a basic level of water confidence, regardless of prior snorkeling or diving experience. You don’t need to be a certified diver— just able to swim and communicate in English. The age limit is 12 years and older, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Many reviewers emphasize the value of the photo package, which is included in the tour price. They praise the professional quality of the images and how they serve as perfect souvenirs of the trip.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, heart problems, or pregnant women due to the physical and environmental demands. Also, wearing glasses isn’t allowed, but contact lenses or prescription masks are acceptable alternatives.

Pricing and Value

While the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Iceland, most travelers believe it offers excellent value for money. The price includes all necessary equipment, round-trip transport, expert guides, hot chocolate, and the photos, making it a comprehensive package.

Many reviews highlight how this activity surpasses expectations— the clarity of the water, the guides’ professionalism, and the once-in-a-lifetime scenery create a sense of great value. For many, paying a bit more for such a unique experience that doesn’t require diving certification is worth it.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This snorkeling adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a unique natural spectacle and willing to try something a bit different from typical Icelandic sightseeing. It suits those who appreciate small group sizes, professional guides, and excellent photo opportunities. It’s perfect for adventurous beginners and water lovers who want to see a world unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

If you’re comfortable in water, enjoy scenic landscapes, and want a memorable activity that combines geology with adventure, this tour will deliver. Just prepare to dress warmly, listen closely to your guides, and enjoy the surreal beauty of Iceland’s blue lagoon beneath the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be a certified diver to do this tour?
No. You don’t need any diving certification. As long as you can swim comfortably and feel confident in water, you’re good to go.

What should I bring on the day of the tour?
Bring warm clothes for before and after, swimwear, a waterproof camera or regular camera (as photos are included), and socks. You’ll also need a medical statement and should avoid alcohol and drugs.

Is the water temperature cold?
Yes, the water is naturally cold, but the provided six-millimeter wetsuits or drysuits help keep you warm during the snorkel. Many reviewers find they stay comfortable, especially with the hot chocolate afterward.

Can I wear glasses during the activity?
No. Glasses are not allowed. If you wear glasses, you should opt for contact lenses or a prescription mask if available.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to six participants, allowing for personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.

How long does the tour last?
The total activity lasts about 4.5 hours, including transportation, gear-up time, snorkeling, and hot chocolate.

Is it suitable in winter?
Yes, the tour runs year-round. In winter, early pickup times are scheduled, and the cold weather makes the experience even more impressive, with many reviewers noting how stunning the scenery is during snowy days.

The Sum Up

The Silfra snorkeling tour from Reykjavik offers a rare chance to swim between two continents in some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see. With expert guides, thoughtful amenities, and the inclusion of professional photos, it feels like superb value for an adventure of this caliber. Whether you’re a water enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking a surreal landscape, this experience simply can’t be missed.

This tour is particularly suited for those who want to tick an extraordinary activity off their bucket list while enjoying the comfort of small groups and well-organized logistics. Although it’s not for the faint of heart in cold weather, most participants find the suits and warm post-swim treats make all the difference. It’s an authentic, memorable way to connect with Iceland’s raw natural beauty.

For adventure lovers, geology buffs, or those simply wanting a story to tell at dinner, this experience will leave you with a sense of awe—and a fantastic collection of photos to prove it.

You can check availability for your dates here: