From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos

Taking a trip to Iceland often means chasing waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. But if you want a truly unique experience, snorkeling in Silfra offers something quite extraordinary — swimming between two continents in crystal-clear waters. This tour, provided by Adventure Vikings, promises a 4.5-hour journey into one of the world’s most surreal underwater landscapes, with the added perk of free professional photos to remember it by.

What we love about this experience is how it combines natural wonder with expert guidance. The guides are well-trained, friendly, and reassuring, making this accessible even for beginners. Plus, the guaranteed visibility over 100 meters means you’ll see depths and colors that look almost unreal.

A potential consideration for travelers is the cold — even with high-tech drysuits or wetsuits, you’ll want to dress warmly beforehand. This tour isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or certain health conditions, but for those comfortable in water, it’s a bucket-list experience.

If you enjoy adventure, stunning scenery, and don’t mind a bit of chilly water, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for those curious about geological wonders or wanting a memorable highlight during their Iceland trip.

Key Points

• Unrivaled underwater visibility over 100 meters makes Silfra one of the clearest waters on Earth.
• Travel between two continents—the North American and Eurasian plates—adds a fascinating geological element.
• Guided snorkel experience with friendly, professional guides who prioritize safety and fun.
• Photo package included so you can relive the moment without extra effort.
• Flexible equipment options including drysuits or wetsuits, catering to comfort levels.
• Round-trip transport from Reykjavik simplifies logistics, leaving you to focus on the experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Pickup and Transportation

The adventure begins with pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation (or nearby bus stops if centrally located). The tour operates with small groups — limited to just six participants — which means more personalized attention from your guide. Summer pickups start around 7:30-8:00 AM, while winter pickups are a little later, around 8:00-8:30 AM, depending on your season.

Traveling in a cozy minivan, your guide will give a quick briefing, ensuring everyone feels ready before heading to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This scenic drive gives you a taste of Iceland’s rugged beauty, setting the stage for what’s ahead.

Arriving at Silfra

Once at Silfra, you’ll get fitted with your snowsuit, wetsuit, or drysuit, depending on your choice. The six-millimeter wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and allow a good range of movement—crucial for such a floaty, relaxed experience. Guides like Edgar and Wilmar are often praised for their professionalism and reassurance, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or a tad nervous about the cold.

The Snorkeling in Silfra

The highlight is, of course, floating between two tectonic plates. You’ll enjoy a guided tour, where your instructor points out stunning features like the bright blue waters, formations, and the fissure’s depths. Despite the cold, most reviewers mention staying warm and dry thanks to the high-quality gear, with hot chocolate afterwards serving as a perfect warm-up.

Expect to have freedom of movement — you can hold your breath for short free dives, or just float and enjoy the view. The water is so clear that it feels like you’re floating in space. Many reviewers comment on the almost surreal, vibrant colors and the sense of being in a different world.

The Afterglow: Hot Chocolate and Photos

Post-snorkel, you’ll have time to warm up with hot chocolate, which many describe as the perfect finish to an unforgettable experience. Meanwhile, guides take expert photos, capturing your moments in the glowing blue waters. These photos are included, giving you a chance to share this bucket-list activity without needing to fuss over a waterproof camera.

Return to Reykjavik

After about 4.5 hours, the tour wraps up with transportation back to Reykjavik, usually arriving mid to late morning or early afternoon, depending on the season. The small group size and friendly guides make for a relaxed, personable atmosphere, helping everyone feel comfortable and safe throughout.

Why This Snorkeling Tour Stands Out

While there are other Silfra excursions available, this tour by Adventure Vikings is often praised for its excellent guides like Edgar and Wilmar, who make safety and fun their top priorities. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate connection to the environment, which is especially meaningful when exploring such a pristine natural wonder.

The free professional photos are another standout, turning your underwater adventure into lasting memories with high-quality images that showcase the stunning scenery. Plus, the included hot chocolate is a thoughtful touch after the cold water, giving you a cozy moment to reflect on your experience.

Many reviewers highlight the value for money — considering the transportation, guides, gear, and photos, it’s a comprehensive offering that often exceeds expectations. The tour’s flexibility with equipment, with options for drysuits or wetsuits, means it caters well to different comfort levels.

Practical Details and Tips

Booking and Flexibility

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is great for flexible travel plans. You can also reserve now and pay later, giving you peace of mind when planning your Iceland itinerary.

What to Bring

To prepare, pack warm clothing for before and after, a swimsuit or swimwear for underneath your gear, and a waterproof camera if you want to document your adventure. Don’t forget socks, which are required for your drysuit fittings. Glasses aren’t allowed — contacts are recommended, or a prescription mask if you have one.

Suitability and Restrictions

This experience is suitable for anyone who can swim and feels comfortable in water — you don’t need to be certified, just confident in your swimming abilities. The age limit is 12+, and children under 18 need an adult. People with mobility, heart, or health issues, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 264 lbs should probably skip this activity.

Additional Costs

You can rent a GoPro for about 6900 ISK if you want to capture your underwater moments in high definition.

The Authentic Experience: What Travelers Say

From reviews, it’s clear this tour consistently delivers a safe, professional, and memorable experience. Guides like Doris, Ed, and Santi are often praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and reassurance, especially for first-timers. Many mention how the amazing clarity of the water makes the scenery feel almost unreal, and the hot chocolate post-swim is a favorite touch.

Several travelers highlight how the experience is more accessible than expected, even for beginners or those with slight apprehensions. The high-quality gear and calm guidance ensure that everyone leaves feeling accomplished and thrilled.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Silfra snorkeling experience is ideal for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts who want to tick an extraordinary activity off their Iceland list. It’s perfect if you’re after an authentic, guided experience with stunning scenery and professional support.

It’s particularly suited for those comfortable in the water and eager to explore geological marvels in a safe, well-organized setting. Families with older children, solo travelers, or small groups will appreciate the small-group vibe and inclusive atmosphere.

If you’re after a memorable, photo-worthy adventure that combines Iceland’s natural beauty with a dash of scientific wonder, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver?
No, you don’t need any certification — just be comfortable swimming and confident in water. No diving experience is necessary.

What should I wear before and after the tour?
Bring warm clothes for before and after snorkeling. A swimsuit or swimwear is needed underneath the gear.

Is the water really that clear?
Yes, visitors often mention the visibility exceeds 100 meters, making the underwater scenery breathtaking and almost surreal.

Can I take my phone or camera?
You cannot bring a regular camera or phone into the water, but you can rent a GoPro for about 6900 ISK. The tour provides free professional photos afterward.

What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 12 years old, with adults required for those under 18.

Are there any restrictions on weight or height?
Yes, weight should be between 50kg (99 lbs) and 120kg (264 lbs), and height between 150cm (4’9”) and 200cm (6’7”).

What if I wear glasses?
Glasses aren’t allowed; contact lenses or a prescription mask are recommended.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers all snorkeling equipment (drysuit or wetsuit), round-trip transportation, a guide, free photos, and hot chocolate afterward.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for your plans.

Is this experience suitable in winter?
Absolutely — many reviews mention snorkeling in cold weather, with the drysuits keeping participants warm and dry.

Snorkeling in Silfra is more than just a fun activity — it’s a chance to see one of Earth’s most astonishing geological features in crystal-clear waters. With expert guides, a small group setting, and the added bonus of free photos, this tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable story to tell. Perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to add a truly unique highlight to their Iceland trip, it’s well worth considering.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a first-time snorkeler, the stunning visuals and friendly guidance will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Just remember to dress warmly, listen to your guide, and prepare for a trip that feels almost otherworldly.

Enjoy your Iceland adventure!