Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on location | Free Photos

If you’ve ever imagined swimming between two continents, this is your chance. The Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling tour in Iceland is a unique adventure that takes you into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, a UNESCO World Heritage site located within Thingvellir National Park. While snorkeling might not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of Iceland, this tour proves that beneath the icy surface lies a world of astonishing beauty and serenity.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is — from the knowledgeable guides who make safety and fun a priority to the breathtaking underwater scenery that leaves a lasting impression. However, potential participants should consider that fitting into the wetsuits, especially for larger or taller guests, can sometimes be a bit tricky. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy water activities, don’t mind the cold, and are comfortable in water with basic swimming skills.

If you’re up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines natural wonder, expert guidance, and a touch of thrill, the Silfra snorkeling tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a superb choice for those wanting a meaningful and strikingly beautiful encounter with Iceland’s natural landscape.

Key Points

• Stunning Visibility: Underwater views often exceed 100 meters, thanks to glacier meltwater filtering through the fissure.
• Expert Guides: All tours are led by PADI-certified professionals who prioritize safety, fun, and informative commentary.
• All Equipment Provided: Wetsuits, drysuits, masks, and photos are included, making it hassle-free.
• Limited Group Sizes: Small groups of up to six participants ensure personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Flexible Suit Options: Choose between wetsuits and drysuits, with advice from guides based on your comfort level.
• Great Value: For $152, you get an incredible experience, professional guidance, and hundreds of photos to remember it by.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The Meeting Point and Arrival

The adventure begins at the designated meeting point at Silfra Adventure Vikings, conveniently located in Thingvellir National Park. Most travelers find it easy to locate since the parking area at P5 is straightforward. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your guide, typically someone like Inigo or Jane, both praised for their professionalism and friendly attitudes in reviews.

Safety Briefing and Equipment Fitting

Our guides run through a thorough safety briefing, explaining what to expect, how to move comfortably in the water, and the importance of keeping your equipment secure. They will fit you with all necessary gear, including wetsuits or drysuits, masks, snorkels, and fins. Reviewers mention how well-maintained and comfortable the gear is, with some noting the importance of bringing thick socks for extra warmth, especially if you opt for a drysuit. Guides are attentive to ensuring everyone’s suits fit properly—an essential detail since some guests mentioned struggles with sizing, particularly larger or taller individuals.

The Journey to Silfra Fissure

Once suited up, you’ll walk down to the water’s edge, where the real fun begins. The water here is famed for its exceptional clarity, often exceeding 100 meters of visibility. It’s this clarity that makes Silfra a photographer’s dream and a snorkeler’s paradise. The water originates from a nearby glacier, melting into underground channels that carry it miles to this fissure. This process results in the incredibly pure, cold water that you’ll be swimming in.

The Snorkeling Experience

Your guide will lead you into the water, typically spending about 30–40 minutes exploring Silfra’s fissure. You’ll glide along the canyon walls, marveling at the otherworldly scenery where North America and Europe drift apart. Reviewers often mention how surreal it feels to float in such pristine conditions, with some noting the sensation of “seeing down 42 meters” thanks to the water’s extraordinary visibility.

While the water is cold—sometimes just 2°C—drysuits or wetsuits keep you comfortable. Several reviews highlight how well the gear performs, with guides recommending thick socks to prevent toes from freezing. Some guests mention how drysuits keep them about 95% dry, but a few find the tight straps around the neck and wrists slightly uncomfortable, especially if the suits are a size bigger.

Photos and Memories

Throughout the tour, your guide will take numerous photos—often between 40 to 100—without extra charge. Many reviewers mention how these photos help capture the thrill and beauty of the experience. These images are downloadable a few days post-tour, which is a lovely bonus, especially if you want to share your adventure with friends or keep them as souvenirs.

Warming Up and Post-Adventure Treats

After the snorkel, you’ll return to the shore and warm up with a generous mug of hot chocolate—a well-loved feature among previous participants. It’s the perfect way to thaw out and reflect on the incredible views and the sensation of floating in such pure water.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

Many reviews praise the guides for their professionalism, patience, and humor. Inigo and Jane, in particular, receive glowing remarks for calming nerves and making the experience enjoyable. One reviewer states, “Jane was so calm and reassuring that I finally did it,” which speaks volumes about the importance of a friendly guide in this chilly environment.

The scenery and clarity consistently impress, with comments like “the water is so clear you can see down 42 meters” and “the views underwater are breathtaking.” Several mention how surprisingly warm the dry suits make it, with some noting that they didn’t feel as cold as expected during their snorkel.

However, some guests highlight sizing issues, especially for larger or taller individuals, noting that the difficulty to fit into suits could be a concern. A guest also points out that “you can’t actually touch the tectonic plates,” which might be disappointing for those expecting to physically feel the separation. Still, most appreciate the educational aspect and the chance to float between two continents.

Practical Details: Logistics, Duration, and Cost

Duration and Itinerary

The tour lasts approximately three hours, which includes meeting, gear fitting, safety briefing, snorkeling, and warming up afterward. This is a well-paced activity, giving plenty of time for immersion without feeling rushed. The actual snorkeling segment is about 30–40 minutes, allowing ample opportunity to enjoy the surreal scenery.

Group Size and Pricing

Limited to six participants per group, this tour offers a more personalized experience, reducing the chaos often found in larger tours. At $152 per person, the value lies in the combination of professional guides, top-quality equipment, and the unforgettable setting. Compared to other adventure activities in Iceland, this is a reasonable price for such a premium experience.

Accessibility and Requirements

Participants need to be at least 12 years old, with a height range of 150cm to 200cm, and weight between 50kg to 120kg. You should be comfortable swimming and able to communicate in English. Bringing a swimsuit, towel, and warm socks is recommended, and those over 65 should consult a physician beforehand. The tour involves filling out a medical form, ensuring safety for all participants.

What’s Not Included

You’ll need to bring your own clothing suitable for weather—think waterproofs—and a change of clothes. Food isn’t included, so eating breakfast beforehand is a good idea because the activity is physically demanding.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling adventure is perfect for travelers who are adventurous, curious, and physically comfortable in water. It’s well-suited for those looking for a unique experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of thrill. The guides’ professionalism and the small group size make it ideal for travelers who appreciate personalized attention and safety.

However, if you have mobility issues or are uncomfortable in water, this might not be the best activity. The cold temperatures and tight-fitting suits can be challenging for some, but many find that the spectacular visibility and scenery outweigh the minor discomfort.

Absolutely. This tour offers an unparalleled chance to experience the surreal beauty of the Silfra fissure, where you can float between two continents in water so clear you can see for hundreds of meters. The inclusion of professional guides, quality equipment, and hundreds of photos makes it a great value for such an iconic Icelandic adventure.

It’s especially suited for those who love outdoor activities, natural wonders, and a bit of cold-water thrill. The small-group format ensures a relaxed, intimate experience, perfect for capturing memories and feeling genuinely special.

Keep in mind, it’s not just about the snorkeling—it’s about the connection to nature, the adrenaline of crossing a geological boundary, and the joy of sharing this with like-minded explorers. Whether it’s your first snorkeling experience or you’re a seasoned water enthusiast, this activity promises stories worth telling.

Is prior swimming experience necessary?
No, but you should be comfortable in water and able to swim. The guides will provide instructions and support throughout.

What should I wear underneath the wetsuit or drysuit?
Swimmers typically wear a bathing suit underneath. Bringing warm socks is highly recommended, especially if you’re using a drysuit.

How cold is the water?
The water temperature is usually around 2°C, but the dry suits or wetsuits keep you mostly dry and comfortable.

Can I touch the tectonic plates?
No, you’ll be floating in the fissure, but you cannot physically touch the tectonic plates themselves.

What if I’m over 65 or have health concerns?
Participants over 65 should get physician approval before booking. All participants must fill out a medical form to ensure safety.

How long does the snorkeling last?
The actual snorkeling segment lasts about 30–40 minutes, within a total tour duration of around three hours.

What if I don’t fit into the wetsuits or drysuits?
Sizing can be an issue for some guests, especially taller or larger individuals. It’s best to contact the provider immediately after booking to confirm fit.

Are photos included?
Yes, guides take between 40 to 100 photos, which are downloadable a few days after the tour at no extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old, and children should be comfortable swimming and in water.

What should I do to prepare?
Eat breakfast before the activity, bring a change of clothes, and dress according to the weather. No heels or jeans are recommended.

This snorkeling adventure in Silfra offers a rare chance to witness some of the most stunning underwater visibility in the world, combined with expert guidance and the thrill of standing between two continents. It’s a unique, memorable experience that transforms a visit to Iceland into a story you’ll tell for years.