Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos – From Reykjavik

If you’re dreaming of floating between two continents while exploring Iceland’s stunning natural beauty, the Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour might be just what you’re looking for. This five-hour adventure, offered by Adventure Vikings, takes you to the famous Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park — a spot renowned for its crystal-clear water and incredible geological significance. From the moment you’re picked up in Reykjavik to the moment you warm up with hot chocolate afterward, this experience promises a blend of adventure, nature, and a touch of the surreal.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention you get — the guides are seasoned, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing Iceland’s unique landscape. The underwater photos, a big hit with travelers, allow you to relive the moment long after your wetsuit has been hung up. That said, a potential consideration is the gear itself; some travelers mention the dry suits can feel quite snug and might restrict movement, so packing a sense of patience for the gear-up process is wise.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who are comfortable in water, eager to see a one-of-a-kind natural wonder, and don’t mind a bit of cold (though the dry suits do a good job of keeping you warm). It’s perfect for those seeking authentic, memorable experiences that go beyond the typical sightseeing trip.

Key Points

• Small group size (~6 people) ensures personalized attention from guides.
• Underwater photos are included, with a generous number of shots to download after the tour.
• Hassle-free round-trip transfers from Reykjavik make the experience seamless.
• Wetsuit and drysuit options provide flexibility in warmth and mobility.
• Expert guides like Gretar, Dory, and Kevin are praised for their friendliness, patience, and knowledge.
• The experience involves a safety briefing, gear-up, and about 30-40 minutes in the water.
• Cold water (around 2°C) is typical, but dry suits help keep you comfortable.
• Hot chocolate at the end is the perfect warm-up after the chilly adventure.

The Ultimate Guide to the Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Starting with convenience and comfort

From Reykjavik, the journey to Þingvellir National Park takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a manageable half-hour ride that allows you to take in some Icelandic scenery en route. Once there, your guide kicks things off with a friendly welcome and a clear rundown of the day’s plan. The small group size—no more than six participants—means you’ll get plenty of individual attention, which is especially useful for first-timers or those feeling a tad nervous.

Gear up for the water

After the safety briefing, you’ll get fitted with your snorkeling gear, which includes a wetsuit or drysuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. Many reviews highlight the importance of bringing warm socks (preferably wool) to keep feet cozy. Guides like Gretar and Doris are known for their meticulous fittings, especially around the drysuits, which some find quite snug but critical for warmth. Interestingly, Adventure Vikings is the only company offering both wetsuit and drysuit options, allowing you to select based on your comfort or mobility preference.

The Silfra fissure: Nature’s masterpiece

Once suited up, you’ll walk over to the Silfra fissure, a crack in the earth that’s constantly changing. This natural rift grows wider by about 2cm each year due to tectonic drift, making it a living geological feature. The water here is fed by melting glaciers, resulting in incredible clarity—some reviews mention being able to see down to impressive depths, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.

Standing at the edge, you’ll understand why this site is considered one of the top snorkeling locations worldwide. The water remains around 2°C, which sounds freezing, but with the dry or wetsuits, most travelers report feeling comfortably warm. The guides’ advice on layering (like thermal underwear and wool socks) proves invaluable.

Snorkeling through the tectonic plates

Once in the water, expect about 30-40 minutes of floating through this otherworldly landscape. The experience differs depending on your gear choice: drysuits tend to feel tighter but keep you warmer, while wetsuits offer more mobility but may leave you feeling cooler. Travelers like Amy and Natalie emphasize that the dry suits are the way to go for comfort, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without feeling chilled.

The water’s transparency means you’ll see the rocky formations, fissures, and even tiny fish that inhabit this pristine environment. Guides like Kevin and Doris are praised for their patience and ability to reassure those new to snorkeling. One reviewer noted that Kevin made her feel at ease despite initial apprehension.

Photos and memories

A highlight of this tour is the underwater photos. The guides take care to capture moments of your float-through, and reviews consistently mention the high quality of these shots—usually between 40-100 images. Travelers like Emily and Shane have appreciated how these photos allow them to relive the experience long after the tour ends.

Warming up and winding down

After your water adventure, you’ll return to the shore and enjoy a well-earned hot chocolate, which many reviews describe as a simple but perfect way to warm up. Some travelers mention waiting a while in their gear before entering the water, which can be a bit uncomfortable, but guides like Dory and Niko are known for their attentiveness and patient guidance during the prep process.

Returning to Reykjavik

The return trip is smooth and included in the package, removing any worries about transportation logistics. Many reviewers highlight how this hassle-free transfer is a significant convenience, especially after a chilly, exhilarating experience.

What We Think About the Price and Value

At $189 per person, this snorkeling tour offers good value, especially considering the included underwater photos, round-trip transfers, and the expertise of certified guides. The small group size enhances the experience, giving you more individual guidance and safety oversight. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off adds to the overall value, saving you time and effort.

The gear options—wetsuit or drysuit—allow you to choose based on your comfort level, with reviews indicating that drysuits are highly recommended for warmth and ease. The photos are an especially appreciated bonus, providing tangible memories of a truly unique activity.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience appeals most to travelers comfortable in water and eager to see one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes from a different perspective. If you’re nervous about cold water, the drysuit option makes it more accessible. It’s also ideal for those who value professional guidance and pristine scenery over pure mobility. It’s perfect for adventurous souls who want a memorable story to tell—and photos to prove it.

Final Thoughts

Snorkeling in Silfra is more than just a water activity; it’s a chance to witness a geological phenomenon that’s both extraordinary and humbling. The guides’ expertise, the stunning clarity of the water, and the chance to float between two continents create an experience that’s genuinely special.

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines Iceland’s natural marvels with the comfort of expert supervision and photos to cherish, this tour delivers. It’s particularly suited for those who can handle a bit of cold (thanks to the dry suits) and appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

While the gear setup and waiting times can be minor hurdles, the overall value, fun, and uniqueness of the experience outweigh these inconveniences. It’s a bucket-list activity, but one that also offers comfort and convenience—making it a worthwhile addition to your Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, all participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in water. This isn’t a beginner activity, so confidence in the water is essential.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 12 years old. If you’re considering younger children, it’s best to check with the operator for specific conditions or restrictions.

What should I wear underneath the wetsuit or drysuit?
Most guides recommend bringing a swimsuit to wear underneath, along with thermal underwear and wool socks for warmth and comfort.

Will I get cold during the snorkel?
While the water is approximately 2°C, dry suits and wetsuits help maintain warmth. Many reviews mention feeling surprisingly comfortable, especially with the drysuit option.

Are photos included?
Yes, the tour provides 40-100 underwater photos, which are downloadable a few days after the experience. They’re a great way to remember the trip.

How long is the total experience?
The entire tour lasts around 5 hours, including pickup, gear-up, in-water time, and warming up afterward.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with full refunds. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

In closing, this snorkeling adventure at Silfra combines natural beauty, expert guidance, and memorable photos, all for a fair price. It’s an activity that’s best suited for adventurous, water-confident travelers who want to tick a truly unique experience off their bucket list. Whether you choose the wetsuit or the snug but warm drysuit, you’re guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime view of Iceland’s geological wonder.