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Drysuit Snorkelling Tour in Silfra
Dive into this drysuit snorkelling tour of Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conducted at the edge of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland, this tour is sure to enthral and mesmerise you!
You'll have an unforgettable view down into the depths below, thanks to the silvery water which gives Silfra its name. The water is so clear, you'll be able to see as far as 100 m (almost 330 ft) down, to the shadowy caves that are formed by centuries of earthquakes widening the fissure and releasing the pressures of the earth's crust.
It's the only place on earth where you can swim between a meeting place of worlds: the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Witness the strength and power of the land as you drift on the current. Plants resembling troll hair grow on the rocks, floating in the water, and you'll see many shades of green and yellow algae.
Silfra was recently ranked #15 on the World's Best Dive Sites, chosen by CNN News. With this tour, you can experience the mysteries below without being a fully qualified diver, and make a fun afternoon of it while you enjoy the national park. There are also several walking trails around Silfra if you'll like to enjoy the scenery by the water.
Because you're wearing a drysuit, you'll view Silfra from the surface while the slow current carries you through a stunning underwater landscape. You stay dry underneath the drysuit, and you'll be warmer in the water, which is usually around 2–4 °C (36–39 °F).
It's so cold because it is meltwater from Langjökull glacier, filtered through porous lava rock for as much as 100 years before finally flowing into the fissure at the height of purity. Go ahead, take a sip!
Don't miss your chance for a refreshing dip in the purest water on earth! Check availability by choosing a date.
Quick facts
- Available: Feb. - Dec.
- Duration: 4,5 hours
- Activities: Snorkelling
- Difficulty: Easy
- Minimum age: 14 years.
- Languages: English, Icelandic
- Highlights: Þingvellir,
Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland and one of the three stops on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir) and Gullfoss Waterfall. Just to the south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.
Geography
The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.
Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.
Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area’s fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.
History
Þingvellir can be anglicised to ‘Fields of Parliament’, a nod to the area’s fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world’s first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.
It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.
The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.
This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.
Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.
Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.
This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.
To symbolise the country’s change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.
Silfra Fissure
Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Silfra (meaning ‘Silver’) is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.
Silfra,Silfra is a fissure filled with fresh spring water within Þingvellir National Park, and one of the country’s most cherished wonders. Snorkelling and diving in its crystal-clear waters is an experience that is both thrilling and relaxing, and it is now considered to be one of the top five dive sites in the world. It takes around an hour to reach Silfra from Reykjavík.
Geography of Silfra
Silfra fissure opened in 1789, due to the movements of the tectonic plates that frame Þingvellir National Park. The North American and Eurasian plates, which run all the way through Iceland, separate at about 2 centimetres per year, and as they do, they tear open fissures in the land between them.
Some of the ravines fill with water travelling underground through the porous lava fields in the area, originating from Langjökull glacier about 60 kilometres north. It can take the water up to a century to reach Silfra and this long filtration process results in the water being both extremely clear and drinkable.
Because the water travels underground, it maintains a constant temperature of two to three degrees Celsius and does not freeze over immediately at the source of the spring. Snorkelling and diving tours are thus open throughout the year.
The clarity of the water is what draws most visitors. The visibility can extend to over 100 metres, allowing you to see the canyon walls and bottom like you are floating over a great cathedral.
The last colour that water absorbs is blue, which means that when you look forward in Silfra, it is as if you are looking into an ethereal, vivid, azure world. The clarity also means that sun-rays refract through the surface of the water, creating rainbows on Silfra’s bed when the weather allows.
Snorkelling in Silfra
Snorkelling in Silfra fissure is a highly enjoyable activity, but you must meet some prerequisites to be able to join. These are as follows:
- You must be able to swim
- You must be over 16
- You must be in good physical health
- You must be at least 145 centimetres and 45 kilograms
- If you are over sixty, you will need a medical waiver
- If you are over forty-five with a history of heavy alcohol use and pipe smoking, you will also need a waiver
The most common option for snorkelling is to conduct it in a drysuit. Drysuits work with a fluffy undersuit to keep your body free from water and insulated against the cold, making the task of swimming through the near-freezing temperature more than achievable.
While drysuit snorkelling is the most comfortable and popular option, a few tours allow you to go through Silfra wearing a wetsuit. Wetsuits, made of neoprene, allow water to surround your body in a thin layer, that your body then heats up and uses to protect you. Though they grant you more flexibility, they are not so warm, so this should be done by the daring; you will also need to be at least 50 kilograms to snorkel in a wetsuit.
In all tours, you wear neoprene on your head and hands to allow for better mobility, a mask and snorkel, and a pair of fins, all of which are provided on site. The course of Silfra takes approximately forty minutes, and there is a gentle current throughout, meaning it requires minimal energy to traverse.
Diving in Silfra
Diving through Silfra gives an extra dimension to its beauty, as you will be able to look up and see the sun glistening upon the surface as you cruise through the crystal clear waters. However, considering the risks associated with diving in cold water and cumbersome equipment, all who partake must meet all the requirements above, as well as one of the following:
- You must be a qualified diver with a certification in a drysuit speciality, OR
- You must be a qualified diver with at least 10 logged dives in a drysuit conducted over the past two years, signed by an instructor or divemaster.
ÞingvallavatnÞingvallavatn (anglicised to Thingvallavatn, ‘the Lake of the Fields of Parliament’) is a rift valley lake located roughly forty-minutes drive from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík.
Features of Thingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn is partially within the boundaries of Þingvellir National Park, Iceland’s oldest National Park and only one with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Covering an area of 84 square kilometres (32 square miles), Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland with its greatest depth measuring at 114 metres (374 feet). Þingvallavatn is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, on a part of the ridge known as the Reykjanes Ridge.
The lake has only one outflow, the river Sog.
Of particular note to biologists and fishermen are the four morphs of Arctic Char that inhabit the lake. The lake’s char are an excellent example of species evolving to fit and adapt to a secluded environment; over ten thousand years, one species of Char has transformed into four different-sub branches. Other fish in the lake include the the Brown Trout and the Three-Spine Stickleback.
History and Geology
Þingvallavatn takes its name from the historical founding of the Alþingi, which occurred in 930 AD at what is now known as Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir literally translates to ‘Fields of Parliament’.
The Alþingi was the first democratically elected representative parliament in world history (examples such as Ancient Athens were direct, not representative, democracies); Icelanders used to travel by foot or horseback simply to congregate at Þingvellir where they would hear the latest laws and judgements of the island.
Þingvellir National Park is also notable for its geology. Given its position on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the park is one of the only places on the planet where visitors can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates standing exposed from the earth.
Footpaths allow you to get up close and personal to the plates, standing right where the ancient settlers once did. In between the tectonic plates lies fields of dried volcanic rock, blanketed with a thick, yet fragile layer of Icelandic moss.
Scuba Diving in Thingvallavatn
Scuba diving around Þingvallavatn revolves around two sites, Silfra Fissure and Davíðsgjá (David’s Crack), the former being one of the most popular spots on the planet for snorkelling and underwater exploration.
Silfra Fissure is situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial water originating from the Langjökull ice cap. The water measures at between two degrees Celsius all year round, with a slight current preventing the fissure from ever freezing over.
Davíðsgjá is found within Þingvallavatn and is often considered the darker and more dramatic cousin of Silfra Fissure, resembling the gorge formation so prevalent across the Mid Atlantic Rift.
Only certain tour operators provide tours into Davíðsgjá, so make sure to do some research beforehand if you are looking to access this dive site during your time in Iceland.
Pickup time : 07:45, 08:45, 10:45, 11:45, 13:45.
1 Mar - 30 Sept:
Pick up is at 7:45 AM, 10:45 AM and 13:45 PM
1 Oct - 31 Oct:
Pick up is at 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM
1 Nov - 28 Feb:
Pick up is at 8:45 AM and 11:45 AM
Drysuit
FREE photos
Hot chocolate
Snorkel
Fins
Gloves
Hood
Mask
Thingvellir National Park Silfra Fee
English speaking guide
What to bring:
Warm undergarments and clothing (fleece/wool sweater and pants)
Thick socks
Towel
Good to know:
We offer pick-up, but you can also drive yourself. If you prefer to arrive at the location in your own vehicle, please be there at listed tour starting time. Please note that times displayed on the booking portal are listed pickup times, and the correct tour start time will be displayed on your voucher.
The meeting point is Silfra car park in Thingvellir National Park. Please park your car at “Thingvellir P5” and walk 400m back along the road until you reach a smaller car park with all the snorkel and dive vans, and look for your Adventure Vikings guide. Please be there, ready to meet your guide 5-10 minutes before your tour is due to begin. For GPS: 64°15’23.5″N 21°6’58.6″W
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Prerequisites for this tour:
Be at minimum 145cm (4’9) tall / maximum 200cm (6’7) tall
Be at minimum 45kg (99 lbs) / maximum 120kg (264 lbs)
Be able to swim and be comfortable in water
Be physically fit
Not pregnant
Be at least 14 years of age
Not wear glasses. We advise you to get contact lenses before joining us on tour.
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Please note that should you have any neurological, circulatory or respiratory problems or underlying diseases, battled any illnesses or have any physical problems you might have to turn in a physicians allowance to participate in this tour. If you are over 45 and partake/have partaken in pipe smoking or heavy alcohol intake, you might need a medical waiver. If you are over 65 years of age, you need a medical waiver. Please contact the operator for further information and application papers.
Reviews
English
Michael Kardes
Very cool (pun intended) experience! Snorkeling in crystal clear glacial water between tectonic plates is an otherworldly experience. A lot of people lining up at the same time as we did, but the teams were very organized and helpful. AWESOME pictures too!
Amy Rhiannon Crowther
Unbelievable experience. Absolutely frozen solid before going in the glacial waters ( recommend taking a blanket to keep around you and don't take take gloves and hats off until you absolutely must) but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Make sure you take extra thick socks and very warm base layers. Louis our guide was from South America and he was so helpful and informative, he helped us get into our dry suits and then patiently guided us in the water. Silfa is an experience we won't ever forget. One because I've never been even so cold in my life (in the water actually feels warmer) and two because the actually activity is beyond belief. You just have to do it. Only suggestion would be to have somewhere warmer to change and to keep warm whilst waiting your turn. Just go do it.
Tiffany Alfred
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G You have to do this tour. Our tour guide Heimir was so helpful. As we travelled to the site he told us about the national park, very knowledgeable. On arrival he explained what would be happening . There were four of us in our group. The dry suits are not easy to put on and when your fingers start to freeze you loose all dexterity. Not to worry as Heimir is on hand to help. Heimir then lead us to the river where again he explained what would be happening. Heimir is very calm and quite passionate about his job. As we submerged into the water I didn’t feel the cold on my body. Just your face is open to the elements and I did find this a little uncomfortable but I wasn’t going to miss this for the world. The water is sooooooo clear and the colours that stream through the water as the sun shines through it are amazing. I would hardly call it swimming, you are carried along with the flow of water. As advised by Heimir if at any time you feel uncomfortable or just want to give your lips a rest you just flip onto your back. The dry suit keeps you afloat, you cant sink no matter how hard you might try!!! You have to swim just a little bit for the last 5 minutes as youre going against the flow of water but it was really no effort at all. Heimir took lots of photos which you can download for free afterwards. Getting the dry suit off is far easier than getting the thing on!! The hot chocolate with marshmallows was delicious. Overall an amazing experience. Everyone says they swim in the geothermal pools but not many can say that they have swum in glacier water!!! I loved it
Karla Meade
Our experience at Silfra was everything I hoped it would be and more. Our guide Heimir was a super nice guy. Very knowledgeable and helpful. My wife was nervous about the experience and he helped her through the tour and we are both so pleased we got to do this. The photos Heimir took we're amazing and we got to download them for free! Major bonus. I'd recommend this tour to anyone. It's fantastic!
Elena
Honestly by far the best activity I've done since I've been to Iceland. It was very cold putting on the drysuit and taking it out but that is expected as it is Iceland. It was tricky to put on the drysuit on your own but Luis and Heimir are there to help you. Heimir was our guide in a small group of five he even had his GoPro with him and I was in a few photos that got uploaded next day was very pleased, everything was explained well and there was no pressure so I felt reassured. This experience was amazing and unforgettable I completely recommend trying this. The hot chocolate after doing the experience felt like a reward
ABi Mandeville
Three of us did the snorkelling in a dry suit. There was only one other person in the group which definitely helped with any anxiety! Two of our three, scuba dive and have dived in various different places, but in comparison the visibility at Silfra was amazing!! I’m not great with the cold, but wore thermals and a hoodie and felt warm enough whilst in the water. Even though the hood and gloves were wetsuit my head and hands actually didn’t feel too cold either. Our instructors were really good and explained everything very thoroughly, then after we got dressed we had a hit chocolate before we went back to our apartment. I thoroughly recommend this as a completely unique experience, it was great!!
Thomas Chan
I like this dry suit snorkeling tour. We joined the tour in the very beginning of January and the temperature was around 0 degree. The dry suit do keep us warm. The only part that I feel cold after entering into the water is the hands which is totally bearable. Our guide took good care of us and make sure we are totally protected by the dry suit. We were in water for around 30 minutes. Besides, our guide took photo of us by using her GoPro and uploaded the photo very efficiently. We do enjoy the tour a lot.
Pang Shuk Ching
This tour was good, I would say 75 out of 100
John Werenka
This tour made for a great first day in Iceland. Natalia at Adventure Vikings was awesome. We were one of the later groups to arrive as we went to the wrong parking lot at first. But when we pulled up, she greeted us with a smile and got us all ready to go. The tour was well organized and instructions were clear. Hot chocolate at the end was a bonus too. Natalia even gave us some advice on ice caves afterwards which was really helpful for our second day. Highly recommend Adventure Vikings and Guide to Iceland. We used Guide to Iceland for multiple bookings and had great experiences with all of them. If you’re going to Iceland, they are a must!!
Oscar Hernandez
The tour is a complete must. The guide was kind, funny and helpful, explaining each part of the process to us. I strongly recommend to take a GoPro with you, the views are simply astounding.
B
The experience of entering into Silfra Fissure in a drysuit was like any other. We had a great day doing this activity with Adventure Vikings, specially with IVAN since he was our instructor. He explained every detail, took amazing photos and made sure everything was perfect, all with a great attitude! Thanks Ivan!
Robert Dickson
My son and I had a brilliant time on this trip, my wife unfortunately was suffering from a heavy cold and found using the snorkel difficult so with the help of the guides to get over her concerns she discontinued her dive! The trained staff on this tour are very understanding and thorough in there explanation of the equipment and what to expect. Once in the rift the water is as clear as any of the photos on the web! I for one will be back when my wife WILL complete her dive and enjoy this marvelous experience! Highly rcommended.
Alina Friedrich
This tour was a cool experience. It was a small group which made the tour feel safer and more personal. The dry suits kept us warm which was really surprising. The water was crystal clear and it was awesome touching both contentients. We had a great diver instructor. I forgot his name but he was from Adventure Viking and he was from Belgium! He talked to us the whole time and gave us tips on our future time there in Iceland. He even let me borrow his go pro selfie case because I forgot mine at home. It’s instructors like him that do the little things they don’t have to, to make someone else’s time so much better. Would reccomend!
Melissa McLachlin
This was such a great experience, and one of the favorite highlights of my trip. The tour guides were very helpful and kind. The suit was a bit hard to put on, but once on, you forget its there. You easily float in the water and it is so blue and clear, you can see so far down! I even took a few sips of this water and it was so good and refreshing. People asked me about my trip and when I told them I went snorkeling in Iceland, they couldnt believe it! The water is cold, but you dont feel it after about 30 seconds. I would highly recommend this tour!
Karen So
A very worth trying experience! The water is a bit cold but the body is warm enough with the dry suit. The dry suit is very tight and difficult to put on but the tour guide help us get everything prepared considerately. You could easily float with the dry suit. Water is very clear and cool for drinking. U could see through to the bottom with many rocks and algae. Recommended!
Alexis Vivian Littell
Unbelievable! This tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity that does not disappoint! It starts with the ease of reserving your spot and just gets better from there! We had an easy time finding the parking area and the tour meetup point. Bryndis was our guide and she is great! Super easy to talk to, helpful and informative. I really like her, she has a calm, beautiful spirit. I loved the setting when you go to meet your guide you realize that there are several tours doing the same thing, but we had a small sized group that felt intimate rather than being one in a crowd. It was comfortable, people could talk and meet others, plus we weren't rushed through the process. Several people were uncomfortable in the suit, at first, she worked with them to see where she could help. Everyone got use to them, they are tight in places some people don't like. Then you get in the water, I was just lost in the amazing color, feeling, and experience! Bryndis made sure everyone was comfortable and then let us set the pace of our experience. She did not push us through like cattle, she just let us take it all in. I really wanted to stay in the lagoon area all day, but did not want to make the rest of the group wait around for me. This experience is on my top 5 life experiences along with getting married, birthing children, and seeing the Northern Lights! This tour is amazing and our guide was the icing on the cake!
Bradley Parks
Snorkeling was a once in a lifetime experience. The water is cold but the dry suits work great. You feel like an astronaut. The cap and gloves are neoprene so they are wet suit material so don’t expect your head and hands to stay dry. But you won’t notice it long. The guides were great. They took us in smaller groups and I felt very informed. The ride out from the city was nice. We even got a more scenic ride back.
Karen Lakeman
This was a great experience and the people running it are very helpful
Starr A Ivey
My first time in a dry suit, so was fairly comfortable; did not get cold, just my face! I have always snorkeled in warm salt-water so this was a novel experience. Very cold glacial water! It was crystal clear and I did not see any animal life so a little strange. There was green fluorescent-looking stringy plants moving about though. When our group arrived at the lagoon some of us followed one of our guides and took the Viking Baptism: dunk your head underwater with no equipment on, if you dare! Very exhilarating!
Miguel Villalobos
Stacey Pieszak
I'm a certified diver but chose the snorkel because I am claustrophobic, and the dry suit isn't really comfortable for me. I was a bit freaked out, but they were kind and patient and kept me calm until I could get in the water, and once I'm in, the panic always fades. The snorkel was calm and peaceful, and the rock formations were a sight to see.
Ernie Lee
Experience of a lifetime! Our tour guide was excellent and was very helpful along the whole trip, very informative and friendly. You won’t feel the the cold water when you’re in the dry suit!
Tim Patterson
Suzanne Cuthbertson
Experience was out of this world .Adventure Vikings were superb ! Jullian our guide was brilliant and explained everything about snorkelling and was very calm when I panicked ( first time snorkelling) so I calmed down and enjoyed the tour , he was also very knowledgeable and easy to talk with .could not rate this tour high enough and would do it again! Thanks xx
christy
Such a great tour! I can’t believe we saw the whole country in just 7 days! Our guide Ross was so fun and knowledgeable about all the sites! Iceland is gorgeous and every day brought something new!
Krista Peña
We had an incredible time on this tour! The views are unbelievable. REALLY glad we did the dry-suit tour because the water is (understandably) very cold - 35 degs F! But they really layer you up and make sure you're sealed in tight so you stay dry. Still, wear thermals and thick socks for your bottom layer. The only things that actually get cold are your face and hands, but it's definitely bearable. Would recommend bringing or renting a GoPro as the views are unlike any other. The swim is very easy - the current actually carries you through the fissure without much swimming, then at the end, you're able to free snorkel through a gorgeous, semi-enclosed area. This tour was so unique and gorgeous, I can't recommend it enough. The staff was great - super friendly and knowledgeable. Loved every bit of it!
Thamonwan Ruangklai
This was the most amazing experience I have ever had during the trip in Iceland. I was not really good at swimming and firstly worried about the safety but the staffs of Adventure Viking took care of us very well and always make sure the tourists are safe and feel comfortable. The staff also will give you about the information of the diving place . Don't be afraid to book this tour. You will never regret. Just make sure you wear the warm clothes and very thick socks.
Davit Avagyan
This was an amazing experience that I would recommend everyone. Overall, I was very happy with the service and the tour. A few important tips for travelers who are interested in doing this activity: If you are claustrophobic you might have some difficulty with wearing the dry suit and the associated accessories. The suits are very tight to be provided waterproof experience under the water and keep you warm. Most of your body will be warm except for your hands which will get socked into the cold water and over time feel very cold. Also, there is no coverage around your cheeks and lips so you will cold in those areas as well. With all that said, the cold was bearable at the end of April and we had no issues with this tour.
Andrew Metz
This snorkeling adventure was truly one of the most unique experiences I have had on any vacation. The guides were fantastic and the views were like nothing you have seen. The water is so clean and clear you can just put your face in and drink, which I did. I will also add that it was the best water ever. You don’t realize how water can be different until you literally drink straight from a glacier. HIGHLY recommend! You do not need to be the strongest swimmer or worried about the cold with layers and a dry suit.
Stéphanie Werbrouck
The water was really clear, cold but thank god the dry suits were there to not feel it too much. The bus that came to pick us up from Reykjavik had to turn around to pick up some late passengers, so then when we got to the spot, I kind of felt that we had to rush because we were behind schedule. So it gave a little feeling of stress. The staff was nice and helped us put on our dry-suits, they explained well the snorkeling to put us in good conditions. Then after the dive, on our way back to Reykjavik, the bus had to turn around again because some people we going on another tour with Adventure Viking but driver forgot about it... so a little lack in organisation. I also think this tour is really expansive for what it is, especially the fact that you have to add the pickup per person!! 35euros/person! I think that's just too much. Otherwise it was a really once in a lifetime experience and we really enjoyed the clear waters!
Maxwell Hopley
We had a great time. We got lost and arrived late, but the tour guide was very accommodating. Despite it being early May and freezing out, everyone in our group dressed like we were told we should and for the most part had no real issues with the cold. I'd highly recommend this experience!
David
Had a great experience. Never thought snorkeling in Iceland was possible. Quickly changed in the minivan into a thermal onesie and then the dry suit. Both kept me warm through out the experience. Did not feel cold at all. Took a little use to snorkeling with a dry suit and flippers but very easy to learn. Guides were very helpful. Picked me up at my bus stop and drop off was just as easy. I was in a small group which made things nicer I think. Great once in a lifetime experience.
Shauna Wilton
This was the highlight of our time in Iceland! The guides from Adventure Vikings were excellent - helpful, patient, fun. The experience was phenomenal and unique. Read other people’s blogs about what to expect and wear before you go. We found that very helpful.
Daniela Diaz
It was definitely awesome! More than I expected, not like snorkeling in a colorful reef but lake in a cave of stones of different shapes. The experience of being in such cold water compares to meditation.
Alex Lorbiecki
We LOVED this tour. Even though it was cold out the dry suits keep you warm and are fitted very well. Your hands and the cap over your head are the only wet suit materials. Highly suggest bringing or renting one of their gopros. Well worth it as the Silfra is stunning, peaceful and magnificent. Our guide was wonderful as well and the shuttle service was incredibly convenient.
Sebastian Carcano
Booked this tour with 3 others. Booking process through Guide to Iceland was fast and easy. Our tour company was Adventure Vikings. We met them at the small parking lot near P5 parking area of Thingvellir. Julian was our tour guide. He was personable, very helpful and friendly. Felt safe with him the whole time. You are expected to change into the dry suits right there in the parking lot even though it was really cold. I would have preferred a place to change so it would have been more comfortable and private. Julian assisted in getting all of our gear on. There was a total of 6 people in our group. My friend wanted to propose to her fiancé during our dive so she asked Julian if he would assist, he agreed and came up with a cool way to do it. He was very accommodating and helped make the proposal possible. We paid extra to have him record the whole thing with his GoPro. He gave us the memory card after the dive. Also, my gear was leaking a bit and my suit took on a lot of water from the shoulder area, Julian was great and helping me get out of the water and helping me dry up and giving me some warm clothes. All in all it was as a good rest experience and I would recommend it!
Anna Specogna
Anna Colleen Crouch
What an amazing experience!!! This was my Dad's Christmas present from me, and we both loved it. Don't be afraid to go in the winter! We stayed warm, and the water is cold even in the summer. My dad and I swam an extra ten minutes, and the guides didn't mind at all. Also take pictures/use a GoPro because our eyes can't pick up some of the amazing colors with the depth and water. I highly recommend this once in a lifetime experience!
Ching-Yi Liao
Although it’s my first time to do snorkeling, the dry suit always kept me floating so it’s not hard to follow the team. Our guide Julian was nice and also took us to a site in Þingvellir National Park to see the beautiful scene. It was a cold day in late December but it definitely a COOL experience to share with family and friend!
Marie-Laurence Gendron
This was an amazing experience! The guides were knowledgeable and very helpful! Swimming in the cold water was honestly not as bad as we thought! So don't worry about that, the drysuits and undergarments are warm. I would recommend to everyone :)
Mariana Franco
This is the most incredible experiance and is surely once in a lifetime! It is a MUST and is totally worth the money. The guides are Incredible especially anaSara and her brunette colleague . Safety Was very important and in my personal experience I was a little bit scared and they HELP ME A LOT and I was able to experience this adventure. The experiance itself is out of this world. The visibility is insane and swimming in glacier water is somthing you just can't do everywhere . 100% recommended!!
Eliana Husynni
This is the most unbelievable experiance and is surely once in a lifetime! It is a MUST and is totally worth the money. The guides are fun and helpful. Safety is number 1! The experiance itself is out of this world. The visibility is insane and swimming in glacier water is somthing you just can't do everywhere (especially the background and history of the site silfra). 100% recommended!!
Camille Jouanneau
Plongée au top à faire au moins une fois dans sa vie. Attendez vous cependant à avoir froid aux mains et au visage jusqu'au cou qui seront en contact avec l'eau. Nous avons eu deux guides géniales qui ont su nous mettre à l'aise et ont été de bons conseils pour compenser la température.
Bianca Blaettner
We had an absolute blast doing the tour! Our guides were very knowledgeable and gave us great tips on the diving technique. Beware-it is very cold! But absolutely worth the experience. We will be doing it again on our next trip to Iceland!
Claire Willett
Wow, what a surreal experience! Adventure Vikings were super, we were very well looked after and a small group, which was really nice. We recommend the Dry Suit over the wet suit, mainly for warmth purposes!! As it's 2C in the water and 6C out - one of our group had a wet suit and he was certainly cold, we were ok, especially with the hot chocolate they give you post snorkel. We didn't feel we missed anything by not being able to dive lower. What you see under that lake is absolutely awesome and beautiful. Highly recommend.
Rupal Patel
My sister and I loved our dry-suit snorkeling trip with Adventure Vikings. The team was amazing, fun, and super friendly. This by far was our favorite part of our trip and we'd come back to Iceland just to do this and do it with the same company - Adventure Vikings, b/c they were so nice and positive.
Fred Massoomi
Amazing experience for beginners. I really want to get certified to explore more. The staff was very professional an concerned with safety and anxiety of the participants. I would highly recommend this very UNIQUE experience to see Iceland from a different vantage. Amazing Iceland!
Lily Lavanchawee Sujarittanonta
I had a wonderful time in Iceland. The GuideToIceland staff ( a few of them took turns e.g. emails and FB messages from Sverrir Omar, and I learnt later that it was actually a few people responding to me) continuously contact me on Facebook messenger and email throughout my stay with great advice so I didn't feel alone and stranded/helpless (especially crucial for me as Norwegian Air LOST my luggage WITHOUT offering any compensation at all in the emergency situation, so I was left without my winter clothes, hiking shoes, swimsuit etc. that I had prepared for super cold and windy Iceland!) All I had was the summer Bangkok clothes I was wearing on my flight on my way after spending 2 weeks in hot sunny Greece. They recommended a shop to rent winter clothes and shoes although it was closed as I arrived on Sunday. The Loft hostel staff was helpful recommended the weekend flea market where I shop keepers helped dress me with affordable polar fleece and gore tex jacket (100€) and Ugg type boots (8€). GuideToIceland staff helped to reorganized my trip on the spot so that I had full activities everyday right till I went to the airporr at night for 1 am departure flight. E.g. arranged for 2nd night of free Northern lights hunt, last minute switch to go snorkeling in Silfa instead of going inside the volcano ( no hiking boots to do that), moved the Jokulsarlon South Coast trip to the last 4th day instead of 3rd day so that the 14 hour day trip ends perfectly in time for a bus ride from the central bus terminal to the airport for 11 pm check in. When I visited their office in City Hall I got a postcard set
Bronwen Scott
This was a fabulous experience!! I have done plenty of snorkelling but never in a dry suit and it was great - the only parts of my body that felt cold at all were my face and hands. I was in the water for around 40 minutes. The visibility was amazing, and the guides were fantastic. Loved it, and would highly recommend it.
Janel Cheek
Weston was an excellent guide. I had signed my kids up but was too apprehensive about the swimming part to sign myself up. However, once we got there Weston asked if I wanted to do it, so I did and he held my hand and stayed with me while also making sure my kids were doing well also (we were the only ones on the tour). You put on a jumper over your clothes (better not to wear anything bulky) and the the dry suit, etc., This is all done outside. The guide helps you get everything on. Then you walk over to where you will snorkel and put your flippers and snorkels on. The water is cold but it really isn't bothersome. The only thing that feels cold is your hands and maybe your face. There are no fish to see here but the rocks and algae and the clear water are very nice. Thanks Weston for being such a wonderful guide!
Janike Tutelaars
This was the most beautifull experience ever!
Nick Russell
This was an amazing experience every bit worth the money. The view was spectacular and the drysuit kept you plenty warm. Heimir and Weston did an awesome job with our group I highly recommend this tour.
Erik Aadland
This was a great experience! Our guide Weston did a superb job of making us feel perfectly comfortable and safe - and let us enjoy and explore the fascinating crystal clear water! Do not hesitate - just sign up and you will not regret it!
Katrina Lech
This tour was one of the highlights of our trip. The guides were nice, friendly, and patient. The water wasn't as cold as I had anticipated and the view underwater was breathtaking. Bonus getting to drink fresh glacier water while snorkeling. I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Lisa Hong
The guides were very friendly but also professional! Thank goodness the sun came out. This is totally worth the money! The water is so clean and clear that we drank it (not on purpose, but we did :P)
Hannah R Robertson
Dry suit snorkeling with Adventure Vikings was amazing!! Brindi and Ari were so awesome helping us get into our dry suits (no easy feat...) and Heimir guided us through the water and was fantastic! We loved every minute of it. Other than my lips and face being a little cold in the beginning, I was very warm and comfortable in the water. It was incredible and the staff was great!!
FENG Zheshen
My friends and I went snorkeling in the beginning of March. Before we go, we heard a lot about the freezing water. But actually we wore a lot under the dry suit when we were in the water. So only the face and hands where exposed in the water felt a little bit cold at first. The glacier water has three colors, and the view and experience in the water are soooo unique. And our guides are very patient and nice. They actually helped us a lot when we were stuck in the rocks. Will definitely recommend this tour and attend once more if there is a chance back to Iceland.
Sarah Dawalibi
Amazing experience! The water in incredibly clear and your discover a world you couldn't imagine from above. I was a bit frightened to swim in a so cold water but everything went well. You feel the cold on your hands and on your face but it's ok. Very good guide!
Thomas Stüssi
Great experience, well organized even though it was very cold during preparation but no problem in the water. Would really recommend it!
Caroline Nguyen
Wonderful and unforgettable experience to swim in this lake! The 2 guides were so friendly, helpful and responsible. They took care of us very well. We drove yourself to the meeting point, which was very easy to find. The dry suit (and our warm undergarment) kept us warm despite a temperature of -3 outdoors. However, a little bit of water still comes into the gloves so our hands were really cold by the end of the snorkeling tour. In total, we stayed around 30 minutes in the water.
Monika Lindstrom Meredith
So much fun and Brindi was lovely and very helpful!
Le
super good! Not so cold as i thought. The guider is really nice.
HENG
Amazing experience !! The 2 guides are really nice and patient guys to answer our questions. The drysuit of Adventure Box keep us really warm and dry. We are lucky to have good weather.
Jacob Yeroshek
Absolutely amazing experience!!! Would definitely recommend this trip and experience to everyone. We decided to drive ourselves and meet the guides at the meeting point, which was very easy to find. The guides were great, very friendly and great to get to know. Water was extremely cold but the dry suites keeps us warm except for the parts of skin that were exposed. And getting to not only swim between the tectonic plates but also touch both was an experience of a life time.
Janea Schimmel
Our snorkeling tour with Adventure Box was amazing! While cold, the water was incredibly clear and a lot of fun to be in. The views of the rift are worth every minute in the cold! We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone willing to brave the cold!
Susan Sun
Just came back from the Silfra snorkeling tour with Adventure Box and highly recommend it! Floating between two continents is super cool and must-have experience in Iceland! The water is crystal clear and the underwater view is amazing! The water temperature is 2 degrees - it sounds very cold but I can tell you with my own experience it's actually not that cold, at least not as cold as you would expect it to be, if you are in a dry suit! ;-) I'm a person who is actually very afraid of cold and I was fine! Tips: get well-prepared - I put on two layers of sweaters and pants under the dry suit, all in wool, and I didn't feel very cold. The equipments they provided include shoes and socks and undergarments which also helped to keep you warm. I wouldn't recommend wet suit, though. I could imagine it must be cold if you don't wear anything under the suit. Also highly recommend the Adventure Box who delivered the tour very well and helped made the tour a perfect and unforgettable experience. Our guide Bjarki and Ari are very kind and responsible. It wasn't easy to put on every single piece of the equipment and they spent a lot of time helping everyone of us get well dressed before getting into water and double checked to make sure there's no water leak (at least I didn't get any leak ^ ^). Ali took special care of the few people who claimed to be poor swimmer, including myself, and had been very patient with us. He even took the trouble to take a man who failed to get into the water back there after the snorkeling is done (at his request) so that he could take a few pictures as his memory of the tour in Iceland (a huge favor, I think). Many thanks to Bjarki and Ari for making this tour a great memory! Xiaowu Sun
Jemin J. Dedania
We recently booked a Silfra snorkel excursion with Adventure Box. We booked them through Guide to Iceland. The tour guide was on time and very helpful in explaining the excursion. Every single other tour group bailed, so we had the water to ourselves. It was very cold outside and windy. Colder than normal, hence all the other groups bailing. There was a chance our trip would be canceled due to the weather and the company was in great communication throughout. We had flown straight from the US and just had gotten off our flight to do this excursion. Our group was very tired, cranky, and cold. The guide did a great job with putting up with us and helping outfit us. Be sure to wear warm clothes under and great socks. You will be slightly cold but the views are worth it. Thank you Adventure box. Be sure to tip your guides because it is a lot of work helping put on the gear!
Erwin Hildebrand
It was an amazing experience to swim between two continents. The water was very cold, but worth every minute.
Joakim Stenudd
Really cool sights underwater on this 30 minute dive, but my mask kept leaking - the guide Julian said it was due to my moustasche/beard. So that's a tip, remove facial hair. I also got the drysuit, I was warm (exept for the feet - cold! - wear warm WOOL socks.) but I was really way too buoyant. Even swimming on the surface was a bit hard, I was like a piece of cork on the surface, really hard to even push down my legs and swimming down to the bottom or even a single meter below the surface was - IMPOSSIBLE! so if I did this again I would definitely get the wet suit, adventure vikings were flexible to let us choose on site what to wear. Also there was some misunderstanding with my booking, it said on this site that transport to the dive site was possible from reykavik. But I never got to choose the adress for pickup and being driven afterwards, so I got suspicious and contacted Adventure vikings. they answered fast and said that misinformation was provided here on guide to Iceland. so no transport was possible on the afternoon dive. But when I called the same day and said that a taxi cost 22 000 ISK!!!! ONE WAY! :o one of the guys was really nice and decided to drive me anyway, he had to change his plans a bit but made sure that everything worked out for me, just had to arrive an hour early which was cool. So I can definitely recommend this arranger for the dive tour because they are flexible and take care of you and fix things. you can really trust them :) //Joakim
Belle
Experience was amazing! Especially enjoyed the taste of fresh glacier water as we snorkelled around the lagoon. Our guide Wesley was really friendly and helpful. The actual guide and experience was great but we did have an unpleasant situation. Our bookings were not reflected with the actual guide operator so it was overbooked by Guide to Iceland. Although the actual guides gave us options to join the later tour, we wasted a few hours waiting in the cold and it disrupted the rest of our travel plans. It wasn't the fault of the actual tour guides but it was really not a good situation . For this reason, I've down rated this.
Ali Fox
The good: equipment was in excellent condition. Views and visability were remarkable. Our group was one of the first in the water (10am reservation) so we didn't have to stand in line with the other hundred(s) of tourists that were waiting their turn in queue when we got out of the water. The BAD: no signs for Viking Adventures anywhere, we had to wander around and ask people to find our group. The man who briefed us was nice enough, but the two women guides had sour faces the whole time and wanted to be anywhere else it seemed. Not a single smile, and they were downright nasty to the 2 nice Chinese men in our group. When dozens of your companies offer the identical package, your guide really makes or breaks the experience. This was a miss. Also, while trying to warm up after the swim, we were told "Sorry we were going to have hot chocolate for you, but we need the hot water for the next group instead." So they were unprepared in this regard. I would not use Adventure Vikings again or recommend them.
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