Best Snorkeling Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed
Discover the largest selection of snorkeling tours in Iceland. Make memories of a lifetime as you swim between tectonic plates in the pristine waters of the Silfra fissure.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go snorkeling in Iceland?
The best time to go snorkeling in Iceland is anytime. Snorkeling tours at Silfra Fissure operate year-round, with water temperatures remaining fairly consistent between 35-37°F (2-3°C).
However, the air temperature and weather conditions may be more favorable during summer. Keep in mind that snorkeling in Silfra can be busier during peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.
However, the air temperature and weather conditions may be more favorable during summer. Keep in mind that snorkeling in Silfra can be busier during peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.
What is the best snorkeling tour in Iceland?
The Silfra Snorkeling Tour Between Two Continents is the best-rated snorkeling experience in Iceland. It includes complete snorkeling equipment and a certified PADI divemaster as a guide. This tour also includes free underwater photos using GoPro.
What are the cheapest snorkeling tours in Iceland?
These are the cheapest snorkeling tours in Iceland:
1. Silfra Snorkeling Tour From Reykjavik With Underwater Photos offers a convenient experience with roundtrip transportation. This tour also offers underwater photos, which are perfect as souvenirs.
2. 3-Hour Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park includes an admission fee to the park and free underwater photos.
3. The 3-Hour Silfra Snorkeling Tour From Thingvellir National Park offers a wetsuit to its participants rather than the usual drysuit.
1. Silfra Snorkeling Tour From Reykjavik With Underwater Photos offers a convenient experience with roundtrip transportation. This tour also offers underwater photos, which are perfect as souvenirs.
2. 3-Hour Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park includes an admission fee to the park and free underwater photos.
3. The 3-Hour Silfra Snorkeling Tour From Thingvellir National Park offers a wetsuit to its participants rather than the usual drysuit.
Are snorkeling tours in Iceland family-friendly?
Yes, snorkeling tours in Iceland can be family-friendly, especially for families with teens. Most operators allow participants aged 12 and up, making it an excellent activity for older children.
While younger kids may not meet the requirements, families with teens can enjoy the unique experience together. Make sure to listen to your guide, as they ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
While younger kids may not meet the requirements, families with teens can enjoy the unique experience together. Make sure to listen to your guide, as they ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
How deep is the Silfra fissure?
At its deepest, the Silfra fissure is 200 feet deep (60 meters). While snorkeling, you’ll float near the surface and enjoy stunning views of the rift, thanks to the crystal-clear water. In contrast to snorkeling, a diving experience in Silfra typically takes you up to 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface.
Can I snorkel between tectonic plates in Iceland?
Yes! You can snorkel in the Silfra fissure at Thingvellir National Park. The Silfra fissure in Iceland is located between the massive Eurasian and North American Plate.
Do snorkeling tours at Silfra include pickup services from Reykjavik?
Many tour operators offer pickup services from Reykjavik, approximately a 45-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Iceland and drive to the Silfra fissure, but make sure to allow ample time for parking and finding the meeting point.
How long does my snorkeling tour at Silfra last?
Snorkeling tours at Silfra typically last at least two hours, with the actual snorkeling portion taking 30 to 45 minutes. The remaining time is spent on preparation, gearing up, and safety instructions, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure.
Can I take underwater photos during a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
Yes, you can take underwater photos during your snorkeling tour in Iceland. If you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone, you can capture the stunning underwater scenery.
Some tours include underwater photography as part of the experience, such as this drysuit snorkeling tour with underwater photos. Some rent out GoPro cameras to participants for an additional fee.
Some tours include underwater photography as part of the experience, such as this drysuit snorkeling tour with underwater photos. Some rent out GoPro cameras to participants for an additional fee.
Do I need prior snorkeling experience to participate in a tour in Iceland?
While prior snorkeling experience can be helpful, it is not mandatory for most snorkeling tours in Silfra Fissure. Tour operators provide a safety briefing and basic snorkeling instructions before the tour. However, participants must be comfortable swimming and meet certain age, height, and weight requirements. Make sure to check the tour description for further details.
Do I need to know how to swim when snorkeling in Silfra?
Yes, all participants must know how to swim when snorkeling in Silfra. Even though the drysuits are very floatable, participants must be physically fit to navigate the water during the tour.
What should I wear for a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
Due to the cold water temperatures, the tour operator provides participants with the proper snorkeling equipment. This includes a drysuit or a thick wetsuit, gloves, a hood, and snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins).
Under the suit, wearing warm, thin layers of clothing, such as thermal or fleece, is essential. Also, bring a change of clothes and a towel to use after the snorkeling experience.
Under the suit, wearing warm, thin layers of clothing, such as thermal or fleece, is essential. Also, bring a change of clothes and a towel to use after the snorkeling experience.
Do you need to wear a drysuit when snorkeling in Silfra?
Most operators require you to wear a drysuit, although some will also let you snorkel in a wetsuit. There are no options to snorkel without protective equipment, however, as the water in Silfra is far too cold.
What other equipment will I use when snorkeling in Silfra?
Alongside the drysuit, you'll wear a pair of neoprene gloves, a neoprene hood, a pair of fins, and a snorkeling mask when snorkeling in Silfra.
You can rely on the tour guide to provide you with all the necessary equipment.
You can rely on the tour guide to provide you with all the necessary equipment.
Can I participate in a snorkeling tour if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
You can wear contact lenses during your snorkeling trip in Iceland. However, if you’re wearing glasses, switching to contact lenses is advisable. Glasses cannot be worn with the provided snorkeling masks.
Is snorkeling in Iceland safe?
Snorkeling in Iceland is safe as long as you listen to your guide and dress appropriately. Your guide will ensure safety procedures are followed and provide all the necessary equipment.
As a participant, it’s important that you’re comfortable swimming in water before booking one of our Silfra snorkeling tours.
As a participant, it’s important that you’re comfortable swimming in water before booking one of our Silfra snorkeling tours.
What is the visibility like when snorkeling in Silfra Fissure?
Silfra is known for its exceptional underwater visibility, which can exceed 328 feet (100 meters) on a clear day. The crystal-clear water is a result of the slow filtration of meltwater from the nearby Langjokull glacier through the porous volcanic rock. The whole filtration process took over 100 years.
Is the water cold when snorkeling in Silfra?
The water in Silfra is a consistent 2-3°C (35-37°F) year-round. While the drysuit helps insulate you, you may still feel slightly cold, especially on your hands and face. Because Silfra has a light current running through it, the fissure never freezes, not even during the winter.
Are there any health or medical restrictions for participating in a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
Due to the physical nature of snorkeling and the use of drysuits, participants must be in good health and able to swim. Certain medical conditions, such as heart or lung issues, may require clearance from a doctor. Pregnant women are not advised to participate in snorkeling tours.
Additionally, some age, height, and weight requirements differ between tour operators. Make sure to read the tour description carefully before booking it.
Additionally, some age, height, and weight requirements differ between tour operators. Make sure to read the tour description carefully before booking it.
Is it possible to negotiate about the age limit for snorkeling in Silfra?
No, the tour operators need to adhere to Icelandic law, which states that you must be 12 years old to participate in snorkeling in Iceland.
Can I meet the guides at the Silfra snorkeling location in Iceland?
Yes, though the specific meeting point will differ with each operator. Some may wish to meet you at the nearby visitor's center, others in Silfra car park. Make sure to read the tour description carefully to know the correct meeting point. You can also contact us at info@guidetoiceland.is if you need further information.
Are there any snorkeling tours in the ocean surrounding Iceland?
No, all snorkeling tours in Iceland take place in Silfra fissure at Thingvellir National Park.
Is the water drinkable in Silfra?
Yes, the water in Silfra is drinkable and delicious.
Can I scuba dive instead of snorkeling in Iceland?
Yes, it is possible to go scuba diving in the Silfra fissure. However, participants must hold a valid drysuit diving certification or have logged at least 10 drysuit dives within the last two years.
Is there fish in the Silfra fissure?
Compared to other snorkeling sites that are abundant with wildlife, the appeal of diving in Silfra is its crystal clear water, geological formations, and the uniqueness of diving between tectonic plates.
Some small fish may reside there, such as the diminutive Dwarf Char, but they mostly stay in the depths near the rocks, so they are unlikely to be spotted by snorkelers.
Some small fish may reside there, such as the diminutive Dwarf Char, but they mostly stay in the depths near the rocks, so they are unlikely to be spotted by snorkelers.
Will my snorkeling tour in Silfra be cancelled if it's raining or snowing?
No, tours at Silfra will go ahead unless extremely strong winds warrant a cancellation. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the tour operator directly or email our team at info@guidetoiceland.is.
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