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.
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 a GoPro.
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.
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.
Yes, you can snorkel between tectonic plates in the
Silfra Fissure, located in
Thingvellir National Park. This unique site lies between the Eurasian and North American Plates, offering a rare chance to swim in crystal-clear water between two continents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 your tour guide to provide you with all the necessary equipment.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the water in Silfra is a consistent 35–37 F (2–3 C) year-round. Although drysuits provide insulation, you may still feel the chill on exposed areas like your hands and face. Because of a light current flowing through the fissure, Silfra never freezes—even in winter.
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.
No, the age limit for snorkeling in Silfra is non-negotiable. Tour operators must follow Icelandic law, which requires participants to be at least 12 years old to join snorkeling tours in the country.
Yes, you can meet your guides directly at the Silfra snorkeling site, although the exact meeting point may vary depending on the operator. Some may meet you at the nearby visitor center, while others may use the Silfra car park. Be sure to read your tour description carefully to confirm the correct location. If you’re unsure, you can always contact us at
info@guidetoiceland.is for assistance.
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.
Yes, there are a few small fish in the Silfra Fissure, but they are rarely seen while snorkeling. Some fish, like the Dwarf Char, inhabit the fissure but usually stay hidden in the deeper rocky areas. Unlike other snorkeling sites rich in marine life, Silfra is best known for its crystal-clear water, unique geological formations, and the rare experience of swimming between tectonic plates.
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.
