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Snorkeling in Iceland: What You Need To Know
Snorkeling tours in Iceland offer a unique opportunity to uncover the country’s hidden underwater beauty. Available year-round—even in winter—these tours cater to all skill levels, making them accessible to everyone from beginners to experts.
Snorkeling in Iceland is quite unlike what most travelers are used to. Forget beach shorts and coral reefs. In Iceland, you’ll suit up in a drysuit, glide through dark underwater canyons, and float in icy, crystal-clear waters. It’s an adventure unlike any other.
For those ready to embrace the cold, Iceland offers some of the most breathtaking underwater treasures. As the home of Silfra fissure, one of the planet’s top snorkeling and diving destinations, it’s a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Snorkeling in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure
Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s top snorkeling and diving destination. It’s the only place in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates - the Eurasian and North American plates.
Here’s what makes snorkeling in Silfra unforgettable:
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Unmatched water clarity: Silfra’s glacial waters have been naturally filtered for centuries. This makes them some of the purest and clearest in the world.
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Breathtaking scenery: Silfra’s clear waters reveal a stunning canyon floor adorned with beautiful shades of blue and green rock formations and algae.
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Gentle current: Effortlessly float or swim as your drysuit keeps you buoyant when swimming and snorkeling in Silfra. This feature makes it accessible to everyone.
Quick Facts About Silfra
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Location: Thingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik
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Water temperature: Constant 35–39 F (2–4 C) year-round
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Visibility: Over 328 feet (100 meters), some of the clearest waters in the world
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Required gear: Drysuit, thermal underlayers, and snorkeling equipment (provided by the tour operator)
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Accessibility: Suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers
Top Silfra Snorkeling Tours in Iceland
Snorkeling in Silfra offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fortunately, several top-rated snorkeling tours in Iceland help you experience Silfra fissure to the fullest. Note that these tours also cater to all experience levels.
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Silfra Snorkeling Tour Between Two Continents With Photos and Snacks: This top-rated Silfra tour provides complete snorkeling equipment and free underwater photos for the best experience. Light and warm snacks are included at the end of the tour to warm you up.
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Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavik With Underwater Photos: Explore Silfra fissure with convenient round-trip transportation from Reykjavik. This tour also offers free underwater photos to capture this unforgettable experience.
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Golden Circle and Silfra Snorkeling With Underwater Photos: Combine two of Iceland’s top attractions in one day with this tour. Then, capture your snorkeling experience with underwater photos as souvenirs.
How To Get to Silfra Fissure From Reykjavik
Going to Silfra from Reykjavik is easy. You can rent a car from Reykjavik and drive for about an hour. Thingvellir National Park is easily accessible via Route 36.
For those who prefer not to drive, several tours offer transportation from the city center. They often include convenient pickups from major accommodations in Reykjavik. These options make it easy to include snorkeling in Silfra as part of your Iceland adventure.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go snorkeling in Iceland?
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?
What 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.
Are snorkeling tours in Iceland family-friendly?
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?
Can I snorkel between tectonic plates in Iceland?
Do snorkeling tours at Silfra include pickup services from Reykjavik?
How long does my snorkeling tour at Silfra last?
Can I take underwater photos during a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
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?
Do I need to know how to swim when snorkeling in Silfra?
What should I wear for a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
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?
What other equipment will I use when snorkeling in Silfra?
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?
Is snorkeling in Iceland safe?
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?
Is the water cold when snorkeling in Silfra?
Are there any health or medical restrictions for participating in a snorkeling tour in Iceland?
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?
Can I meet the guides at the Silfra snorkeling location in Iceland?
Are there any snorkeling tours in the ocean surrounding Iceland?
Is the water drinkable in Silfra?
Can I scuba dive instead of snorkeling in Iceland?
Is there fish in the Silfra fissure?
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?
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