Are you preparing for your upcoming Iceland trip? If so, get ready to add a unique bucket-list experience to your itinerary: snorkeling in the other-worldly Silfra Fissure.
Snorkeling may not be the typical activity associated with Iceland, but Silfra Fissure has emerged as one of the country's most popular adventures. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the underwater realm between two continents. However, with plenty of tour options available, choosing the right one can feel quite overwhelming.
Don't worry! Our article is here to be your ultimate guide. We will unveil the top-rated Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours in Iceland, provide insights into what you can expect, and share valuable insider tips to help you make the most of your snorkeling adventure.
Get ready to discover the hidden depths of this extraordinary snorkeling spot!
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Compare the Best Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours in Iceland
Let's dive into our carefully curated selection of the absolute best Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours available that in our opinion offer the best value for money.
For your convenience, we have provided quick links to each tour, along with prices and a brief description highlighting their unique features and inclusions.
Quick Booking Links to 4 Top-Rated Tours
- Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates - meet on location
- Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
- Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates with Pick Up from Reykjavik
- Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavík with Free Photos
Descriptions of Silfra Snorkeling Tours
- Guided snorkeling tour
- Hot chocolate and cookies
- All necessary snorkeling equipment
- Drysuit and warm undersuit
- Live guide that is a PADI instructor
- Heated changing van
- Entrance fee to Silfra
- Meeting point: DIVE.IS Meeting Point for Silfra tours; 806 Thingvellir, Iceland
- Starting Time: Varies; please check availability to see the different options.
- Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Guided snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure
- Free GoPro photos from the tour (underwater and out of the water)
- Small-group guaranteed & personal experience
- Certified PADI dive / Dive-master Guide for Snorkeling Tour
- Drysuit and all other snorkeling equipment that will keep you warm and dry
- Hot chocolate/tea and chocolate bar after snorkeling
- Meeting Point: Troll Expeditions Silfra in Thingvellir National Park
- Starting Time: Varies; please check availability to see the different options.
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
- Guided snorkeling trip
- Hot chocolate and cookies
- All necessary snorkeling equipment, drysuit and warm undersuit
- Live guide that is a PADI instructor
- Heated changing van Entrance fee to Silfra (ISK 1,500)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Departs from: Hotel pickup from designated hotels and bus stops in central Reykjavik
- Starting Time: 9:30 AM
- Duration: approx. 4.5 - 5 hours
- Pickup from designated location in Reykjavik area
- Transportation by minibus with Wi-Fi and music
- Guided snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure
- Certified PADI dive guide
- Drysuit and all snorkeling equipment
- Hot drinks and chocolate bars after the trip
- Free photos from the tour
- Departs from: Pickup from designated location in Reykjavik
- Starting Time: 8:00 AM
- Duration: approx. 10 hours
- Not suitable for: Children under 12 years, pregnant women, individuals under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm) or over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm), individuals under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm), and individuals over 70 years of age.
What is Silfra Fissure?
Silfra is a renowned crack located in the stunning Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and drift apart. This extraordinary rift was formed in 1789 during significant earthquakes that accompanied the movement of these plates.
Today, Silfra Fissure has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the planet's premier destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling, drawing in visitors from across the globe.
What’s special about Silfra Fissure in Iceland?
What makes Silfra truly exceptional is its position at the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, giving you the unbelievable chance to swim, scuba dive, or snorkel between two massive continents. It's an adventure you won't find anywhere else on this planet!
But that's not all! Forget about warm tropical waters—Silfra Fissure is famous for its freezing cold water straight from the nearby Langjökull glacier. As you enter this underwater wonderland, you'll be surrounded by dramatic rock formations, ancient lava walls, and a peaceful atmosphere with minimal fish life around. It's like stepping into a secret realm that feels completely out of this world!
What makes the water in Silfra even more remarkable is its astounding purity, making it one of the clearest on Earth. Imagine gliding through the crystal-clear depths with visibility extending up to an incredible 100 meters (328 feet), and being immersed in shimmering shades of blue and turquoise that seem to defy imagination.
Where is Silfra Fissure in Iceland, and how to get there?
Silfra Fissure is nestled within the remarkable Thingvellir National Park, which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the must-visit spots along the popular Golden Circle route.
Depending on the traffic, it typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes to drive from Reykjavik city center to reach this incredible location.
See below for two options on how to get there:
What to Expect from Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours in Iceland?
Here's what you can expect during a typical Silfra Snorkeling Tour in Iceland:
When is the Best Time for Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours in Iceland?
If you're planning a Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour in Iceland, you may be wondering about the best time to go. The good news is that the diving/snorkeling experience at Silfra remains consistent throughout the year, with stable visibility and a water temperature of 2-4°Celsius (35-39°F) all year around.
However, if you prefer warmer temperatures when you come out of the water, it's recommended to visit during the summer or fall when the outside temperatures range from 8-12°C (46-54°F). On the other hand, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, spring and fall are excellent options.
10 Insider Tips for your Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour in Iceland
Here are ten insider tips to help you prepare and enhance your Silfra Fissure snorkeling experience:
- Book in Advance: Silfra Fissure is an extremely popular attraction, and tours sell out quickly. To secure your spot, it's recommended to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Be Prepared to Get Cold: While you will be provided with gear, it's important to note that some body parts, especially the face, may still get numb due to the cold water. Be mentally prepared for the temperature and simply embrace the unique experience. If you are sensitive to cold or have claustrophobia, this tour may not be suitable for you.
- Bring Warm Clothes: Underneath your dry suit, layer up with warm clothing to help insulate your body. Wearing good thermal underwear and thick, wool socks will ensure you stay warm throughout the snorkeling adventure. After getting out of the cold water, it is advisable to have a warm jacket, gloves and a change of clothes with you to warm up quickly.
- Eat Breakfast/Lunch Before the Tour: Snorkeling in Silfra can be physically demanding, so it's important to have enough energy. Make sure to have a meal before your tour to fuel yourself for the experience.
- Pack Snacks and Water: As you'll be out for several hours, you want to bring some snacks and water to keep yourself energized and hydrated. Note that there are no food vendors at Silfra, so it's best to bring your own supplies.
- Consider your hair: If you have long hair, it's a good idea to bring a towel to dry it after the tour. To ensure maximum comfort during your snorkeling experience, we recommend wearing your hair loose or in a braid or low ponytail. Avoiding buns or high ponytails will prevent discomfort under the hood of the dry suit.
- Ensure a Fully Charged GoPro: If you want to capture the adventure with your GoPro, make sure it is fully charged. The cold water temperatures can drain the battery quickly, so be prepared.
- Eyewear Considerations: Wearing glasses underneath the dive mask is not possible as it would fill with water. Consider wearing contact lenses or bringing your own prescription mask if needed.
- Leave Jewelry Behind: It's recommended to leave all jewelry at your hotel or car, as you will need to remove them before the snorkeling activity.
- Provide Correct Size Information: To ensure the best fit for your dry suit, it's important to provide accurate height and weight information during the booking process.
FAQ - Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours in Iceland
Silfra Fissure is a famous crack in Iceland's breathtaking Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates come together and separate. It originated in 1789 during powerful earthquakes linked to plate movement. Today, Silfra is internationally recognized as a top spot for scuba diving and snorkeling, attracting adventurers from around the world. >> Read More
The cost of a Silfra snorkeling tour varies depending the type of tour you choose. For a typical snorkeling day tour in Silfra Fissure with a meet-on location, prices typically range between 110 and 150 euros per person. Tours that depart from Reykjavik or include additional attractions like the three main sites of the Golden Circle route are of course pricier.
>> You can find the prices of our recommended tours in the section "Compare the Best Options for a Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Adventure"
The Silfra Fissure is nestled within the remarkable Thingvellir National Park, which is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of the must-visit spots along the popular Golden Circle route. Depending on the traffic, it typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes to drive from Reykjavik city center to reach this incredible location.
The depth of Silfra Fissure ranges from 40 to 100 meters (130 to 328 feet), while the maximum dive depth is around 18 meters (60 feet), offering adventurous divers the chance to explore its captivating depths. On average, a typical dive at Silfra hovers around 10 meters (32 feet), allowing you to soak in the mesmerizing underwater scenery.
When preparing for a Silfra snorkeling tour, it's important to note that the tour operator will provide you with a dry suit or wet suit to protect you from the freezing water temperature. However, to ensure maximum comfort and warmth, it is recommended to wear good thermal underwear and wool socks underneath. Additionally, bringing gloves and a warm cap for when you exit the water can help keep you cozy in the cold environment. By dressing appropriately, you can fully enjoy the unique experience of snorkeling in Silfra Fissure. >> See more tips and things to know before visiting.