Iceland Silfra: Drysuit Snorkeling Photos & Hot Chocolate

Summary

Snorkeling Silfra fissure drysuit tour with photos and warm-up treat

You’ll float through Silfra’s crystal-clear fissure in a drysuit with a small group, guided by an expert who knows every rock and current. Expect underwater photos taken for you, surreal views between tectonic plates, and a warming cup of hot chocolate after your swim. It’s not just about seeing Iceland — it’s feeling part of its wild landscape for a little while.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when I stepped out onto the gravel at Thingvellir — just that I’d seen pictures of Silfra and thought, alright, let’s see if it’s really that clear. Our guide, Einar, was already waving us over with this big grin, explaining how the Eurasian and North American plates are slowly pulling apart under our feet. He handed me the drysuit and warned it might feel tight around the neck (he wasn’t kidding), but honestly, I was more distracted by the cold air biting my nose and the weird excitement in my stomach. The group was small — six of us fumbling into suits like penguins.

Walking down to the fissure, I could hear this soft crunch of frost underfoot. Einar cracked a joke about Icelandic elves living nearby (I think he was only half joking). The moment I slipped into Silfra’s water — wow. It was like falling into a glass of ice water but without getting wet inside, thanks to the drysuit. The visibility is wild; you can see forever down there, blue stretching out so far it almost made me dizzy. At one point I looked up and saw sunlight flicker through the surface — kind of surreal. Einar swam ahead snapping photos (so you don’t have to mess with your own camera), sometimes calling out for us to look his way. I probably looked ridiculous with my mask fogging up from laughing.

After about 40 minutes drifting along between continents (which sounds dramatic but really does feel strange when you think about it), we climbed out shivering and Einar handed us hot chocolate right there on the bank. My hands were numb but that first sip — sweet and almost smoky — brought me back to life. Someone in our group tried saying “Þingvellir” properly and we all lost it laughing. Honestly, I still think about that blue beneath me and how quiet everything felt underwater except for my own breathing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel at Silfra fissure in Iceland

• Meet guide at Thingvellir National Park
• Review safety procedures with guide
• Put on drysuit or wetsuit gear
• Snorkel in Silfra fissure for 40 minutes
• Enjoy hot chocolate after snorkeling

Top questions

How long do you spend in the water during Silfra snorkeling?

The time in the water is around 40 minutes during this Silfra snorkeling tour.

Are underwater photos included in the Silfra drysuit snorkeling tour?

Yes, underwater photos are included as standard so you don’t need your own camera.

Is hotel pickup included for this Silfra snorkeling experience?

No, this tour meets on location at Thingvellir, about 50 km from Reykjavik.

Can I choose between wetsuit or drysuit for Silfra snorkeling?

This operator offers both wetsuits and drysuits; check which is best for your swimming ability before booking.

Is hot chocolate provided after snorkeling at Silfra?

Yes, your guide will prepare hot chocolate for you after getting out of the water.

What should I wear under the drysuit for Silfra snorkeling?

You should wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as a base layer under your drysuit.

Do I need to be able to swim to join this tour?

Yes, all participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in water.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your PADI-certified guide at Thingvellir, all necessary snorkeling equipment including either a drysuit or wetsuit (depending on preference), professional underwater photos taken during your swim through Silfra’s clear fissure waters, plus hot chocolate served right after you get out of the water to help you warm up before heading off again.