Iceland Silfra: Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour & Free Underwater Photos

Summary

Snorkel between tectonic plates in crystal-clear Silfra water

You’ll slip into Silfra’s clear glacier water with a wetsuit and local guide, float between continents with unreal visibility, try diving down if you want, then warm up with hot chocolate after. Free underwater photos capture it all—so you can focus on the feeling instead of your camera.

What’s the experience like?

We were already shuffling awkwardly in our wetsuits when Jón, our guide, cracked a joke about Icelandic summers (“sometimes they last a whole afternoon”). I could smell the cold — that sharp, mineral scent you get near glaciers. The group was a mix: one couple from Spain, a solo traveler who’d never snorkeled before (she looked nervous), and me, still wondering if I’d regret not picking the drysuit. Jón explained how this canyon—Silfra—was filled by meltwater that had traveled underground for decades. He handed us our masks and told us to tuck our socks in tight. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at my own clumsy attempts to zip up my suit.

Sliding into the water was like waking up too fast. It’s cold, but not as bad as I’d feared. The visibility is unreal — over 100 meters, Jón said — and it feels like flying through blue glass. There’s this weird silence once your face is under; just your breath and the slow ripple of your fins. Every now and then I’d look up and see someone waving or grinning through their mask. At one point I tried to dive down (the wetsuit lets you do that) but mostly I floated along, watching sunlight flicker on rocks below. The whole thing took maybe 30-40 minutes but time felt strange down there.

Afterwards we peeled off gear with numb fingers and huddled around mugs of hot chocolate — honestly, that first sip was almost as good as the snorkeling itself. Jón snapped dozens of photos (free to download later), catching everyone’s best awkward underwater faces. My toes were still tingling when we said goodbye. I keep thinking about that moment under the surface, everything quiet except for my own heartbeat — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Silfra wetsuit snorkeling experience

• Park car in P5 parking
• Meet snorkel and dive vans
• Greet guide and tour briefing
• Wear snorkel gear and wetsuit
• Attend safety briefing
• Snorkel in Silfra crack
• Warm up with hot chocolate
• Receive downloadable photos

Top questions

How cold is the water when snorkeling Silfra in a wetsuit?

The water is very cold year-round (around 2-4°C), but the wetsuit helps insulate you so most people find it manageable for 30-40 minutes.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer for Silfra snorkeling?

You must know how to swim and feel comfortable in water, but you don’t need advanced swimming skills.

What should I wear under my wetsuit for Silfra snorkeling?

You should wear your bathing suit underneath; thick socks are recommended to help keep your feet warm.

Are underwater photos included in the Silfra snorkeling tour?

Yes, your guide will take underwater photos throughout the tour at no extra cost; they’re downloadable after a few days.

How long does the actual snorkeling part last?

The time spent in the water is usually about 30–40 minutes.

Is hot chocolate really included after snorkeling?

Yes! After getting out of the water, you’ll be offered hot chocolate to warm up.

Can I choose between wetsuit and drysuit for this tour?

This company offers both options; wetsuits let you dive down while drysuits are easier if you’re less confident swimming.

Where do we meet for the Silfra snorkeling tour?

You meet at P5 parking area where all snorkel/dive vans are located at Silfra.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Silfra’s P5 parking area where your local guide provides all necessary snorkeling equipment (wetsuit or drysuit), a safety briefing before entering the water, free downloadable underwater photos taken by your guide during the experience, and a cup of hot chocolate to warm up once you’re out of the glacier-fed canyon.