Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure from Reykjavik: Golden Circle

Float through glacier-filtered water between two continents, then stand at the edge of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls.

Snorkel in Silfra Fissure at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site where you float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in water so clear it feels like suspended flight, then travel the Golden Circle by minibus to Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and Kerid volcanic crater. Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels are included; groups stay under six people per guide; all snorkeling gear, a certified guide and complimentary underwater photos are provided. Minimum age is 12. Participants must be able to swim and communicate in English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Thingvellir National Park30m · entry included
2. Gullfoss30m

Golden Circle and Silfra Snorkeling Tour

• Pickup from Reykjavik
• Visit Þingvellir National Park
• Snorkel in Silfra Fissure
• Visit Geysir geothermal area
• See Gullfoss waterfall
• Stop at Kerið volcanic crater
• Return to Reykjavik drop-off

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel and a drive to Þingvellir National Park. Once there, your guide fits you with a drysuit, thermal undersuit, hood and fins. Everything you need for the cold water. Silfra Fissure is the main event: you enter the rift between two continental plates and float through four distinct sections (the Deep Crack, Hall, Cathedral and Lagoon) each one offering the same exceptional visibility that makes this one of the clearest snorkeling sites on Earth. The glacier-filtered water means you can see far enough that the depth beneath you feels abstract. Your guide takes underwater photos as you go, so you have proof of the moment.

After snorkeling, you change into dry clothes and board a small minibus for the Golden Circle route. The stops come in sequence: Geysir, the geothermal area where hot springs and steaming vents still show the raw power of Iceland's geology; Gullfoss, a two-tiered waterfall that drops into a canyon with enough force to generate mist and rainbows on clear days; and Kerid, a volcanic crater that sits conveniently along the route. Between stops, the minibus has WiFi. After your final stop, the driver takes you back to your Reykjavik drop-off point. Hot chocolate and cookies arrive after the snorkeling portion, a small warmth before the rest of the day unfolds.

The whole outing runs about nine hours from pickup to drop-off. You'll need to bring warm base layers (fleece or wool, not cotton) thick socks and a towel. A change of clothes is smart in case water gets past the drysuit. Snorkeling masks don't fit over glasses, so if you need vision correction, bring contact lenses or arrange a prescription mask beforehand. The operator will send you a snorkeling handbook before the tour. It covers medical and safety requirements, and you'll need to fill out a medical form on the day. Certain conditions (asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and others listed in the handbook) require a doctor's clearance to participate in the snorkeling portion.

What’s included

• Professional certified snorkeling guide.
• Reykjavik hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all snorkeling gear (drysuit, thermal undersuit, hood, fins, snorkel, goggles and boots).
• complimentary underwater photos taken by your guide.
• guided sightseeing of the Golden Circle including Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and Kerid Crater.
• minibus transport with WiFi on board.
• hot chocolate and cookies after snorkeling.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Is this one for you?Groups stay under six people per guide, which keeps the snorkeling intimate and the pace manageable. Choose this if you want to float through Silfra without feeling rushed or crowded, and to have a guide who can take time with photos and answer questions as you go.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Silfra Fissure and why is the water so clear there?

Silfra Fissure is a natural rift in Þingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The water is glacier-filtered and so transparent that you can see far enough to feel suspended in air above the deep crack beneath you. It's one of the clearest snorkeling sites on Earth.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No prior snorkeling experience is required, but you must be able to swim and communicate in English. Your certified guide stays with a maximum of six people per group to ensure safety and a personal experience.

What happens if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Snorkeling masks don't fit over glasses, so you'll need to wear contact lenses or arrange a prescription snorkeling mask before the tour. The operator can advise on prescription mask options if you contact them in advance.

What are the Golden Circle stops and how much time do we spend at each one?

The Golden Circle route includes Geysir (a geothermal area with hot springs and steaming vents), Gullfoss (a two-tiered waterfall in a canyon), and Kerid (a volcanic crater). The itinerary visits all three, though the exact time at each stop depends on the day's flow and conditions.

What should I bring and wear for this tour?

Bring warm base layers made from fleece or wool (not cotton), thick wool socks, a small towel and a change of clothes in case water gets past the drysuit. All snorkeling gear (drysuit, thermal undersuit, hood, fins, snorkel and goggles) is provided by the operator.

Are there medical conditions that would prevent me from snorkeling?

Certain conditions including asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure require a doctor's clearance to participate in the snorkeling portion. Pregnant women cannot snorkel on this tour. You'll receive a snorkeling handbook before the tour and must fill out a medical form on the day. The operator reviews these to ensure safe participation.