Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Silfra Snorkeling with Photos

Summary

Snorkeling Silfra then Gullfoss and Geysir in one wild day

You’ll suit up in a drysuit for snorkeling Silfra’s crystal fissure with a local guide before warming up with hot chocolate and chocolate bars. Then visit Gullfoss waterfall’s spray and Geysir’s eruptions on this full Reykjavík day trip with pickup included. Expect laughter, cold cheeks, free photos — and a few moments you’ll probably replay later.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first shock of cold air when we stepped out at Þingvellir — the kind that makes your nose sting a bit. Our guide, Einar, handed me this drysuit that looked like it belonged on the moon (I had to wiggle into it for a good five minutes). The whole group was laughing about how unflattering we all looked, but honestly, nobody cared. It’s weird — you’re standing between two tectonic plates and suddenly you’re just focused on getting your zipper up. Einar told us stories about the rift while we shuffled toward Silfra. I could smell wet moss and something metallic in the air.

Getting into the water was... well, I won’t lie, my face went numb instantly. But floating in Silfra is like drifting through glass — you can see down forever, blue and green stretching below you. I kept thinking: this is what they mean by “between continents.” The silence underwater was almost total except for my own breathing (which sounded way louder than expected). Afterward, someone handed me hot chocolate and an Icelandic chocolate bar — I think it was called Hraun? Not sure I said that right; Einar grinned anyway.

After drying off (sort of), we piled back into the minibus and headed for Gullfoss. There’s this low roar as you walk up to the falls — not deafening, but steady enough to feel in your chest. Spray everywhere; my camera lens fogged up immediately. Geysir was next. We waited for Strokkur to erupt — everyone holding their breath — and then it shot up so fast I nearly missed it fiddling with my gloves. So yeah, Reykjavík day trips pack a lot in but this one felt different because of that wild swim in Silfra. Sometimes I still catch myself thinking about how clear that water was.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Golden Circle tour and Silfra snorkeling

• Depart from Reykjavík
• Visit Geysir Geothermal area
• See Gullfoss Waterfall
• Explore Þingvellir National Park
• Snorkel in Silfra fissure
• Return to Reykjavík

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle & Silfra snorkeling tour?

Yes, pickup from designated bus stops in Reykjavík is included.

How cold is the water at Silfra fissure?

The water is around 2-4°C year-round but you get a drysuit to stay warm.

Are GoPro photos really included?

Yes, free underwater and above-water GoPro photos are part of the tour.

How long does the snorkeling last?

The guided snorkeling portion at Silfra usually lasts about 30–40 minutes.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is included but you get hot chocolate/tea and Icelandic chocolate bars after snorkeling.

What are the main stops on this Golden Circle day trip?

You visit Þingvellir (Silfra), Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?

No prior experience needed but you must be comfortable swimming in water.

Can kids join this tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old; anyone under 18 must be with an adult guardian also booked on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík bus stops, all entry fees and taxes covered, guided Golden Circle sightseeing plus certified dive-master for your Silfra snorkeling adventure (with all equipment provided), free WiFi aboard the minibus, hot chocolate or tea with Icelandic chocolate bars after your swim, free GoPro photos from above and below water, plus small-group comfort throughout before returning to town.