Silfra Fissure Snorkeling in Thingvellir: between two continents

Slip between two continents in water so clear you see 150 meters down

Silfra Fissure snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park puts you in glacial water between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, with a PADI-certified guide, full thermal gear, and small groups of no more than six. The water comes from Langjökull Glacier and travels through lava before reaching the fissure, creating an underwater landscape found nowhere else. Your guide photographs you underwater at no extra cost, and hot chocolate and cookies warm you up after.

The Experience

What makes Silfra different from any other snorkel site on Earth? You're swimming in a fissure where two continental plates drift apart 2 centimeters every year, and the glacial water is so clear you can see 150 meters ahead. The water arrives from Langjökull Glacier, filtered through lava fields, and the result is a surreal passage of shimmering blues and volcanic rock walls that few places on the planet can match. A PADI-certified guide meets you at Thingvellir and keeps groups to a maximum of six people, so the experience stays personal and the guide can watch everyone closely.

You'll wear a drysuit over thermal undersuit and base layers—the operator provides the suit, hood, boots and all snorkeling gear, so you only bring warm layers and a change of clothes. The guide gives a safety briefing before you enter the water and stays with your group throughout. After you finish snorkeling, you warm up with hot chocolate and cookies before heading off to explore the rest of Iceland on your own. The whole activity runs about three hours from start to finish, and Silfra sits on the Golden Circle route, so it fits easily into a larger day.

Your guide photographs you underwater and gives you the images free—no separate purchase, no upsell. You need to be at least 12 years old, comfortable swimming independently, and able to understand English for safety. The operator requires all participants to review their snorkeling handbook before the tour; it covers medical conditions, fitness expectations and what the water demands of your body. Pregnant people cannot participate, and certain medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health) require a doctor's approval or mean you cannot go. Bring contact lenses if you wear glasses, since glasses don't fit under the goggles.

What’s included

• All snorkeling gear including drysuit, thermal undersuit, hood, boots, snorkel and goggles.
• PADI-certified guide with a maximum of six guests per guide.
• underwater photos taken by your guide at no extra cost.
• hot chocolate and cookies after snorkeling.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Is this one for you?Swim between two continents through Earth's clearest water, where volcanic rock walls frame a surreal passage that reveals the planet's geological forces in real time—a natural extension of your Golden Circle route.

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Top questions

How clear is the water in Silfra, and what will I actually see down there?

Silfra's glacial water offers up to 150 meters of visibility, so you can see the volcanic rock walls, the fissure itself, and the underwater landscape stretching far ahead of you. The water is so transparent that depth perception can feel strange at first—objects look closer than they are. The fissure walls are bare rock, and the water is a deep blue; there is minimal marine life, but the geological formations are what make the site extraordinary.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer or diver to snorkel in Silfra?

You don't need diving certification, but you must be able to swim independently and be comfortable in the water. The operator requires at least moderate physical fitness and asks all participants to review their snorkeling handbook before booking, which outlines the physical demands and medical requirements. Your PADI guide stays with a maximum of six guests and provides a safety briefing before you enter the water.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring myself?

The tour includes all snorkeling gear (snorkel, goggles, fins, drysuit, thermal undersuit, hood and boots), a PADI-certified guide, underwater photos taken by your guide, and hot chocolate and cookies after snorkeling. You bring warm base layers (fleece or wool, not cotton), warm socks, a small towel and a change of clothes. Transport from Reykjavik is not included; you meet the guide directly at Thingvellir.

How long does the whole experience take, and when does it happen?

The activity runs about three hours from the safety briefing through warming up with hot chocolate afterward. The operator offers Standard Tours, Discounted Times and a Late Afternoon Discounted Tour option, so you can choose a departure time that fits your schedule.

Why is Silfra between two continents, and what does that actually mean when I'm in the water?

Silfra is a fissure in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The plates drift apart about 2 centimeters every year, and you're snorkeling directly in the gap between them. Geologically, you're swimming between two continents, though the continental boundary is invisible underwater—what you experience is the dramatic rock walls on either side and the unique geological forces that created the fissure.

Can I wear my glasses underwater, or do I need to bring contact lenses?

Glasses cannot be worn under the snorkeling goggles, so if you need vision correction, bring contact lenses instead. The goggles fit over contacts without a problem.