Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling Between Continents & Free Photos

Summary

Swim between continents in Iceland’s clearest water with expert guides and warm cocoa after

You’ll slip into Silfra’s glacier-fed waters with a certified guide and swim between two continents in Thingvellir. Crystal clarity, free underwater photos, and warming cocoa after make this day trip more than just snorkeling — it’s a strange little adventure you’ll remember long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my hands to go numb so fast, even inside the drysuit — but honestly, I was too busy gawking at the colors below me to care. The Silfra Fissure near Thingvellir is like nowhere else I’ve been. Our guide, Einar, kept cracking jokes about “swimming from America to Europe in five minutes.” He helped me wriggle into the suit (not graceful), checked everyone’s gear twice, and then we just slid into this unreal blue world. It’s so clear you can see forever — or at least it feels like it.

The first time I put my face in the water, I forgot to breathe for a second. There’s this silence except for your own bubbles, and all these wild shapes of lava rock stretching out below. Einar pointed out how the walls are still drifting apart a couple centimeters every year — which is kind of wild if you think about it while floating there. He snapped some underwater photos (included — thank god because my fingers were too stiff for my phone). The cold is sharp but clean; it almost wakes up your brain.

Afterwards, we peeled off our suits with a lot of awkward hopping around and drank hot chocolate that tasted way better than it should have. Cookies too. Everyone was laughing about how goofy we looked in the photos. I still think about that blue light under the surface sometimes — not sure anything else will feel quite like swimming between continents in Iceland.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir

• Meet guide at Thingvellir
• Receive safety briefing
• Suit up for snorkeling
• Snorkel between tectonic plates
• Enjoy underwater photos
• Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies

Top questions

How cold is the water when snorkeling Silfra Fissure?

The water is around 2–4°C year-round, but you’ll wear a drysuit and thermal layers provided by the tour.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience for Silfra?

No prior experience is required, but you must be able to swim and understand English for safety reasons.

Are underwater photos included on this Silfra snorkeling tour?

Yes, your guide takes underwater photos during the tour and they’re included for free.

Is transport from Reykjavik included?

No, this option meets directly at Thingvellir. If you need transport from Reykjavik, there’s a separate tour option available.

What should I bring for snorkeling at Silfra?

Bring warm base layers (fleece or wool), warm socks, a small towel, and a change of clothes just in case.

Is there an age limit for snorkeling Silfra?

The minimum age is 12 years old; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult booked on the same tour.

Can glasses be worn under the snorkeling mask?

No, glasses cannot be worn under the mask; please bring contact lenses if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary snorkeling equipment (drysuit, thermal undersuit, snorkel gear), guiding by a certified PADI Divemaster at Thingvellir’s Silfra Fissure, free underwater photos taken by your guide during the swim, plus hot chocolate and cookies to warm up after before heading out on your own adventure.