Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling Tour from Reykjavík with Photos

Summary

Snorkel Silfra’s blue rift with pickup and expert guide

You’ll float through Silfra Fissure’s surreal blue water with a small group and expert guide, drifting right where two continents meet. Expect ice-cold clarity, warm cocoa after, and free underwater photos to remember it all by. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that rift up close — it sticks with you long after you’re dry.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, handed me a dry suit and grinned, “You’ll feel like a marshmallow.” I laughed — she wasn’t kidding. The suit squeaked as I shuffled to the edge of Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and the wind kept tugging at my hood. I caught myself glancing around at the others in our small group (six of us, all looking equally ridiculous), and for a second I wondered if anyone else was nervous about dipping into that icy blue crack between continents.

The first shock was how clear everything looked underwater — like floating through glass. Our guide pointed out the rocks below, saying we were drifting right between North America and Eurasia. My fingers tingled from the cold even inside the gloves. It’s strange, but there’s this silence down there except for your own bubbles. At one point I tried to say “wow” through my snorkel and just ended up choking on a little water — Li saw and gave me a thumbs-up anyway. The colors shift from deep blue to turquoise as you move along; it’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it yourself.

Back on land, someone handed out hot chocolate and cookies (I never thought warm cocoa could taste so good). We swapped stories while peeling off our suits — everyone looked flushed and goofy but happy. The drive back to Reykjavík felt quieter somehow; maybe we were all replaying those moments under the water. I still think about that view between the plates — it’s not something you really forget.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure

• Pickup from Reykjavík
• Travel to Thingvellir National Park
• Introduction to Silfra fissure
• Put on dry suit and snorkel
• Safety briefing
• Snorkel in Silfra fissure
• Return to Reykjavík

Top questions

How long does the Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour take?

The full experience including pickup from Reykjavík lasts several hours; actual time in the water is usually around 30–40 minutes.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes, round-trip pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík are included in the tour.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No previous experience is needed but you must be able to swim and understand English for safety instructions.

What should I bring for Silfra snorkeling?

Bring warm base layers (fleece or wool), warm socks, a towel, change of clothes, and contact lenses if needed (no glasses under mask).

Are underwater photos included?

Yes, complimentary underwater photos taken by your guide are included in the tour.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided but hot chocolate and cookies are served after snorkeling.

What are the age restrictions for this tour?

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

Can people with medical conditions join?

Certain medical conditions require doctor approval; some may prevent participation. Review the operator's handbook before booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from Reykjavík in a comfy minivan, entry to Þingvellir Park, all specialized snorkeling gear plus a dry suit (you’ll want those layers), guidance from a certified PADI Divemaster throughout Silfra Fissure itself, complimentary underwater photos snapped by your guide while you float between tectonic plates, and hot chocolate with cookies once you’re back on dry land before heading home again.