Silfra: Private Snorkeling Tour & Underwater Photos for 6

Summary

Snorkeling Silfra’s clear fissure with photos and a private guide

You’ll float between continents in Silfra’s crystal-clear water with a private guide by your side (up to six per group). Choose a drysuit or wetsuit for your snorkeling adventure; all equipment is included along with entry fees and underwater photos to keep afterward. Warm up with hot chocolate after drifting through this surreal landscape — it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I saw was the blue — not just water-blue, but this wild, electric color that made me stop fiddling with my mask for a second. We were standing on the edge of the Silfra fissure, somewhere in Thingvellir, and our guide (Icelandic, funny, I think his name was Jón) handed out drysuits. I’d never worn one before. It felt tight around my neck and wrists — not exactly comfy, but Jón said that’s normal. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Silfra” like a local. I definitely didn’t nail it.

Getting into the water was honestly a shock. They told us it would be 2-4 degrees Celsius, but I still gasped when it crept into my gloves. But then you look down and forget everything else — you’re floating between two tectonic plates, North America on one side and Eurasia on the other. The visibility is wild; you can see forever (Jón said about 100 meters). Sometimes all you hear is your own breathing through the snorkel and this weird silence under the surface — no fish darting around, just rocks and light shifting as you drift along.

I picked the drysuit (I’m not that brave), but my friend went for the wetsuit because she wanted to dive under. The current is gentle; you don’t even need to swim much — just let yourself float through these narrow cracks where sunlight slices through in strips. At one point I caught myself grinning inside my mask because it felt so unreal. After maybe half an hour (time gets weird in cold water), we climbed out shivering and laughing, and Jón handed us hot chocolate right there at the van. My hands were numb but somehow that cup tasted like magic.

The underwater photos came later — some of them look fake, honestly, like postcards or screensavers. But they’re real, and so was that feeling of floating between worlds for a little while. If you ever do a day trip to Silfra from Reykjavik or anywhere near Thingvellir, don’t skip this. I still think about that blue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Silfra snorkeling experience

• Meet at Silfra snorkeling location
• Choose drysuit or wetsuit
• Snorkel in crystal clear water
• Explore between tectonic plates
• Enjoy underwater photos

Top questions

How cold is the water at Silfra?

The water temperature at Silfra stays between 2-4°C year-round.

Do I need to know how to swim for Silfra snorkeling?

Yes, all participants must know how to swim and feel comfortable in water.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No, this tour is meet-on-location only; there’s no hotel pickup.

What’s the difference between wetsuit and drysuit at Silfra?

A wetsuit lets you dive under but feels colder; a drysuit keeps you warmer as you float on the surface.

Are underwater photos included in the price?

Yes, underwater photos taken during your snorkeling are included.

Can children join the Silfra snorkeling tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old; younger participants may be possible if arranged in advance.

How many people are in each private group?

This private tour allows up to six participants per guide/group.

What should I wear under my drysuit?

It’s recommended to wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as a base layer under your drysuit.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment (wetsuit or drysuit plus undergarment), entry fees for Silfra and Thingvellir area, underwater photos from your adventure, plus hot chocolate after your swim — just meet at location ready for an icy dip between continents.