Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling Private Group & Underwater Photos

Snorkel Between Continents in Iceland's Clearest Water

You snorkel in a private group of up to six between tectonic plates in Iceland's clearest water, choosing between a drysuit or wetsuit for 30–40 minutes in 2–4 degree glacial water. Entry fees, equipment, undergarments, and underwater photos are included, plus hot chocolate after. The guide meets you on location and handles the logistics so you just show up ready to swim.

Step-by-step itinerary

Silfra snorkeling experience

• Meet private snorkeling guide
• Choose drysuit or wetsuit
• Snorkel in crystal clear water
• Explore fissure between tectonic plates
• Enjoy underwater photos

The experience

You're standing at the edge of a crack in the earth, and you're about to float through it. Silfra Fissure sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and the water is so clear you can see 100 meters down, which means you'll see exactly how far the gap goes. The temperature hovers between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius, so you choose your armor: a wetsuit if you want flexibility to dive under, or a drysuit to stay warm while the current carries you slowly through the split. Either way, you're in for about 30 to 40 minutes max, and your private guide stays with your group of up to six.

The whole thing is logistically handled: entry fees to the national park and Silfra itself are included, along with the equipment, a fitted undergarment for the drysuit if you go that route, and hot chocolate waiting when you climb out. The guide meets you on location, which saves the back-and-forth of pickups. You'll want to bring contact lenses or a prescription mask if you wear glasses, and eat a proper breakfast beforehand. The cold and the altitude demand it. Bring a change of clothes too, just in case: drysuits are tight around the neck and wrists, and while leaks are rare, they happen.

Underwater photos come with it, so you don't have to choose between experiencing the moment and having proof it happened. The visibility is the real draw here: most snorkeling sites give you 20, maybe 30 meters on a good day. Silfra gives you a hundred, and you're floating between two continents while you look at it.

What’s included

Your day includes snorkeling equipment (wetsuit or drysuit), fitted undergarment for the drysuit, national park and Silfra entry fees, underwater photos, and hot chocolate after you exit the water. The guide meets you on location and stays with your group throughout the 30–40 minute snorkel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30, 12:00 and 12:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adventure Vikings

Is this one for you?Right for swimmers who want to experience Silfra's 100-meter visibility and the tectonic plates without arranging transport or worrying about entry logistics: the private guide and small group size mean you move at your own pace and get photos without hunting for a camera operator.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

195 verified traveler reviews

5 ★193

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How cold is the water at Silfra?

Between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. You wear either a wetsuit or drysuit to manage it.

What's the visibility like?

Around 100 meters in the glacial water, which is exceptional for snorkeling anywhere.

How long do you actually spend in the water?

About 30 to 40 minutes maximum.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, wetsuit or drysuit, undergarment for the drysuit, national park and Silfra entry fees, underwater photos, and hot chocolate.

Do I need to arrange my own transport?

The guide meets you on location, so you arrange your own way there, but no separate pickup service is involved.

Can I wear glasses underwater?

No. Bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you need vision correction.

What's the difference between a wetsuit and a drysuit?

A wetsuit lets you move more freely and dive under, but a drysuit keeps you warmer. Both work. It's your choice based on comfort.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, 12 years old. Contact the operator about younger participants.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You must know how to swim and be comfortable in water. All participants fill out a medical form before the activity.

What should I bring?

A change of clothes, contact lenses or prescription mask if needed, long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as base layers, and eat a full breakfast beforehand.