Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates & Dry Suit Tour

Summary

Snorkeling Silfra’s clear fissure floating between continents

You’ll float between tectonic plates at Silfra with a local guide, wearing a dry suit that keeps you warm as you drift through crystal-clear glacial water. Expect small group attention, a heated van to change in, plus hot chocolate and cookies after your swim. It’s surreal—one of those moments you’ll replay long after leaving Iceland.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll feel the dry suit squeeze you like a weird, puffy hug,” our guide Marta said, grinning as she zipped me up. I could barely wiggle my fingers. The air smelled sharp and cold — like glacier melt and moss — and someone’s laughter echoed off the black rocks behind us. I didn’t expect to feel nervous, but there’s something about standing at the edge of Silfra, staring into water so clear it looks fake, that makes you pause. Marta checked everyone’s mask seals again (she said she’s seen every possible leak), then we waddled down together. It was only five minutes but my heart was thumping the whole walk.

The first moment my face hit the water I forgot about everything else. The world went blue and silent except for my own breath bubbling in the snorkel — I could see straight down through endless layers of rock and sand, like falling into a dream. Marta pointed out where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart; it’s wild to think you’re literally floating between them. She waved us over to a spot called Silfra Cathedral (I think that’s what she said — my ears were half frozen), and sunlight shot through the crack in these neon lines. My hands tingled from cold but honestly, I barely noticed because it was just so… odd? Beautiful? Still not sure how to describe it.

Afterwards we peeled off our suits in this heated van that smelled faintly of wet neoprene and cocoa powder. Everyone looked a little dazed — that kind of quiet you get after something big or weirdly peaceful happens. Marta handed out cookies and hot chocolate (the real kind, thick and sweet) while showing us photos on her phone. Someone asked how old the fissure was; she told us about Thingvellir’s history and why Icelanders are so proud of this place. I still think about that view under the water sometimes when I’m washing dishes or whatever — just floating there between continents, not really belonging anywhere for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour at Silfra fissure

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Check in with guides
• Receive drysuit and gear
• Get briefing on safety and park
• Change in heated van
• Walk 5 minutes to Silfra
• Snorkel 30-45 minutes in Silfra
• Warm up with hot cocoa and cookies
• Chat and view tour photos

Top questions

Do I need scuba certification to snorkel at Silfra?

No, scuba certification isn’t required—just basic swimming ability and comfort in water.

What should I wear under the dry suit for Silfra snorkeling?

Wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as your base layer under the provided dry suit.

Is hotel pickup included for this Silfra snorkeling tour?

No, this tour is meet-on-location only; public transportation options are nearby.

How cold is the water at Silfra fissure?

The water is cold year-round (about 2–4°C), but the dry suit keeps you mostly warm and dry inside.

Are snacks or drinks included after snorkeling?

Yes, hot chocolate and cookies are served after your swim while you warm up in the changing van.

What is the minimum age for snorkeling at Silfra?

The minimum age is 12 years old for participants on this tour.

How long does the actual snorkeling part last?

The snorkeling portion lasts about 30–45 minutes inside Silfra fissure.

Is there an English-speaking guide during the tour?

Yes, all guides speak English and provide full safety briefings before entering Silfra.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Silfra fissure itself, all necessary snorkeling gear including a dry suit and warm undersuit, guidance from an experienced PADI instructor throughout your swim, use of a heated changing van before and after getting in the water, plus hot chocolate and cookies once you’re done—so you can thaw out while chatting with your guide about what you just saw.