Silfra Snorkeling & Fly Over Iceland: Local Guide, Photos, Hot Chocolate

Summary

Snorkel Silfra fissure then soar above Iceland’s wild beauty

You’ll float through crystal-clear Silfra fissure with a local guide (and maybe taste glacier water), then warm up with hot chocolate before soaring above Iceland’s landscapes on an immersive virtual flight ride. Expect underwater photos, flexible timing from Reykjavik, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the silence — not the usual hush you get underwater, but this weird, almost echoing quiet as I floated between the tectonic plates at Silfra. Our guide, Einar, handed me my drysuit (which honestly felt like wrestling into a rubbery cocoon — he laughed when I asked if it ever gets easier). The water was so clear it actually made me dizzy for a second; you can see right down to the rocks and moss below. I tried to touch both sides of the rift at once — Einar said everyone does that. He also told us to take a sip if we wanted; the glacial water is safe to drink. It tasted cold and sharp, almost sweet.

Afterwards, we huddled together with our hands wrapped around cups of hot chocolate. My fingers were still tingling from the cold (even with thick wool socks), but nobody seemed to mind. There was this quiet camaraderie between us — a mix of relief and excitement. Someone cracked a joke about looking like penguins in our suits. The national park around Silfra is just wild — mossy lava fields stretching out forever, and you can hear birds somewhere off in the mist.

We drove ourselves back toward Reykjavik for the Fly Over Iceland experience (the timing’s flexible if you want to swap days). The pre-ride bit was unexpectedly fun — there’s this storyteller who brings up old legends and even a troll named Sú Vitra (I’m still not sure if she was real or just really good at staying in character). When the ride started, it felt like flying over waterfalls and black sand beaches with wind on your face — they even add scents and mist so it’s not just a screen. Kind of cheesy maybe, but honestly? I grinned like an idiot most of the time.

I keep thinking about that moment floating between continents — how small you feel in such clear water. If you’re up for something different near Reykjavik with a local guide who knows their stuff (and takes underwater photos so you don’t have to fumble with your camera), this day trip is worth it. Just don’t forget extra socks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel Silfra and Fly Over Iceland

• Snorkel at Silfra fissure
• Travel to Fly Over Iceland attraction
• Experience immersive flight simulation
• Enjoy stories from guides and troll

Top questions

How cold is the water when snorkeling Silfra?

The water in Silfra fissure is glacial meltwater and stays around 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 be comfortable in water.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, this is a self-drive experience; transportation is not included.

What equipment is provided for snorkeling?

You get a wetsuit or dry suit (with undergarment), all snorkeling gear, and underwater photos are included.

Can I wear glasses during Silfra snorkeling?

No, glasses aren’t allowed under masks; bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if needed.

Is there an age limit for Silfra snorkeling?

The minimum age is 12 years old; participants over 65 need physician approval.

How far is Silfra from Reykjavik?

Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park is about 50 kilometers from Reykjavik.

What’s included after snorkeling at Silfra?

You’ll get hot chocolate after your snorkel session and access to Fly Over Iceland virtual ride experience.

What’s included

Your day includes guided snorkeling at Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park with all necessary equipment (wetsuit or dry suit plus undergarments), national park entry fees covered, underwater photos taken by your guide so you can just enjoy being there, plus hot chocolate after your swim. You’ll also get admission to Fly Over Iceland’s immersive ride experience whenever it fits your schedule best.