Silfra Snorkeling Tour: 3 Hours in Glacier Water

Swim across two continents in the clearest glacier water in Iceland

Snorkel in the Silfra Fissure at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in water so clear the canyon walls and underwater flora are visible throughout. A PADI Divemaster guide leads the 3-hour snorkel in a small group, and you receive a thermal drysuit, neoprene hoods and gloves, mask, snorkel and fins. You must be between 12 and 69 years old, comfortable swimming, and physically fit; you drive yourself to the meeting point. Free GoPro photos from underwater and above water are emailed after the tour, along with hot chocolate and a chocolate bar.

The Experience

Three hours in Thingvellir National Park starts with a walk through volcanic, moss-covered fields before you reach the Silfra Fissure itself. Your PADI Divemaster guide briefs you on the water and the two tectonic plates you'll move between—the rift between North America and Eurasia is narrow enough that you can swim across it multiple times. The water is glacial melt, so cold that the thermal drysuit, undersuit, hoods and gloves are not optional; they keep you warm and buoyant while you're in the fissure.

Once you enter the water, the visibility is immediate. The fissure walls drop away beneath you, and the shades of blue shift as the light moves through the glacier water. You'll see the natural underwater flora and the canyon walls on both sides. The guide stays with the small group throughout, and the pace is set so everyone can take in the moment without rushing. Silfra gets crowded in summer, so early morning or late afternoon departures mean fewer people in the water and more space to move.

After you're out and dried off, hot chocolate and a chocolate bar are waiting. The GoPro photos—both underwater shots and surface moments—arrive by email for free, so you have a record of the day without carrying a camera yourself. You'll need to bring contact lenses if you wear glasses, since standard snorkel masks don't fit over them. This is a self-drive tour, so you arrange your own transport to the meeting point; there are no public buses to the location.

What’s included

• A PADI Divemaster guide leading the small group in English.
• thermal drysuit, neoprene undersuit, mask, snorkel, fins, hoods and gloves.
• hot chocolate and a chocolate bar after snorkeling.
• free GoPro photos from both underwater and above water, sent by email.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this tour for a morning or afternoon when you want to stand in one of the world's few places where you can physically swim between two tectonic plates—the small-group format and fixed timing mean the day stays manageable, and the guide handles the logistics so you focus on the moment in the water.

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Top questions

What's the water temperature like in Silfra, and why do I need a thermal drysuit?

Silfra Fissure is fed by glacier melt, so the water stays cold year-round. The thermal drysuit, neoprene undersuit, hoods and gloves are included and essential—they keep you warm and buoyant throughout the 3 hours in the water. Slight water leakage around the neck and sleeves is normal and expected.

Can I wear my glasses while snorkeling in Silfra?

Standard snorkel masks don't fit over glasses, so the operator recommends bringing contact lenses for the best experience. If you don't wear contacts, you'll need to decide whether to snorkel without vision correction.

How busy is Silfra in summer, and does it affect the experience?

Silfra gets very busy in summer months. The operator recommends booking the earliest morning or late afternoon tours to avoid crowds and have more space to move and float in the fissure.

Do I need to drive myself to Thingvellir National Park?

Yes, this is a self-drive tour, so you need your own car to reach the meeting point. There are no public buses to the location, so arranging transport beforehand is necessary.

What happens to the photos taken during the tour?

A GoPro camera captures underwater and surface photos throughout the snorkel. The photos are sent to you by email for free after the tour, so you have a record of the day without managing your own camera in the water.

What's the age range for this snorkeling tour?

Participants must be at least 12 years old and no older than 69. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour. If you're over 60, you'll need a medical waiver; if you're over 45 and have a history of pipe smoking or heavy alcohol use, a waiver is also required.