Silfra Snorkeling: Swim Between Continents & Free Photos

Summary

Snorkeling Silfra fissure with drysuit gear and local guide

You’ll pull on a drysuit at Thingvellir and follow your guide down mossy paths to Silfra fissure, where glacier water reveals unreal blue depths between continents. Float quietly above ancient rocks, then warm up with hot drinks as your GoPro photos arrive later—one of those rare moments that sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

You park at Thingvellir, kind of nervous (I was, anyway) because the landscape already feels otherworldly — moss everywhere, black rock, air that smells sharp and clean. Our guide, Anna, waves us over with a grin and hands out drysuits. I’d never worn one before. Getting into it is a bit of an ordeal — like squeezing into a cold balloon — but Anna jokes about “the Icelandic hug” and helps zip me up. She checks everyone’s mask fits and asks if anyone’s cold-blooded; someone laughs too loud. The group is small, maybe six of us.

Walking to the Silfra fissure is quick but quiet. You can hear your own boots crunching on gravel, and there’s this hush over the water — it’s so clear you see straight down to rocks that look close but are meters away. Anna explains we’ll be snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian plates (she points out which side is which). I didn’t expect the water to actually taste fresh when it hits your lips through the snorkel — glacial meltwater, she says, filtered for decades underground. It’s cold but not painful thanks to all the layers; my cheeks go numb after a minute but I stop caring because everything below is blue on blue, with these weird waving plants like underwater hair.

I tried to say “Þingvellir” right — Li laughed at my accent, which broke any tension left in our group. Floating along in Silfra feels slow and strange; you barely have to kick because you’re so buoyant in the suit. At one point I just stopped moving and let myself drift while Anna pointed out tiny details on the canyon walls. There aren’t many fish (she said sometimes you spot one if you’re lucky), but honestly it’s more about feeling suspended between continents than spotting wildlife.

When we got out — awkward again in those suits — Anna handed around hot chocolate and some kind of chocolate bar that tasted way better than it should’ve after being in freezing water. She promised we’d get GoPro photos by email (mine arrived that night). My hands tingled for ages afterward; I still think about how silent it felt underwater except for my own breathing echoing back at me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Silfra fissure

• Arrive at Thingvellir National Park
• Explore volcanic moss fields
• Listen to PADI Divemaster guide
• Receive snorkeling equipment
• Snorkel between tectonic plates
• View underwater flora and canyon walls
• Receive GoPRO pictures by email

Top questions

How cold is the water when snorkeling Silfra?

The water temperature in Silfra stays around 2-4°C year-round, but drysuits keep most of your body insulated from the cold.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience for Silfra?

No prior snorkeling experience is required, but you must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, this is a self-drive tour—you need your own car to reach Thingvellir as there are no public buses available.

What equipment is provided for Silfra snorkeling?

The tour includes all necessary gear: drysuit with thermal undersuit, mask, snorkel, fins, neoprene hoods and gloves.

Are GoPro photos included in the price?

Yes, GoPro photos taken during your snorkeling tour are included free and will be emailed to you afterwards.

What’s the age limit for snorkeling Silfra?

The minimum age is 12 years old (with adult), maximum age is 69 years old unless you have a medical waiver if over 60.

How long does the actual snorkeling last?

The time spent in the water typically ranges from 30–40 minutes depending on conditions and group size.

Is there food or drink provided after snorkeling?

You’ll get hot chocolate or tea plus a chocolate bar after finishing your swim in Silfra fissure.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified PADI Divemaster guide at Thingvellir (self-drive only), full use of drysuit gear with thermal undersuit plus mask, snorkel and fins—all fitted before entering Silfra fissure—plus free GoPro photos sent by email after your swim and hot drinks with chocolate once you’re back on land.