Silfra Snorkeling: Tectonic Plates Swim & Reykjavik Pickup

Summary

Snorkel Silfra’s clear rift waters with pickup from Reykjavik

You’ll float through Silfra’s surreal rift in Thingvellir, swimming between continents in water so clear it barely looks real. With a local guide handling all gear and hotel pickup from Reykjavik, you’ll warm up afterward with cocoa and cookies — plus a few laughs about your drysuit dance moves.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — not blue exactly, but something sharper, almost electric. We’d just arrived at Silfra after that drive from Reykjavik (the guide, Sigrún, told stories about trolls and geology the whole way — she swears she saw northern lights last week). The air smelled faintly metallic, like wet rocks and moss. Getting into the drysuit was its own adventure; I’m not sure I’ve ever looked less graceful. Sigrún helped me tug on the suit and checked my mask twice (“You’ll thank me later,” she said). My hands were already tingling from the cold, but honestly? I was more excited than nervous.

Walking down to the fissure felt surreal — there’s this hush in Thingvellir that you don’t get anywhere else. The group was small, maybe six of us. Someone tried to pronounce “Þingvellir” right and everyone laughed (I still can’t say it). When we finally slipped into the water, it was so clear I could see every ripple on the lava rocks below. It’s hard to explain — floating between two tectonic plates feels both huge and weirdly peaceful. The cold sort of disappears once you’re moving, or maybe you just forget about it because you’re too busy staring at those colors under the surface. At one point I stopped paddling just to listen; all I heard was my own breath echoing in my mask.

I didn’t expect to feel so awake afterward. Maybe it was the shock of cold or maybe just being somewhere that old and strange. Back at the van, Sigrún handed out hot chocolate and cookies (the kind with little bits of chocolate that melt fast — perfect after freezing your face off). Everyone compared notes about what they saw in Silfra Hall or Cathedral. There’s something about sharing that kind of day with strangers that sticks with you longer than you think… even if your hair smells like neoprene for hours after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour at Silfra fissure

• Pick up from Reykjavík
• Drive to Thingvellir National Park
• Guide explains geology and history
• Receive drysuit and snorkeling gear
• Change in heated van with help
• Walk 5 minutes to Silfra
• Snorkel 30-45 minutes in Silfra
• Warm up with hot cocoa and cookies

Top questions

How long does the Silfra snorkeling tour take?

The full experience lasts around 4-5 hours including pickup from Reykjavik, gearing up, snorkeling (30-45 minutes), and return.

Is hotel pickup included for Silfra snorkeling?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included in the tour.

Do I need diving certification to snorkel at Silfra?

No certification is needed; you just need to be able to swim and feel comfortable in water.

What should I wear under the drysuit?

Wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as a base layer under your drysuit for warmth.

Is there an age limit for Silfra snorkeling?

Participants must be at least 12 years old; those over 60 need a doctor’s approval form.

Are snacks or drinks provided after snorkeling?

Yes, hot chocolate and cookies are served after your swim.

How many people are in each group?

The groups are small, usually up to 6 participants per guide.

Will there be a guide during the snorkeling?

A certified PADI instructor guides you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, entrance fees for Silfra, all necessary snorkeling equipment plus a warm undersuit and drysuit (with help getting suited up), guidance from a certified instructor throughout your swim between tectonic plates, use of a heated changing van before and after, plus hot chocolate and cookies when you finish thawing out back at base.