Silfra Snorkeling Tour – Between the Eurasian and North American Plates
From $159.00 per person
- Free cancellation – up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
- Reserve now and pay later – Secure your spot while staying flexible
Snorkeling at Silfra is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Iceland and the world. This crystal-clear fissure in Thingvellir National Park marks the meeting point between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Fed by glacial meltwater filtered through underground lava for decades, Silfra’s visibility often exceeds 100 meters, creating an underwater landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.
This guided Silfra snorkeling tour provides everything you need for a safe and unforgettable adventure:
- a certified PADI guide
- dry suit and thermal gear
- entrance fee
Why This Tour Is Worth It
This Silfra snorkeling tour offers a truly unique experience – the rare opportunity to swim between two continental plates and float in one of the clearest bodies of water on Earth. The glacial meltwater, naturally filtered through volcanic rock for decades, provides visibility of up to 100 meters, creating an almost surreal underwater landscape.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be guided by PADI-certified instructors who prioritize safety and comfort, ensuring you stay warm in the crisp Icelandic water. With small groups limited to six participants, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience at your own pace.
All necessary gear is provided along with access to a heated changing van for convenience. After your dive, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and Icelandic cookies by the Silfra car park, the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
What’s Included
- Guided snorkeling tour in Silfra
- Certified PADI dive instructor
- All snorkeling gear: dry suit, warm undersuit, mask, snorkel, fins
- Heated changing van for comfort before and after the dive
- Entrance fee to Silfra (ISK 1,500)
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the activity
What’s is NOT Included
- Souvenir photos (available for purchase)
- Gratuities (optional)
What to Expect
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to check in with your guide. Once your small group (maximum 6 participants) is formed, your instructor will explain how to use your dry suit and snorkeling gear, and help you gear up inside the heated changing van.
You’ll then walk about five minutes to the Silfra entry point. The snorkeling session lasts 30 to 45 minutes, taking you through four main sections:
- Silfra Crack: The narrow entry where the plates are closest.
- Silfra Hall: A wide chamber with striking depth and color.
- Silfra Cathedral: The deepest and most awe-inspiring stretch, often compared to an underwater cathedral.
- Silfra Lagoon: A calm, shallow area with incredible clarity and vibrant hues — perfect for photos.
After emerging from the water, enjoy a hot drink and cookies while you warm up and chat with your guide about the unique geology of the site.
What to Bring
- Long thermal underwear and thick wool socks to wear under the dry suit
- A towel and change of clothes
- Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional – photos can also be purchased)
- Warm clothing for before and after the tour
Meeting Point & Directions
DIVE.IS – Silfra Snorkeling and Diving Tours
After entering Thingvellir National Park, drive onto road #361, then take the third right to reach the Silfra car park, where DIVE.IS vans are stationed. Continue slightly ahead to Parking P5, park your car, and walk back to the meeting point where your guide awaits.
Important Information
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Height: 150–200 cm (4 ft 11 in – 6 ft 7 in)
- Weight: 45–120 kg (100–264 lbs)
- Participants aged 60 and over must present a doctor-signed medical clearance form.
- Participants must be comfortable in water, able to swim, and in good physical condition.
- Medical form and body measurements (height, weight, age) must be submitted to the operator before arrival to ensure correct dry-suit sizing.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart or serious medical conditions.
- All participants must understand and communicate in English.
- Maximum group size: 6 people
Traveler Tips
- Book in advance, especially during summer, as daily spots are limited by park regulations.
- Silfra water temperature stays around 2 °C (36 °F) year-round, so thermal layers are essential.
- Morning sessions often offer better visibility as light filters through the fissure.
- Combine your snorkeling adventure with a visit to other Golden Circle attractions like Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs, and Thingvellir National Park viewpoints for a perfect day trip.
Cancellation Policy
- Free Cancellation: Get a 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time.
- Late Cancellation: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start are non-refundable.
- Changes: Any booking changes requested less than 24 hours before the experience will not be accepted.
- Weather Policy: This activity depends on good weather conditions. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered either a new date or a full refund.
- Minimum Group Size: A minimum number of travelers is required for the tour to operate. If the minimum is not met, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
All times are based on local Icelandic time.
Traveler Reviews
Can’t miss experience! Incredibly clear and clean water that is pure enough to drink. Unbelievable scenery and views. Our guide, Filip, was amazing. Shared info and tips to keep us safe and warm(ish) plus offered suggestions for the rest of our day on the Golden Circle. Highly recommend the tour and Filip!
This was a fantastic experience! You should have no doubts that this is worth your time and money. Armand and team were great–super friendly and knowledgeable. The prep was very thorough and there was plenty of time in the water. Highly recommended and I would do this again if/when visiting Iceland again.
Was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I love to snorkel but not in the cold lol. Seeing the depths was incredible. Our guide, Linn, ensured we were safe, comfortable (as much as one could be), and entertained. It was amazing.
