Quick Facts About Snorkeling At Silfra Fissure
Water temperature
2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round.
Underwater visibility
100 meters (328 ft). you can clearly see the bottom even at 18 meters (60 feet) due to near-perfect clarity.
Depth range
2–18 meters
(6–60 ft). 100 meters (328 ft). Visibility makes the fissure look much deeper than it actually feels while floating.
Deepest point
Silfra Cathedral – ~18 meters (60 feet).
Width of fissure
As narrow as 1 meter (3 feet) in some passages, opening up to 8 meters (26 feet) in others.
Gear provided
Drysuit, fins, mask, snorkel.
Group size
6–8 snorkelers per guide for safety and comfort.
Certification required
None for snorkeling (only for diving)
Requirements for Snorkeling at Silfra
There are certain requirements that you have to take into consideration when planning your Silfra snorkeling tour.
Age
12+ years
Under 18 parent/guardian
Height
150–200 cm
4’11”–6’7”
Weight
45–120 kg
99–264 lbs
Silfra snorkeling is a rare opportunity to explore the only place in the world where you can swim between two continental plates. Just 45 km (28 miles) from Reykjavík, the fissure lies in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most tours last around 2–3 hours, with about 30–40 minutes spent in the water — more than enough time to take in the spectacular views.
The experience is defined by unmatched clarity. With visibility stretching up to 100 meters (328 feet), snorkelers can see straight to the bottom of the fissure, whether it’s just a few meters deep or plunging down to 18 meters (60 feet) in the Silfra Cathedral. The water remains a constant 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, fed by glacial melt filtered through lava rock for decades before reaching the fissure.
All the equipment you need — drysuit, mask, snorkel, and fins — is provided by tour operators. Groups are kept small, usually with 6–8 snorkelers per guide, which means more personal attention and a safer, less crowded experience.
Silfra snorkeling is available every day of the year, and anyone over the age of 12 can take part. No certification is required, making Silfra fissure snorkeling accessible to most travelers who want to experience one of the clearest waters on Earth.
When to Go Snorkeling in Silfra
Silfra can be snorkeled year-round, but each season offers a unique experience:
Winter (Nov–Mar):
Crystal ice landscapes, fewer crowds, and the chance to combine snorkeling with the Northern Lights.
Spring (Apr–May):
Long daylight hours and stable conditions.
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Warmest air temperatures, busiest tourist season, but extended midnight sun swims.
Autumn (Sep–Oct):
Stunning fall colors in Thingvellir and fewer crowds.
Prices
Standard Silfra snorkeling tours: ISK 17,000–20,000 (~$120–150 USD).
Combo tours (e.g., snorkeling + Golden Circle): ISK 25,000–30,000 (~$180–230 USD).
Is it safe to snorkel and dive in Silfra Fissure?
Yes, snorkeling and diving in Silfra Fissure are considered safe, provided participants follow the established rules and join with licensed tour operators. Although the environment is extreme — with near-freezing water and unique geological conditions — strict safety measures are in place to protect both visitors and the site
Despite its dramatic setting and icy waters, it’s a well-managed and closely regulated dive site that prioritizes safety above all else.
If you have concerns, your guide will adjust the pace to match your comfort level.
Certified guides
All diving and snorkeling tours are led by certified, experienced dive guides trained in cold-water diving, rescue techniques, and local conditions.
Guides accompany groups from start to finish and monitor each guest closely throughout the tour.
Safety briefings
Dry suit orientation and safety briefings are mandatory.
Emergency protocols are in place, including backup gear, rescue lines, and on-site communication.
Equipment inspection
All equipment is sanitized and thoroughly inspected before each use. Tour operators take hygiene, fit, and function seriously.
Before entering the water, you’ll be shown exactly how to use your equipment, what to expect during the dive, and how to stay warm and comfortable.
Water temperature
The water may be cold (~2–4°C year-round), but it’s clean, calm, and remarkably stable — there are no dangerous currents or wildlife hazards.
Personal attention
Small group sizes ensure personal attention, allowing guides to quickly assist anyone who feels cold or unsure in the water.
How to get there
Silfra is in Thingvellir National Park, about 50 km (30 miles) or 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
Pick-ups
Most Silfra snorkeling tour companies offer pickup in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, because that’s where the majority of travelers stay.