Why Snorkel Silfra?
Silfra snorkeling is consistently ranked among the top 10 snorkeling experiences worldwide, attracting adventurers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts to Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park.
Here is why few snorkeling experiences on the planet can compete with Silfra:
Unmatched visibility:
With clarity over 100 meters (328 ft) you’ll feel like you’re flying through the water.
Tectonic Plates
The fissure lies between two drifting continents, letting you literally touch both plates during your swim.
Pure glacial water
Drinkable straight from the fissure, the water is near-freezing but incredibly fresh.
Vivid colors:
Sunlight reflects off algae, lava rock, and the fissure’s narrow passages, creating shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep sapphire.
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.
Identity Design
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.
Requirements
Minimum age:
12 years old (some tours require 14).
Height/weight limits:
Typically 150cm–200cm tall, 45kg–120kg.
AbilitIES
Comfortable swimmer; no prior snorkeling experience required.
Health
Not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart/lung conditions.
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.