Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Day Tour

Silfra is located in the heart of the historic Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fissure opened after a strong earthquake in 1789. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to move farther apart at a rate of about 0.79 in (2 cm) every year.

To get to Silfra for your snorkeling trip, you can choose a pick-up from your selected location in Reykjavik. You may also choose to meet us on location at Thingvellir, where our friendly guides will be waiting for you.

The best part is that you don’t need any certification or previous snorkeling experience. The only requirements are that you’re healthy, adventurous, and able to swim!

Once you’re at Silfra, you’ll be given all the necessary equipment and put on your drysuit. You’ll swim in the “lazy current,” a stream of glacial water that flows slowly in the fissure. The pure glacial water filling the rift has been filtered by lava rock for decades, so feel free to take a sip of water while you’re there!

Marvel at the contrast between the deep blue water shades with the lime green and orange seaweed along with the dark brown rocks. You’ll discover spectacular rock formations as you glide through the four sections of Silfra:

• Silfra Big Crack is the narrowest section, 394-feet (120 m) long, where the tectonic plates are incredibly close to each other.
• Silfra Hall is 26-ft (8 m) wide and 46-ft (14 m) deep, with more light and massive rocks on the bottom.
• Silfra Cathedral is 328-ft (100 m) long and 75-ft (23 m) deep, where swimming feels like flying.
• Silfra Lagoon is the 16-ft (5 m) deep section with the best visibility and bright green algae.

When you finish snorkeling, you’ll be welcomed at the surface with cocoa and cookies to warm you up as you enjoy the panorama of Thingvellir. One more reason to add this experience to your bucket list!

Important note: Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim. You cannot participate if you are pregnant due to the small risk of cold water entering the suit.

Weight limit: 45-120 kg

Height limit: 150 cm -200 cm

Age Limit: 12 years old minimum. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.

English: It is important that you can both understand and communicate in English to participate in the tour.

Please check our snorkeling handbook for more information about the tour.

If you plan to meet us at Silfra, please come to the Silfra car park at Thingvellir National park. Then once you have parked, walk about 400 m back up the road until you reach a smaller car park containing all the snorkel and dive vans. Once you have got there, then you can look for your guide. Please make sure that you arrive at Silfra car park early enough to meet your guide 15 minutes before the tour starts. Trust us, seeing the icy blue waters of Silfra is definitely worth it!

GPS to meeting location: 64°15’23.508″N 21°6’58.676″W

• You can choose to be picked up from Reykjavik at 9 a.m. from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. You can find the list of available pick-up points in Reykjavik on our information page. Please be aware that picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes, so your patience is greatly appreciated. 
   
• If you plan to drive and meet us on location, the meeting point is at the Silfra car park in Thingvellir National Park. GPS: 64°15’23.508″N 21°6’58.676″W. Note that the National Park charges a small parking fee of 500 ISK (3.98 USD).

You won’t be able to wear glasses underneath your snorkeling mask while you are in the water. So if you need glasses, we recommend that you make alternative arrangements: either acquiring a prescription mask or using contact lenses for the tour.

• To participate in the tour, you must read and sign the medical statement form in our Snorkeling Handbook before booking. If you have any medical conditions, medical approval from a doctor is required.
   
• Participants must be 12 years or older. Participants under 18 years old need approval from a parent or legal guardian. 
   
• The weight limit for the participants: 99-264 lbs (45-120kg). The height limit for the participants: 59-78 in (150 - 200cm). 
   
• All participants must be able to swim.
   
• You cannot participate if you are pregnant due to the small risk of cold water entering the suit.

• This tour sells out frequently. We recommend booking this tour well in advance.
   
• You cannot wear glasses underneath the snorkeling mask. Please wear contact lenses or bring your own mask with the prescription.
   
• All snorkeling trips undertaken are the responsibility of its participants. Adventures.com does not assume any responsibility for accidents caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver stating that they realize that outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.