Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

On the Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour, you get the rare chance to swim between two tectonic plates and capture underwater photos to remember your adventure. Located in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, Silfra is famous for its crystal-clear glacial waters and stunning views beneath the surface.

As you glide through the fissure, you’ll see unique rock formations and experience a true natural wonder. The water here is some of the cleanest on Earth, making every moment vivid and unforgettable. This snorkeling tour is great for anyone looking for adventure and a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.

Whether you are new to snorkeling or an experienced traveler, taking underwater photos means you’ll leave with memories you can share and keep. Your Silfra adventure combines geology, nature, and excitement in one incredible Iceland experience.

Overview of the Silfra Fissure

The Silfra fissure is an underwater canyon in Iceland, found among striking geology and impressive landscapes. Silfra is best known for clear glacial waters, visible tectonic boundaries, and a unique location inside a protected national park.

Geological Marvel of Silfra

Silfra formed after an earthquake in the late 1700s created a deep crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This fissure is filled with glacial meltwater, which has been filtered for decades through underground volcanic rock. You can actually swim right between two continents in this canyon.

Silfra stands out because of its exceptionally clear water, often allowing visibility of more than 100 meters. The cold water—between 2°C and 4°C (35°F–39°F)—remains stable all year. This constant chill comes from the nearby Langjökull glacier, which provides pure, fresh meltwater.

The canyon walls reveal layers of volcanic rock, shaped by both tectonic movement and volcanic activity. This blend creates unique underwater landscapes you won’t see anywhere else. Many people visit Silfra specifically for the chance to snorkel or dive between the shifting continents.

Location Within Thingvellir National Park

You’ll find Silfra inside Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, about 45 km northeast of Reykjavík. The park is famous as the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian plates, clearly visible at several points above and below ground.

Silfra is one of the main attractions in this historic area. The fissure itself winds through a lava field, surrounded by rugged nature and volcanic rock formations. When you arrive, you’ll see how the park highlights these features with marked trails and viewpoints.

The national park offers facilities such as parking, visitor centers, and walking paths, making your experience accessible and comfortable. Silfra is easy to reach, and tours often arrange transportation from Reykjavik.

UNESCO World Heritage Status

Þingvellir National Park, where Silfra is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status was given because of both its cultural history and its rare geology. The park is home to the world’s oldest existing parliament, Alþingi, which first met here over 1,000 years ago.

UNESCO status helps protect both the natural environment and the historical sites in the area. Conservation efforts keep the water in Silfra clean and the landscapes untouched. If you snorkel or dive here, you are visiting a place recognized for its global importance.

Þingvellir’s UNESCO listing means visitor numbers and activities are managed to avoid damage. You’ll be part of a careful balance between tourism and preservation every time you enter the park.

Planning Your Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

Booking Details and Free Cancellation

When booking a Silfra snorkeling tour, you will need to reserve your spot online with a tour provider.

Most companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day trip, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

You can choose between small group tours or private guided tours. Each usually includes all necessary snorkeling gear, a dry suit, and sometimes underwater photos at no extra cost.

Check if hotel pickup from Reykjavik is offered or if you need to arrange your own transportation. Confirm what documentation you need to bring, like a confirmation email or ID, before heading out for your snorkeling adventure.

Meeting Point and Transportation Options

Most Silfra tours start at Þingvellir National Park, which is about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. You can select either direct hotel pickup or meet your guide at a central location or the Silfra parking area.

If you are staying in Reykjavik, many providers include round-trip transportation as part of the tour. Some tours bundle Silfra snorkeling with a Golden Circle tour, allowing you to visit other popular sites on the same day.

Best Time for a Silfra Snorkeling Adventure

Summer, from June to August, offers milder air temperatures and longer daylight hours. Winter tours can be colder but are less crowded and the experience is just as clear underwater.

Book early if you want specific dates—especially if you plan to combine your snorkeling tour with a Golden Circle tour or other Icelandic adventures. Make sure you bring warm clothes, as the area can be chilly even in summer.

What to Expect During the Snorkeling Experience

Snorkeling at Silfra is a unique adventure, bringing you through a striking underwater fissure in crystal-clear glacial water. You’ll see dramatic underwater landscapes, experience some of the clearest freshwater in the world, and be guided every step of the way.

Snorkeling Guide and Safety Briefing

You’ll be fitted with a dry suit, mask, snorkel, and fins. The guide will make sure your equipment is secure and comfortable. Before getting in the water, you’ll practice breathing and check that everyone knows how to use the gear.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can speak directly to your guide before the tour starts. They will remain close by throughout the snorkeling experience, watching the group and offering assistance as needed. This helps you relax and focus on enjoying the underwater world.

Route Overview: Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Lagoon

The route through Silfra includes several distinct sections, each with its own features:

You’ll start in Silfra Hall, where the fissure is wide and the water is open. The walls here show fresh evidence of falling rocks and tectonic activity. As you move into Silfra Cathedral, you’ll snorkel above towering, vertical fissure walls that drop over 20 meters, giving a real sense of depth and scale.

Finally, you reach Silfra Lagoon, a serene area with bright blue water and near-perfect visibility. It’s a good place to take underwater photos and look for unique rock formations. The guide will set the pace, allowing time in each section to observe the underwater landscape closely.

Crystal-Clear Waters and Water Clarity

You’ll see the underwater world in vivid detail, from colorful algae on the rocks to the light playing on the fissure floor. Crystal-clear waters make every view sharp and bright, allowing for impressive underwater photos.

The cold water, usually between 2–4°C (35–39°F), adds to the unique experience but will not soak your clothing because of the dry suits. You will feel refreshed, and the clarity makes the underwater landscape feel almost unreal.

Snorkeling Gear, Equipment, and Preparation

Snorkeling at Silfra requires special gear to handle the cold water and ensure your safety. All necessary equipment is provided by licensed tour operators to help you have a comfortable experience even in chilly conditions.

Drysuit vs. Wetsuit Choices

For the Silfra Fissure, drysuits are used instead of wetsuits. The water temperature in Silfra stays around 2°C (36°F) year-round, which is too cold for most wetsuits.

A drysuit, like the BARE XCD2 Pro Dry (compressed neoprene), keeps cold water out and allows you to wear warm layers underneath. This protects you from hypothermia. Wetsuits, which allow some water in and use your body heat to warm it, are not suitable for Silfra due to the extreme cold.

Wearing a drysuit can feel different from regular snorkel gear. You remain dry inside, but mobility might feel limited compared to thinner suits. Guides help you put on the suit and make sure it fits properly to avoid leaks.

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Snorkeling Masks, Fins, and Other Equipment

The snorkel mask covers your eyes and nose for clear vision underwater. The snorkel allows you to breathe while floating face down. Fins help you move smoothly with less effort, which is important in cold water.

Neoprene hoods and gloves cover your head and hands, exposed areas most sensitive to the cold. All guests receive their own set of gear, and everything is checked for fit before you enter the water.

Thermal Layer Recommendations and Cold Water Preparation

Under the drysuit, you are given a thermal undersuit, such as the BARE C-200 or another thick fleece or insulated layer. This extra layer is important because the water temperature is near freezing.

You should wear a set of thermal base layers (long underwear or thin wool layers) under your provided thermal undersuit. Avoid cotton, as it can retain moisture and lower warmth.

Tour guides often provide tips on how to prepare for the cold, such as keeping your hands warm before gearing up and moving to generate body heat. Warm drinks are usually offered after the snorkel session to help you recover.

Required Medical Form and Participant Criteria

Before joining the Silfra snorkeling tour, you must complete a medical form. This ensures you are fit for snorkeling in cold water and wearing a drysuit. Please read the health questions carefully.

If you are 60 years old or above, you need to get medical clearance from a doctor before joining. Certain health conditions, such as heart or lung problems, may prevent you from participating.

Tour companies require you to be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. You cannot snorkel at Silfra independently; booking a tour with a licensed operator is required for safety and protection of the environment.

Capturing Your Silfra Snorkeling Adventure: Underwater Photos

Documenting your Silfra snorkeling experience lets you keep vivid reminders of Iceland’s remarkable underwater scenery. Camera gear, shooting techniques, and photo packages all play a part in making your adventure memorable and easy to share.

GoPro Photos and Camera Options

Most guided snorkeling tours at Silfra include high-quality underwater photos as part of your experience. Guides usually carry a GoPro camera and take pictures during your swim, capturing moments you might miss while focusing on the fissure itself.

You are welcome to bring your own GoPro or action camera, but make sure it is waterproof and has a strong strap. Cold water can make camera controls harder to use, so practice using your device while wearing gloves.

Many guests prefer using the provided camera service because guides know the best angles and lighting. This option also avoids the risk of losing or damaging your personal equipment in the glacial water.

Getting the Best Shots of Silfra’s Underwater Landscape

Guides aim to take photos that include both you and the landscape below. Shots often highlight the bright blues and greens of the water, the dramatic rocks, and even marine life like the dwarf char.

If you have your own camera, try to keep the lens clean and free from fog. Use simple photo settings, since low light and cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly. Focus your shots on the deep fissures and the meeting point of the two continents for the most striking images.

Photo Packages and Sharing Memories

After your tour, you usually receive a package of digital photos at no extra cost. Most companies deliver a link so you can view and download your images within a few days. Some tours may offer extra photo editing or prints for an added fee.

These photos are easy to share with friends and family. Posting on social media is common, especially when you want to showcase swimming in the famous Silfra Fissure. Many guests also create albums or photo books to remember their adventure.

Here’s a sample of what you may receive:

Frequently Asked Questions

You must meet certain requirements to snorkel at Silfra. The water is very cold, and tours include photos and experienced guides.

What safety precautions are in place for snorkeling in Silfra fissure?

You need to be at least 12 years old and able to swim. All participants get a safety briefing before entering the water. Guides are experts and stay with you during the tour.

You will wear a dry suit and other special gear to protect against the cold. Tour operators are licensed and follow rules set by the National Park.

How much does it cost to go snorkeling in Silfra and are there any package deals?

The price for a snorkeling tour in Silfra is typically around $150. Some tours may cost more or less depending on what is included.

Some packages offer extras like pick-up from Reykjavik or warm drinks after the tour. Always check what is included in your booking.

What should participants expect in terms of water temperature during the Silfra fissure snorkeling tour?

The water temperature in Silfra is usually between 2°C and 4°C (36°F to 39°F). The water stays cold all year.

You will wear a dry suit to help you stay warm, but it is normal to feel the chill.

Are underwater photographs included in the Silfra snorkeling tour package?

Most tour packages include underwater photos at no extra charge. Your guide will take photos during the tour and share them with you afterward.

It is not usually necessary to bring a camera, but you can check with your tour provider.

Can you describe the experience of snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland?

As you snorkel, you move between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You see clear water, unique rock formations, and sometimes small fish.

The water is very clean, offering great visibility, and you feel like you are “floating” over the rocks.

Is it possible to arrange a snorkeling tour to Silfra from Reykjavik, and how long is the trip?

You can book tours that include transport from Reykjavik. The drive from Reykjavik to Silfra takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Most tours last 2 to 3 hours, including travel, gear-up time, and the snorkeling session itself.