SuperSaver: Small Group Golden Circle Tour + Silfra Snorkeling

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and craving a comprehensive taste of Iceland’s natural wonders, this tour is a fantastic option. For around $300, you get about nine hours of exploring some of the country’s most iconic sights—think waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, and the breathtaking Silfra Fissure where you snorkel between two continents. Led by knowledgeable guides, this trip offers a well-rounded experience with the bonus of a small group setting, which feels more personal than a large bus tour.

What we love about this experience is the seamless combination of spectacular scenery and the adventure of snorkeling in Silfra—a highlight that sets this tour apart. Plus, the hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off mean you can start and end your day comfortably. But, it’s worth noting that the tour involves walking, some physical activity, and the need for warm layers, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate fitness and a sense of adventure. If you’re keen to see Iceland’s top sights with a touch of underwater exploration, this tour ticks many boxes.

One consideration is that the snorkeling part has strict gear and health requirements, and the experience can get crowded at certain stops. Still, for those eager to combine sightseeing with a unique underwater experience, this tour offers excellent value and authenticity.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers Golden Circle highlights plus snorkeling in Silfra.
• Small group experience: More personalized, with fewer crowds.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights.
• Unique snorkeling experience: Float between two continents with crystal-clear water.
• Full-day adventure: Around 9 hours with convenient Reykjavik pickup.
• Weather-dependent: Tour could be canceled in poor weather or due to daylight constraints.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour offers a packed itinerary that combines Iceland’s most famous sights with an extraordinary underwater experience. Starting with hotel pickup in Reykjavik, you’re whisked away in a climate-controlled minibus, making the long day comfortable regardless of Iceland’s often unpredictable weather.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Reykjavik City Hall and Initial Pickup

Your day begins with a pickup from selected stops in Reykjavik, setting the tone for a hassle-free adventure. The small group size (max 19 travelers) ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. Expect to meet friendly guides who are well-versed in local stories and eager to make the day memorable.

Silfra Snorkeling in Þingvellir National Park

The highlight for many is the chance to snorkel in Silfra, a fissure filled with glacier-filtered water that’s famously clear. You’ll spend about three hours here, including changing into dry suits, a safety briefing, and floating through what reviews describe as “breathtakingly beautiful” waters.

Travelers can expect to pass through four main sections of the fissure: Silfra Deep Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon, with visibility extending beyond what most can imagine. One reviewer praised their guide, Jorge, saying, “He was fantastic, and even in the snowstorm, it was totally worth it.” That said, some travelers have noted that gear fit can be inconsistent—proper sizing is crucial since ill-fitting suits can detract from the experience. Also, participants need to meet certain weight and height requirements and be able to swim.

Þingvellir National Park

After drying off and warming up with hot chocolate and cookies, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet visibly above ground. This site isn’t just a geological marvel but also the birthplace of the world’s oldest parliament. You’ll get about 30 minutes here to walk around and marvel at the natural beauty and historic significance.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Next, the tour stops at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. With its two-tiered cascade and the potential for rainbows in the mist, it’s a sight that often leaves visitors speechless. Expect about 30 minutes to take photos and soak in the raw power of nature, which many reviewers highlight as a favorite moment.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is next, home to the famous Geysir and bubbling hot springs. Although Geysir itself erupts less frequently nowadays, its nearby neighbor Strokkur reliably spouts hot water every few minutes. This spectacle is both fun and educational, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Kerid Crater

The tour’s final natural attraction is Kerid, a vividly colored volcanic crater. Its striking red slopes and azure lake make it a photographer’s paradise. You’ll have around 30 minutes here, enough to walk around or even take a quick swim if you’re brave.

End of the Day

Finally, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel or a central Reykjavik location, ideally exhausted but exhilarated. Many reviews mention that the day’s pace is well-managed, though some note the main attractions—like Geysir—were rushed, with only about an hour for lunch and sightseeing.

What We Really Value

The Underwater Experience

The snorkeling at Silfra is often the star of this tour. The clarity of the water, the chance to float between two continents, and the surreal feeling of being suspended in space are genuinely unforgettable. One guest described it as “the most amazing thing I’ve ever done,” while another emphasized how safe and warm they felt in the dry suit, despite the frigid water.

The Guides and Group Size

Guides like Gilly and Yanis receive praise for their humor, friendliness, and safety-conscious approach. Traveling with fewer people guarantees more personalized attention and a better opportunity to ask questions or get tips on photography and local sights.

The Value for Money

At $300, this tour packs in a full day of sightseeing plus the rare thrill of snorkeling. When you consider the cost of individual activities—like entrance fees, transportation, equipment, and guides—it’s a compelling deal. Plus, the inclusion of warm drinks after snorkeling adds a nice touch of comfort.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

While most reviews are positive, some travelers have expressed concerns about gear fitting issues, especially for those on the shorter or smaller side. Proper sizing is important to fully enjoy the snorkeling. Plus, a few reviews mention that timing can be an issue, especially in winter when daylight hours are limited. Delays in pickup or long lines at the snorkeling site can slightly reduce the overall experience.

Weather can also impact the tour; if Iceland’s weather turns stormy or unfavorable, the operator reserves the right to cancel or alter the itinerary. That’s a risk with any outdoor adventure, but it’s worth planning for.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one day—see iconic Icelandic sights and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling adventure. It’s perfect if you prefer small group settings for that more personal touch and value knowledgeable guides who make the experience both fun and educational. It suits those with moderate physical fitness, since there’s walking, some standing, and the need to change into dry suits.

However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those uncomfortable in cold water or with certain health conditions, given the nature of the snorkeling. Also, if your main goal is only sightseeing without adventure, you might find the snorkeling to be the most memorable part.

This tour offers an engaging blend of spectacular landscapes and underwater thrill that few other experiences can match. The highlights—Gullfoss, Geysir, Þingvellir, and the chance to snorkel in Silfra—combine to give you a well-rounded picture of Iceland’s natural beauty and geological uniqueness. The guides’ friendliness and the small group size create a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that makes the day enjoyable.

If you’re after authentic experiences, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly suited for those eager to tick off multiple highlights while also trying something truly special—floating between two continents in glacier-fed waters.

Is the snorkeling experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you can swim and meet the height and weight requirements, you’ll find the guides helpful and the experience safe. You need to be able to communicate in English and have a moderate physical fitness level.

What should I bring for the tour?
Make sure to pack warm base layers (fleece or wool, not cotton), warm socks, a small towel, and a change of clothes. Since you’ll get wet during snorkeling, having dry clothes to change into afterward is essential.

How long is the snorkeling part?
The snorkeling lasts approximately 45 minutes, but the total time at Silfra, including changing and safety briefings, is around three hours.

Can I participate if I don’t want to snorkel?
This tour is designed to include snorkeling as a key feature. If you prefer just sightseeing, you might want to look for a different Golden Circle tour without the underwater component.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age for snorkeling is 12 years old. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What if the weather is bad?
The operator may cancel or reschedule the tour in poor weather conditions. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I wear glasses during snorkeling?
No, goggles cannot have anything in the way of your vision. Contact lenses or prescription goggles are recommended if you need vision correction.

This tour blends adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness, appealing especially to those who want a memorable, authentic Iceland experience. The combination of sightseeing and snorkeling makes it stand out, and the small group setting ensures you’ll feel well taken care of. Be prepared for a full day, but one filled with lasting memories of Iceland’s iconic landscapes and the thrill of floating between two continents.