Reykjavik is a surprisingly good base for snorkeling experiences, thanks largely to the world-famous Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant underwater scenery, and proximity to the city, it offers some of the most memorable underwater adventures you can find. Among the many options, we are particularly partial to tours like the Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavik — a full-day trip that combines Iceland’s top sights with snorkel fun, saving you planning time and ensuring logistics are handled smoothly. Whether you’re after adrenaline, scenic beauty, or expert guidance, Reykjavik’s snorkeling tours deliver.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of snorkeling experiences, from comprehensive full-day tours that include the Golden Circle and photo packages, to shorter, more intimate trips with drysuits or wetsuits, and even private experiences with underwater photos. Some highlight the tectonic plates of North America and Europe at Silfra, while others combine snorkeling with lava caves, geothermal pools, or virtual Icelandic flights. For those wanting hassle-free, round-trip transportation, options like Reykjavík: Silfra Snorkeling & Lava Tunnel Adventure Combo stand out. Here’s a detailed look at each of these top-rated options.
1. Golden Circle & Snorkeling in Silfra From Reykjavik with Free Photos
This popular full-day tour combines Iceland’s best-known sights with an underwater adventure. It includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geyser, all in a single day. The highlight is snorkeling at Silfra, one of the top diving sites globally, where visibility exceeds 100 meters. The unique setting allows you to swim between two tectonic plates—North America and Eurasia—while guided by professionals who handle all equipment and logistics. With free photos included, this tour has earned a 5.0/5 rating from over 500 reviews. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a taste of Iceland’s natural wonders and underwater beauty. Expect a busy but well-organized day, with memorable scenery above and below the water.
Bottom Line: This tour offers excellent value for a comprehensive experience, especially if you want an all-in-one day trip, seeing Iceland’s highlights and snorkeling in one seamless package.
2. Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos – From Reykjavik
For those who prefer a more personal experience, this small-group tour limits participants to six, ensuring attentive guides. You’ll don a drysuit, which keeps you warm even in the water at around 2°C (35.6°F), and explore Silfra’s depths while your guide takes professional photos. The tour lasts about five hours and includes all equipment, safety instruction, plus hot chocolate afterward. Rated 5.0/5 from over 500 reviews, guests praise the suits’ effectiveness and the knowledgeable guides. This experience is ideal if you want fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace, with a focus on comfort and photography.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a smaller group, professional photos, and a warm drysuit, this tour offers a personalized way to enjoy Silfra with top-notch service.
3. Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on location | Free Photos
If you’re curious about snorkeling but don’t want to commit to a full day, this 3-hour small-group tour provides a focused experience. You pick between a wetsuit or drysuit, then follow a PADI-certified guide into Silfra to float beneath the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The water’s remarkable clarity allows you to see down over 40 meters, making it a mesmerizing underwater journey. Reviewers mention how well-organized the trip is and how guides help with equipment. It’s suitable for travelers who want a shorter, flexible snorkel adventure with the added bonus of free photos to remember the moment.
Bottom Line: Short, sweet, and personal, this tour is perfect for those with a limited schedule but still eager for a high-quality snorkeling experience.
4. Reykjavik: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling between Two Continents
This highly-rated, flexible 3 to 5.5-hour tour allows you to snorkel in Silfra with expert guides and optional transfers from Reykjavik. It boasts a 4.6/5 rating from over 1,000 reviews, with travelers highlighting the magnificent underwater visibilities and the thrill of floating between North America and Eurasia. The tour includes safety briefings, all equipment, and the chance to learn about Thingvellir’s geology. Optional transportation makes it easier for travelers staying in Reykjavik without a car. The guides are praised for their professionalism, making sure everyone feels safe. Reviewers say, “It was an experience I would recommend to all.”
Bottom Line: For a well-organized, flexible experience with excellent reviews, this tour offers a great balance of convenience, quality, and value.
5. From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos
This 4.5-hour small-group tour includes round-trip transfers and professional photos. The crystal-clear waters over 100 meters visibility make snorkeling surreal, and guides ensure safety and comfort. Guests rave about the friendly staff and the excellent photos captured during the experience. The hot chocolate afterward is a perfect way to warm up, especially after the cold water. This package is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience with rich photo memories to take home.
Bottom Line: With round-trip transportation, photos, and a focus on comfort, this tour suits travelers looking for a complete, stress-free snorkel adventure.
6. Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour – Self Drive
For those who love to drive and want a more flexible day, this tour combines snorkeling in Silfra with a soak at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Pool. It includes self-drive logistics, making it appealing for independent travelers. The tour has excellent reviews, with guests praising the opportunity to relax in hot springs after the bracing waters of Silfra. The small group size—max six—ensures personalized attention, and the hot springs, saunas, and steam rooms make it a full day of contrasting experiences.
Bottom Line: This self-drive tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for travelers comfortable behind the wheel.
7. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour and Silfra Snorkeling
Combining the Golden Circle with snorkeling, this 10-hour tour includes stops at Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, plus a snorkel session at Silfra. The trip is rated 4.8/5 and is praised for the seamless organization, with guides sharing insightful commentary. Guests mention the spectacular scenery and the thrill of floating between two continents. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day encompassing both land and underwater highlights. The tour’s value comes from its extensive itinerary and expert guidance.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and nature lovers wanting a full Iceland experience with the added thrill of snorkeling.
8. Private Silfra Snorkeling 6 p. group – Meet on Location
If privacy and personalized service matter, this private group tour for up to six people offers a tailored experience. The tour includes underwater photos and a dedicated guide who ensures your comfort. It lasts about 2.5 hours and includes all gear and a hot cocoa afterward. The standout feature is the exclusive nature, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate adventure. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s attentiveness and the quality photos.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families, friends, or couples seeking a private adventure with professional photos and flexible timing.
9. Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos – From Reykjavik
This small-group tour combines snorkeling in Silfra with the convenience of photos taken during the experience. It’s rated 5 stars for its helpful guides and excellent organization. Guests mention how dry suits kept them warm despite water temperatures around 2°C, and the underwater photos help preserve the memories. It lasts about five hours and includes hot chocolate afterward.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking underwater photos and a warm drysuit experience, this tour is hard to beat.
10. Reykjavik: Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling & Spa Tour
A variation of the earlier self-drive tour, this combines snorkel adventure with relaxing in geothermal pools. Guests note the contrast of cold snorkeling and hot springs as a highlight. The small-group setup ensures a personal touch, and the flexibility of self-driving appeals to independent travelers. The hot bath after snorkeling complements the brisk immersion well.
Bottom Line: For those who love balancing activity with relaxation, this tour combines two Icelandic icons beautifully.
11. Silfra Fissure Snorkeling From Reykjavik – Free Underwater Photos
This 5.5-hour tour offers small-group snorkeling with free underwater photos, guided by a PADI-certified diver. The water’s incredible clarity makes this a standout, with many reviewers mentioning the unforgettable visibility and the helpfulness of guides like Dominika and Weronika. It includes hotel transfers, and the experience is praised for safety, organization, and the spectacular landscape underwater.
Bottom Line: For comprehensive, photo-rich snorkeling with good logistics, this trip hits many marks.
12. From Reykjavik- Silfra Snorkeling transfer included
A straightforward, half-day experience with round-trip transfer included, rated 5/5. Guests love the professional guides, the safety briefings, and the crystal-clear waters. The photos captured during the excursion add lasting memories. It’s perfect for travelers who want a simple, hassle-free snorkel without extra frills.
Bottom Line: For simplicity with excellent reviews, this tour is a reliable choice.
13. Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer
This combo tour offers a lava cave exploration in the morning and snorkeling at Silfra in the afternoon. It’s a full-day adventure rated 5/5, ideal for those who want two unique Icelandic experiences in one day. The lava caves are full of stalactites and lava formations, then you’ll move on to the famous fissure. Reviewers mention the helpful guides and the well-organized logistics.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers with limited days who want to experience both volcanic underground and underwater marvels.
14. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Silfra Snorkeling
This 10-hour tour combines Golden Circle sights with Silfra snorkeling, rated 4.6/5. It features stops at Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir, with the highlight being the underwater experience. Guests appreciate the smooth organization and the opportunity to see Iceland’s natural and geological wonders in one trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day that mixes sightseeing and underwater adventure.
15. Snorkeling in Silfra & Fly Over Iceland Virtual Experience – Self-drive
This innovative combo experience pairs a virtual flight over Iceland with snorkeling in Silfra. It’s perfect for tech-savvy travelers or those who want a bit of storytelling along with their underwater adventure. The photos of your snorkeling are included, and the virtual flight adds a fun twist.
Bottom Line: For a unique, multimedia Iceland experience, this tour combines storytelling and exploration in a memorable way.
16. From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with free photos
Our final pick offers easy logistics with pick-up and drop-off included, rated 4.9/5 from positive reviews. The crystal-clear waters and the chance to capture underwater photos make it a favorite for travelers who want quality without fuss. It is particularly suitable for those seeking straightforward, well-organized snorkeling.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-reviewed choice for a hassle-free Silfra experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Tour in Reykjavik
When selecting your snorkeling adventure, consider your budget, time available, and interest in additional activities. If you want a full-day experience that includes sightseeing, the Golden Circle & Snorkeling is hard to beat. For more intimate, private, or photo-focused trips, options like the Private Silfra Snorkeling or Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling are excellent.
If you’re traveling on a tight schedule but still want to experience the underwater marvels, shorter tours like Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on Location or From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos provide high-quality experiences with flexible timing.
Finally, if you’re interested in combining volcanic exploration with snorkeling, the lava cave and caving tours are a great pick. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, as these tours fill quickly.
Reykjavik offers a variety of snorkeling experiences—from quick half-day adventures to comprehensive full-day excursions—that suit every traveler’s taste and pace. Whether you’re after the thrill of floating between continents, the comfort of a private tour, or the convenience of combined activities, there’s a perfect match waiting for you. Just remember to book early, dress appropriately, and prepare for some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see.