Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos – From Reykjavik

Discover the Magic of Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling from Reykjavik

Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure is a truly one-of-a-kind adventure that will leave you breathless—literally and figuratively. For $189, you get approximately five hours of guided exploration, starting with a comfortable pickup from Reykjavik. You’ll head out to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The highlight? The extraordinary visibility that can reach over 100 meters, making it one of the clearest waters you’ll ever see.

What we love about this tour is how it combines authentic Icelandic scenery with a surreal underwater experience, all led by knowledgeable guides like Nebo or Wilmar, who keep safety and fun front and center. Plus, the fact that the tour group is limited to just six people means personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the physical aspect—wearing a drysuit can feel tight and constricting, especially if you’re sensitive to snug clothing.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers comfortable with water and eager for a once-in-a-lifetime sight. If you’re not a confident swimmer or have mobility concerns, the drysuit is an excellent option, and guides are ready to support you every step of the way. It’s an activity that suits those who value expert guidance, stunning landscapes, and a memorable story to tell.

Key Points

• Unique Location: Snorkel between two tectonic plates in the stunning Silfra fissure within Thingvellir National Park.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Snorkeling equipment, drysuits, and professional instruction are provided, plus free underwater photos.
• Small Group Size: Groups are capped at six, ensuring more personal attention and a relaxed experience.
• Comfortable Experience: Warm up afterward with included hot chocolate, perfect after chilly water immersion.
• Highly Rated: Over 500 reviews with a perfect 5.0 rating speak to the quality and enjoyment of the tour.
• Ease of Booking & Transfer: Pickup from Reykjavik makes it simple—just show up ready to explore.

A Deep Dive into the Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling Tour

The Journey to Silfra

It all begins with a roughly 45-minute drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, a site of geological and historical importance. The bus ride offers an opportunity to gaze at Iceland’s rugged landscape, with friendly guides sharing snippets of local lore. Once you arrive, your guide—usually a PADI-certified instructor—will walk you through the safety procedures and explain what makes Silfra so special.

What Makes Silfra Unique?

This fissure was formed as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart at about 2 centimeters per year. The result is a flooded crack filled with phenomenally clear glacial water. The water’s clarity is so impressive that photographs don’t quite do it justice; you really need to see it with your own eyes. Interestingly, the fissure typically doesn’t host fish, although some occasionally swim in from the nearby lake.

The Snorkeling Experience

Once suited up in drysuits and gear, you’ll wade into the water, which averages around 2°C (36°F). Don’t worry—the drysuit keeps you warm and dry, though it can feel tight around the neck and wrists, a common caveat noted by previous participants. Expect to be in the water for about 30 to 40 minutes, swimming or floating along the fissure’s twists and turns.

Guides are attentive, ensuring everyone stays comfortable. As one reviewer shared, guide Nebo or Wilmar were praised for patience and thorough support, especially when helping participants who felt unsure or had minor issues like taking in water in their snorkel. The group size of six or fewer makes it easy for guides to give individualized attention.

Photos and Post-Trip Warm-Up

A highlight of the tour is the free underwater photos taken by guides, capturing your moment drifting between continents. After the snorkel, you’ll return to dry land and warm up with hot chocolate—an appreciated comfort, especially after the chilly water. Many reviews mention how this little treat rounds out the experience nicely.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While most participants find the drysuit comfortable enough, some reviews mention that tightness around the neck and wrists can be noticeable. It’s worth noting that we are the only company offering both wetsuits and drysuits in the same group, catering to different comfort levels and experience desires. People with claustrophobia might prefer the wetsuit option if available elsewhere.

The tour is designed for ages 12 and up, with a weight range of 50kg to 120kg (roughly 110 to 264 pounds). Participants over 65 should have a physician’s approval, and everyone must be able to swim comfortably and communicate in English. The minimum height is 150cm (about 4’11”), and the maximum is 200cm (around 6’7″). Be sure to fill out a medical form beforehand, and bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you wear glasses.

The Logistics: What You Need to Know

• Transportation: Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, making logistics simple.
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours total, with about 30-40 minutes in the water.
• Group Size: Limited to six, ensuring personalized attention.
• Price: $189 offers a good value considering the gear, instruction, photos, and transport included.
• Weather Dependency: Tours require good weather; poor conditions may lead to cancellations with full refunds or rescheduling.

What Travelers Say

The reviews reflect high satisfaction—many call it a “once in a lifetime” experience, noting the extraordinary clarity of the water and the helpfulness of guides like Dori or Wilmar. Several mention how surprisingly warm they felt in the drysuit, even in winter. A few reviewers pointed out minor issues like large suits for some or technical glitches with cameras, but these were overshadowed by the overall positive experience.

Authenticity and Value

This tour offers a meaningful blend of adventure and scenery. It’s not just about ticking a bucket list item but engaging with an extraordinary natural phenomenon. For the price, you get not only the equipment and expert guides but also the priceless memories captured in photos and the warm toast of hot chocolate afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re adventurous and comfortable in water, you’ll find this tour highly rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided experiences and desire a small-group setting for a more personal touch. The underwater visibility, combined with the opportunity to swim between two continents, makes it a standout activity in Iceland.

However, if you’re claustrophobic or have limited mobility, the tight drysuits or the physical demands might be a concern. For non-swimmers or those who prefer dry land adventures, this may not be the perfect fit. Still, the drysuit option offers a comfortable alternative for many.

A Final Word

This snorkeling tour in Silfra is more than just a dip in icy water; it’s a chance to connect with Iceland’s unique geological features in a way that few travelers experience. The combination of stunning scenery, expert guides, and the thrill of floating between continents makes it a memorable highlight.

For those who value authentic experiences, high safety standards, and excellent value, this tour delivers. It’s a chance to step out of the ordinary, into an underwater landscape that feels more like an otherworldly realm than a typical snorkeling spot.

FAQs

Do I need to be a confident swimmer?
Yes, you should be comfortable in water and able to swim, as you’ll be in the water for about 30-40 minutes. The drysuit keeps you warm and dry but does not provide buoyancy assistance, so swimming skills are important.

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides all snorkeling equipment, drysuits or wetsuits (if booked separately), professional instruction by certified guides, free underwater photos, transportation from Reykjavik, and hot chocolate afterward.

How long does the tour last?
It’s around 5 hours total, with approximately 30-40 minutes spent snorkeling in Silfra.

Is pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, making logistics simple and convenient.

What should I wear?
Bring waterproof clothing suitable for Iceland’s weather—long thermal underwear, wool socks, and waterproof outerwear. Avoid jeans or heels, and consider bringing a change of clothes, as drysuits can sometimes leak or feel tight.

Who is this tour suitable for?
Travelers aged 12 and above, comfortable in water, able to communicate in English, and within the specified height and weight limits will find this a perfect fit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Are there any restrictions or health considerations?
Participants over 65 should have a physician’s approval. All must fill out a medical form, and anyone with claustrophobia might prefer wetsuits or reconsider participation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuinely unique Icelandic adventure, snorkeling in Silfra with a drysuit is hard to beat. The combination of extraordinary underwater clarity, guides who care, and the chance to float between two tectonic plates makes it an experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends. It’s especially ideal for those who seek a small-group, guided activity with plenty of support and stunning scenery. Just prepare accordingly, and you’re set for a remarkable day in the land of ice and fire.