From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling With Underwater Photos

Nestled in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra fissure offers a truly unique snorkeling experience. Floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and capture stunning underwater photos. Led by knowledgeable guides, this small group tour provides personalized attention and the opportunity to witness the vibrant blue hues of the lagoon. With round-trip transfers and flexible booking options, the Silfra snorkeling adventure from Reykjavik makes it easy to explore this geological wonder. But what secrets lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking landscape?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Snorkeling Experiences In Reykjavik.

Key Points

• Silfra snorkeling excursion departs from Reykjavik and takes participants to Thingvellir National Park to drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• The activity offers exceptional underwater visibility exceeding 100 meters, allowing for stunning photographs of the vibrant blue hues and diverse geological features.
• The guided tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with an English-speaking guide who prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction.
• The snorkeling activity requires specific equipment and safety requirements, including a choice between a drysuit or wetsuit to ensure warmth and comfort.
• Participants praise the exceptional organization, knowledgeable guides, and the overall unforgettable experience of snorkeling between two continents in a unique geological setting.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Silfra snorkeling experience in Thingvellir National Park offers visitors the chance to explore the underwater fissure between the American and European continental plates.

This 4.5-hour activity provides exceptional visibility of over 100 meters, allowing snorkelers to marvel at the bright blue colors and the lagoon known as the real Blue Lagoon.

The tour is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience led by an English-speaking guide.

Highlights include drifting along the tectonic plates and witnessing the stunning natural scenery.

With a customer rating of 4.8/5 based on 319 reviews, the Silfra snorkeling tour is a must-do activity for visitors to Iceland.

Pricing and Booking

From $202.71 per person, the Silfra snorkeling experience can be booked with no upfront payment required.

Customers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, and they can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

According to the 4.8/5 rating based on 319 reviews, this tour appears to be a popular choice among participants.

The pricing and booking process seem straightforward and accommodating, allowing adventurers to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.

With free cancellation available, travelers can plan their Iceland itinerary with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

Transportation and Pickup

Round-trip transfers from Reykjavik are included with the Silfra snorkeling experience, allowing participants to conveniently access the national park site.

Pickup typically starts 90 minutes before the booked starting time, with the summer tours departing at 9:00 AM and the winter tours offered at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Guests should look for a minivan with the activity provider’s logo to identify their transportation.

The pickup schedule is as follows:

1. Summer (March-October): Pickup from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM.

2. Winter (November-February): Pickup from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM for the 9:30 AM tour, and 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM for the 12:30 PM tour.

Equipment and Safety Requirements

Participants have a choice of drysuit or wetsuit (6 mm thickness) to stay warm and comfortable during the Silfra snorkeling experience.

The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, wheelchair users, those over 264 lbs, or under 3’9" tall.

Swimmers must be able to communicate in English. The minimum age is 12, and adults must accompany children under 18.

Glasses aren’t allowed, so contact lenses or a prescription diving mask are required.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour provider ensures participants meet all necessary requirements before they enter the crystal-clear waters between the American and European continental plates.

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What to Bring and Additional Information

Guests should bring a few essential items for the Silfra snorkeling adventure, including warm clothing, swimwear, a towel, socks, and a waterproof camera. They’ll also need to provide a medical statement prior to the activity. While alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, the tour company has some additional recommendations to enhance the experience:

1. Eat a hearty breakfast before embarking on the tour to ensure you have the energy to fully enjoy the activity.

2. Wear leggings and thermal layers to stay warm in the chilly waters.

3. Consider renting a GoPro camera for 6900 ISK to capture stunning underwater footage and memories.

With these thoughtful preparations, guests can look forward to an unforgettable Silfra snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling Between Continental Plates

The Silfra fissure, a captivating geological wonder, separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, allowing snorkelers to literally swim between two continents.

As you glide through the crystal-clear, turquoise waters, you’ll be immersed in the unique experience of drifting along the dynamic boundary where the tectonic plates are slowly moving apart at a rate of 2 centimeters per year.

This underwater drift snorkeling gives you a front-row seat to the geological processes that have shaped Iceland over millennia.

With visibility reaching over 100 meters, you’ll be awestruck by the vibrant blue hues and the mesmerizing, alien-like landscape of the submerged canyon.

Exploring the Lagoon’s Blue Hues

As visitors drift along the lagoon, they’ll be captivated by the striking blue hues that permeate the crystal-clear waters. The vibrant colors are a result of the unique geological conditions in the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The blue tones are further enhanced by the refraction of sunlight through the pure, glacial waters, creating an otherworldly experience for snorkelers.

The Silfra lagoon’s alluring blue hues offer a powerful visual representation of:

1. The ancient separation of the continents and the ongoing geological processes shaping our planet.

2. The purity and clarity of the groundwater, filtered over decades through volcanic rock.

3. The breathtaking natural beauty that can be found in the heart of Thingvellir National Park.

Participants’ Experiences and Feedback

Participants consistently praise the Silfra snorkeling experience, often highlighting the friendly and helpful guidance from the tour guides. Reviewers note the tour guides’ expertise and attentiveness, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe throughout the excursion.

Many also comment on the exceptional organization of the equipment and overall logistics, with the process running smoothly from pickup to drop-off. Visitors are in awe of the incredible visibility and vibrant blue hues of the crystal-clear waters, describing the experience as truly unique and unforgettable.

The combination of stunning scenery, knowledgeable staff, and well-executed operations results in an overwhelmingly positive experience for those who take the plunge into the Silfra fissure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Wear My Own Snorkeling Gear?

No, participants cannot wear their own snorkeling gear. The activity provides a choice of either a drysuit or wetsuit for the activity. Participants must use the equipment provided for safety and to ensure proper fit.

What Is the Water Temperature in Silfra?

The water temperature in Silfra is consistently around 2°C (35°F) throughout the year. Participants are provided with a drysuit or wetsuit to keep them warm during the snorkeling experience in this glacial spring within Thingvellir National Park.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Activity?

Photos and videos are allowed during the Silfra snorkeling activity. Participants can use waterproof cameras or rent a GoPro for 6900 ISK to capture their underwater experience between the American and European continental plates.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the activity overview, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. The tour provider recommends having breakfast before the activity and states that alcohol and drugs are also not permitted during the snorkeling experience.

Is There a Minimum Swimming Skill Required?

Yes, participants must be able to swim and communicate in English for the Silfra snorkeling tour. There’s no specific swimming skill requirement, but participants should feel comfortable in the water. The tour provider doesn’t allow non-swimmers to join.

Recap

Snorkeling the crystal-clear waters of Silfra in Thingvellir National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Gliding between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, adventurers can capture stunning underwater photos amidst vibrant blue hues.

With personalized attention from knowledgeable guides and flexible booking options, this breathtaking tour from Reykjavik is sure to leave a lasting impression on participants.

You can check if your dates are available here: