Silfra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Experienced divers and snorkelers can explore the crystal-clear glacial waters and stunning underwater landscapes, guided by a PADI-certified instructor. The tour includes all necessary equipment, including dry suits, and provides high-quality underwater photos captured by the guide. Participants will meet on location, ready to enjoy Iceland’s natural wonders. But what exactly can they expect from this unique drysuit snorkeling experience?
Just The Basics
- Silfra offers snorkeling experience between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, with dry suits provided to ensure full immersion in the crystal-clear waters.
- Tour includes underwater photos captured by the PADI-certified instructor guide, providing a keepsake to remember the experience.
- Participants must meet at the designated Silfra Adventure Vikings location and follow the provided directions, arriving 15 minutes before the tour start time.
- Participant requirements include a minimum height of 150cm and weight of 50kg, and the ability to swim and communicate in English.
- The tour is limited to small groups of up to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience exploring Iceland’s natural wonder.
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Overview of Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, offers a unique opportunity for snorkelers to drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, immersed in the crystal-clear glacial waters that provide a stunning underwater landscape.
This small-group tour, led by a PADI-certified instructor and capped at 6 participants, allows you to explore Silfra‘s otherworldly beauty.
You’ll be outfitted in a dry suit to stay warm and comfortable as you glide through the aquamarine waters, marveling at the vibrant moss-covered rocks and schools of curious arctic char.
With underwater photos included, this once-in-a-lifetime experience promises to leave you in awe of Iceland’s natural wonders.
What’s Included in the Tour
The Silfra snorkeling tour provides participants with a comprehensive package of included features to enhance their experience. Underwater photos are captured by the PADI-certified instructor guide to immortalize the stunning landscapes beneath the surface.
Participants also receive warm refreshments like hot chocolate to help combat the chilly waters. All necessary snorkeling equipment, including dry suits and wetsuits, are provided to keep snorkelers comfortable throughout the adventure.
The dry suits, in particular, are designed to protect against the cold and provide a tight, constricting fit, especially around the neck and wrists. This specialized gear ensures that guests can fully enjoy the crystal-clear glacial waters of Silfra.
Participant Requirements
To participate in the Silfra snorkeling tour, guests must meet certain requirements.
Participants need to be able to swim and communicate in English, with a minimum height of 150cm (4’9′) and weight of 50kg (99 lbs), and a maximum height of 200cm (6’7′) and weight of 120kg (264 lbs).
Plus, they can’t have any heart problems, back problems, or other serious medical conditions. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, those with claustrophobia, or travelers with glasses.
Participants over 65 years old will need a physician’s approval. All participant information, including height, weight, and age, must be provided to the operator before the tour.
These requirements ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on the snorkeling adventure.
Meeting Point and Directions
Guests meet at Silfra Adventure Vikings, located at 806 Thingvellir, Iceland.
They should park at ‘Thingvellir P5‘ and walk 400m back along the road to the smaller car park, arriving 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Travelers must follow the main roads and avoid taking any shortcuts, especially in winter. Getting to the meeting point is straightforward – guests simply need to follow the directions provided.
It’s crucial to arrive on time, as the tour departs promptly. Following the specified route ensures guests reach the starting point without incident, even in challenging winter conditions.
The detailed instructions make it easy for participants to find the meeting location and start their Silfra snorkeling adventure.
Additional Tour Information
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring participants have all the necessary details. Dry suits can feel tight and constricting, especially around the neck and wrists, so guests should come prepared. Minimum age for participation is 12 years, and those over 65 require a physician’s approval. Bringing a change of clothes and wearing long thermal underwear and thick wool socks is highly recommended. Plus, all participant information, including height, weight, and age, must be provided to the operator before the tour.
| Minimum Requirements | Maximum Allowance |
|---|---|
| Height: 150cm (4’9′) | Height: 200cm (6’7′) |
| Weight: 50kg (99 lbs) | Weight: 120kg (264 lbs) |
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with claustrophobia, or travelers with glasses.
Underwater Photography
Underwater photos are included as part of the Silfra snorkeling experience, allowing participants to capture the stunning glacial landscapes and unique setting between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The PADI-certified instructor guide will take photographs throughout the snorkeling tour, ensuring you have high-quality images to remember your adventure.
From the vibrant blue hues of the crystal-clear water to the rugged, other-worldly terrain, the photos will showcase the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply want to document your journey, the included underwater photos are a cherished keepsake that will let you relive the magic of Silfra long after your snorkeling experience has ended.
PADI-certified Instructor Guidance
A PADI-certified instructor guides participants throughout the Silfra snorkeling experience, ensuring their safety and enhancing the overall adventure.
These expert guides are responsible for providing thorough briefings, conducting proper gear checks, and leading the group through the crystal-clear waters.
Their extensive training and deep knowledge of the site allow them to point out captivating geological formations, diverse aquatic life, and the unique tectonic landscape.
Participants can rely on the instructor’s watchful eye and experienced leadership, allowing them to fully enjoy the breathtaking Silfra environment.
The instructor’s role is crucial in making this UNESCO World Heritage Site adventure safe, educational, and unforgettable for all.
Clothing and Equipment Provided
To ensure comfort and safety throughout the Silfra snorkeling adventure, the tour operator provides participants with all necessary clothing and equipment.
A dry suit, specially designed for the chilly waters, keeps the body insulated and dry, while neoprene gloves and boots protect the extremities.
Plus, high-quality snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins, is supplied to allow effortless movement and clear underwater visibility.
These comprehensive provisions enable guests to fully enjoy the stunning Silfra environment without having to worry about the elements.
The tour also includes a steaming cup of hot chocolate, helping to warm participants after their time in the glacial waters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
While participants are generally encouraged to bring their own snorkeling equipment, the tour operator strongly recommends using the provided gear.
The dry suits and wetsuits are specially designed for the Silfra waters, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. Using the operator’s equipment also ensures a seamless experience, as the gear is properly fitted and maintained.
Unless participants have their own high-quality snorkeling gear, it’s best to rely on the tour’s provided equipment for the best possible experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?
The snorkeling tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years old.
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 12-17 are welcome, though the tour isn’t recommended for very young children as the drysuit and equipment may feel restrictive.
Travelers over 65 will need a physician’s approval before joining the tour.
The operator needs to know each participant’s age, height, and weight prior to the activity.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim Beforehand?
Yes, participants must be able to swim prior to the snorkeling tour. The tour operator requires a minimum swimming ability as the experience takes place in cold, clear glacial waters.
Being a competent swimmer is essential for safety and to fully enjoy the stunning underwater landscapes. While the dry suits and guide provide support, basic swimming skills are necessary to participate in this unique snorkeling adventure.
Are There Any Medical Conditions That Disqualify Me?
Yes, there are certain medical conditions that may disqualify you from participating in this snorkeling tour.
The operator states that participants can’t have heart problems, back problems, or other serious medical conditions.
They also don’t recommend the tour for pregnant travelers, those with claustrophobia, or travelers who wear glasses.
It’s important to disclose any medical issues when booking to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the activity.
Can I Bring My Own Underwater Camera?
Participants are generally allowed to bring their own underwater cameras on the snorkeling tour, as long as they can be safely secured and don’t interfere with the drysuit.
The tour operator provides free underwater photos, so bringing your own camera may not be necessary.
It’s best to check with the operator before the tour to ensure your camera equipment is suitable and won’t compromise your safety or the experience.
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Sum Up
Silfra’s crystal-clear glacial waters and stunning underwater landscapes offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Guided by a PADI-certified instructor, participants can explore the drifting tectonic plates, with all necessary snorkeling equipment, including dry suits, provided.
Enjoy high-quality underwater photos captured by the guide, ensuring a truly memorable journey through Iceland’s natural wonders at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
