Tours Iceland






































































Quick overview

  • Location: Silfra, within Thingvellir National Park
  • Distance from Reykjavík: Approx. 45–50 minutes by car
  • Water temperature: 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round
  • Visibility: Often exceeds 100 meters, among the clearest waters in the world
  • Famous for: Snorkeling and diving directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water
  • Experience type: Guided snorkeling and scuba diving tours with small groups (max 6 per guide)
  • Best time to visit: Year-round; summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter adds dramatic icy landscapes
  • What makes it unique: Silfra is a rare geological rift where two continents drift apart. The water is glacial melt filtered through lava rock for decades, resulting in extraordinary clarity and vivid underwater colors.

What to expect on your Silfra diving tours

Dive into crystal-clear waters
Snorkel or dive between two continents
Pose for underwater photos clicked by your guide
End your experience with beverages and snacks after your dive
Dive with full-safety and a professional local guide
1/5

Dive into crystal-clear waters

Step into the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, where temperatures remain 2-4°C year-round. The drysuit keeps you insulated as you begin your float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Snorkel or dive between two continents

Glide through narrow canyons and open underwater chambers with visibility often exceeding 100 meters. Your guide leads the small group (max 6 per guide), pointing out rock formations, deep crevices, and the vivid blue hues created by glacier-filtered water.

Pose for underwater photos clicked by your guide

On select tours, your guide captures complimentary underwater GoPro photos so you can focus fully on the experience. Throughout the swim, you’ll receive hands-on guidance to ensure safety, comfort, and confidence in the water.

End your experience with beverages and snacks after your dive

After 30 to40 mins in the water (depending on conditions and group pace), return to shore to change out of your suit. Enjoy hot chocolate, and in some tours, cookies or an Icelandic chocolate bar, while sharing highlights of your adventure.

Dive with full-safety and a professional local guide

Your guide walks you through safety procedures, hand signals, and drysuit or wetsuit use. All essential equipment is provided, including a mask, fins, a suit, and thermal layers (as applicable); adjusted for a secure, comfortable fit in the cold water.

Things to know before booking your tickets

  • Choose from pick-up included or self-drive: Silfra is not easily accessible by public transport but you can drive there or choose a tour with transfers from Reykjavik.
  • Snorkeling vs. diving upgrade: All tours offer guided snorkeling. Only the tour from Thingvellir allows you to upgrade to a certified scuba diving option, which requires valid PADI (or equivalent) and dry suit credentials.
  • Choose spa access with dive: The combo ticket, including the 7-step Skjól Ritual. All other tickets focus solely on the Silfra experience.
  • Free underwater photos: Underwater photos are included in the tour from Reykjavik, and the combo ticket.
  • Group size & guidance: All experiences are fully guided with small groups (maximum 6 participants per guide). No self-guided snorkeling is available at Silfra.
  • Age & fitness requirements: Snorkeling tours (from Reykjavik, and the combo) are for confident swimmers aged 12+. The Thingvellir diving option has a minimum age of 17 and stricter certification requirements.
  • Cold-water conditions: Water remains 2–4°C year-round. All tours provide dry suits or wetsuits, but you must bring thermal base layers and wool socks.
  • Best option if unsure: For maximum convenience, choose the tour from Reykjavik. For a full adventure + relaxation day, book the from Reykjavik, and the combo with Sky Lagoon.

Which Silfra diving tour is best for you

TourDurationInclusionsBeginner-friendlyGearFood & beveragesHighlightsIdeal forBooking link

Combo: Silfra Snorkeling & Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket

7 hrs

Silfra guided snorkeling, national park fee, Sky Lagoon Saman Pass, Skjól Ritual, towel, hot chocolate, underwater photos

✔ (Snorkeling)

Full snorkeling equipment + dry suit underlayers

Only hot chocolate

Snorkel between tectonic plates + relax at Sky Lagoon

Travelers wanting adventure + spa in one day

From €237.98

From Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos

4 hr 30 min

Guided snorkeling, hotel pick-up, national park fee, underwater photos, hot chocolate

All snorkeling equipment

Only hot chocolate

Includes Reykjavik transfers + free photos

Visitors without a car

From €124.13

Thingvellir: Snorkeling between two continents tour

2.5–3 hrs

Guided snorkeling (or diving upgrade), Silfra entry fee, hot chocolate & cookies

✔ (Snorkeling)

Snorkeling gear or full diving equipment (upgrade)

Cookies & hot chocolate

Shorter duration + optional scuba diving

Certified divers or time-conscious travelers

From €156

Silfra: Tectonic plates snorkeling with Underwater Photos & optional transfer

3–6 hrs

Guided snorkeling, GoPro photos, Hraun chocolate bar, hot chocolate, optional transfers

Full snorkeling gear (drysuit, undersuit, fins, mask)

Hraun chocolate bar & hot chocolate

GoPro underwater photos + optional Wi-Fi transfers

Photo-focused travelers & flexible itineraries

From €135

Highlights of your underwater experience

Swim between two continents

Swim between two continents

Float directly in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, a rare geological phenomenon found at Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park.

Crystal-clear visibility
The Big Crack
Silfra Hall
Silfra Cathedral

Plan your visit

Visitor tips

  • Book early during peak season (June-September): Silfra tours have small group sizes and often sell out several days in advance, especially morning slots.
  • Choose early morning or late afternoon in summer: These time slots tend to be quieter and offer softer light for underwater photos.
  • Eat a light but filling meal beforehand: Snorkeling in cold water can be physically demanding, and you’ll feel more comfortable with some energy in your system.
  • Wear thermal base layers in winter: Even with a dry suit, proper layering makes a noticeable difference in comfort before and after your swim.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry: You’ll need to remove rings, watches, and necklaces before suiting up, so it’s best to leave valuables at your accommodation.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early: Check-in, paperwork, and gearing up take time, and late arrivals may miss their tour.
  • Bring contact lenses if needed: Standard glasses cannot be worn under the mask unless you’ve arranged a prescription mask.
  • Plan for self-drive unless you book transfers: Some tours include Reykjavik pickup, while others require you to make your own way to Silfra Car Park (P5).
  • Combine with nearby attractions: Since you’re already in Thingvellir National Park, consider exploring waterfalls, hiking trails, or viewpoints before or after your tour.
  • Stay for the full experience: If booking the Sky Lagoon combo, allow extra time to fully enjoy the seven-step Skjól Ritual rather than rushing through it.

Beyond Silfra

Frequently asked questions about Silfra diving tours

The tour from Reykjavik offers round-trip transfers (if selected). The combo ticket is a self-drive experience.