If someone said, “Let’s go snorkeling!” your mind probably goes straight to warm beaches, tropical fish, and maybe a coconut drink with a tiny umbrella.
But snorkeling in Iceland? Probably not. 😅
Yet scuba diving and snorkeling the Silfra in Iceland is one of the most sought-after tours in the country.
So let’s talk about the Silfra fissure – what it is, why it’s unique, why it might not be for everyone, and what you need to know before you book a tour and slip into that icy-blue water.
If snorkeling between Iceland’s tectonic plates sounds exactly like your type of adventure, Silfra should be on your bucket list!
Let’s get into it!
What is the Silfra in Iceland
Silfra is a fissure located 34 miles (54.3 km) from Reykjavík on Route 36 in Þingvellir National Park, and part of the Golden Circle route.
The freezing cold water comes straight from the nearby Langjökull glacier.
What makes Silfra so special is that it’s literally the gap between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Which means you’re not just swimming in a fissure… you’re swimming between continents.
👏 How cool is that?! 👏
The Silfra tour is an easy addition to any Golden Circle trip. Here are more things to check out along the route. 👇
➡️ READ: Golden Circle, Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for a Dream Trip
The Best Time for Silfra Fissure Snorkeling + Diving
Silfra tours run year-round.
Summer is the busiest season, so if you want fewer crowds, fall and winter are better options.
What’s surprising is that even in winter, the water conditions stay pretty constant throughout the year. Just keep in mind that the conditions outside the water, while you get into your wetsuit and prepare to get into the water, will be more challenging because of the cold.
What to Expect on a Silfra Snorkeling Tour
Few adventures compare to diving between Iceland’s tectonic plates and snorkeling in crystal-clear glacial water.
There are a handful of companies that run Silfra tours, and no matter which you choose, the experience is unlike anything else in Iceland.
First of all, Silfra in Iceland is stunning! The visibility can reach up to 100 meters, which is almost unheard of anywhere in the world.
Even though it’s not filled with colorful coral or schools of fish, the beauty comes from the crystal-clear water and the feeling of floating between two tectonic plates. It’s calm and surreal.
The water sits between 33-37°F (1-3°C) year-round, just above freezing, so this is definitely not your typical “warm tropical snorkeling” experience!
What Happens Before the Silfra Snorkeling Tour
Here’s how the actual tour works when you book a Silfra snorkeling tour with Icelandia:
1. Pickup or Meet-On-Site
You’ll have the option of getting picked up from your hotel or meeting them at the Silfra parking area. If you’re already doing the Golden Circle that day, meeting them there is easy.
For anyone road tripping around Iceland, I highly recommend Blue Car Rental.
Their service is excellent, they offer 24/7 roadside assistance, and insurance is built into the rental price. It’s the best way to stay flexible and see everything on your schedule.
If you book using my 👉 VIP LINK you’ll get 5% OFF your rental automatically applied at checkout. NO CODE NEEDED!
2. Get Geared Up
Because the water is so cold, they outfit you with heavy-duty dry suits plus neoprene gloves and booties. Getting into everything takes time (this was the coldest part for me!), but the guides are super helpful and double-check every seal to make sure you’re warm and comfortable before you head out.
3. Walk to the Fissure
Once everyone is suited up, you cross the road and walk toward the entry point. Along the way, your guide will explain what Silfra is, how the fissure formed, and what to expect in the water. I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, this is really gonna happen!” It starts to feel real at this point.
4. Safety Briefing + Final Questions
Before anyone gets in, the guide gives a full safety rundown, answers questions, and makes sure everyone feels confident. They don’t rush this part at all, which is really reassuring, especially if it’s your first time snorkeling in icy water. I kept reminding myself that I was with professionals and that I’d be fine!
Once You’re in the Water
From above Silfra, looks like just a normal rock fissure with some water in it. But the moment you put your head down into the water, you will be amazed at how beautiful and clear it is.
The nice thing about snorkeling through Silfra is that there’s a slight current, so you can paddle using your flippers if you want, or just float and let the current carry you along.
As you move through Silfra, you’ll experience a few different landscapes:
There’s a deep section where you can see down for what feels like forever, then the rock formations rise closer to the surface, and toward the end, it starts to get sandy with bright green algae peeking through.
During the tour, be prepared for your body parts to go numb, especially your lips and face.
Everything else is well-protected in neoprene, but your exposed skin will definitely feel the cold.
The tour itself lasts for about 40 minutes. So if you find yourself thinking about how much you can’t feel your face, just remember you’ll be out of the cold, warming up with hot chocolate soon! 😉
Tips when Taking a Silfra Snorkeling Tour
These are the tips I wish I’d known before my Silfra tour. They’ll make your experience way smoother (and comfortable)!
Snorkel vs. Scuba Diving in Iceland: Choose What Feels Right for You
Most people choose snorkeling in Iceland, simply because you don’t need any certifications.
But if you’re scuba certified and you’re considering the dive, here’s something to keep in mind: a friend of mine, who’s dived all over the world, said Silfra was one of her trickier dives.
Not because of the location (it’s gorgeous) but because managing buoyancy in a dry suit feels completely different from a standard scuba setup.
Not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of so you know what to expect.
My friend did a guest post about diving in Iceland; if you want to learn more👇
➡️ READ: Diving in Iceland: Silfra Fissure
Wear Your Warmest Base Layers
You’ll be in a dry suit, but what you wear underneath really matters!
Bring heavy wool socks and good thermal layers. They make a massive difference once you’re in that cold water. Trust me, this is NOT the day to test out lightweight leggings!
These are some of the suggested clothing to bring along for the tour:
- Dry socks
- Warm fleece or wool sweater
- Trousers or underpants
- Swimming shorts
Psst… Want to know what you actually need to pack for Iceland, and what’ll just take up space in your suitcase?
Inside my 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide I’ve included detailed seasonal packing lists, my favorite clothing + gear recommendations, weather averages, and more.
Avoid overpacking and bring exactly what you need.
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below:
Pack Light Snacks
Bring water, snacks, and anything you need for a few hours.
The whole experience from gearing up to actually being in the water takes a while.
Having a small snack and some water in your bag helps. All that activity in the cold really works up an appetite, especially if you’re meeting on-site and not being picked up from Reykjavík.
Charge your Electronics/GoPro
If you plan to film or take photos, make sure your GoPro is fully charged. The cold drains batteries unbelievably fast.
Some people’s cameras don’t even make it through the full tour.
And if you’re not bringing one? No worries, some companies take photos of you, so you’ll still get amazing shots while you’re snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland.
Book Your Iceland Silfra Snorkeling Tour Early
Silfra tours fill up fast, especially during peak travel seasons.
This is one of Iceland’s most popular tours, so as soon as you know you want to snorkel or dive in Silfra, book it early!
Ready to experience one of the best Silfra snorkeling tours for yourself?
💥 Book a Silfra Snorkeling Tour with Icelandia, and get 5% off when you use my special code 👉ICELANDWITHAVIEW
Use this link if you prefer to be picked up from Reykjavík.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Snorkelling Silfra Tour with Pick up from Reykjavík
Is Silfra in Iceland the Right Choice for You?
I just wanted to finish off by saying, this tour is not for everyone… and there’s zero shame in that!
The Silfra in Iceland is super unique and so beautiful, but if you relate to any of these, this tour might not be for you:
You hate cold water: This one’s obvious, but worth mentioning. You’re in the water for around 40 minutes, and it’s cold the ENTIRE time. You’re gonna be numb, and you don’t really warm up or get used to it. If cold water is your Kryptonite, it’s probably better to watch from above.
You’re claustrophobic: If you don’t like being in tight spaces, then I wouldn’t recommend doing Silfra. Dry suits are snug, especially around the neck and wrists. That’s exactly how they’re supposed to fit, so freezing water doesn’t seep in. But if tight gear makes you anxious or uncomfortable, Silfra might not be the right choice.
At the end of the day, Silfra is an incredible experience, but it’s perfectly okay if it’s not your thing. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Iceland’s stunning landscapes, no cold-water snorkeling required!
My Personal Experience with Silfra Snorkeling
Full disclosure.
I booked the Silfra tour during a rare burst of bravery, even though I’m terrified of being in water.
Suiting up in the dark Icelandic morning had my heart racing, but once I got in, the adrenaline took over.
The first look down into that deep, crystal-clear fissure nearly sent me straight back up, but after that, I floated along with the gentle current and actually enjoyed it.
I’m really proud I did it. And if I can do it, truly anyone can!
Even though I was terrified, it ended up being such a great experience. Overall, the Silfra experience was amazing, and I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary.
If you want to see what you can expect and how I conquered my fear, it’s all here.👇
Looking for More Incredible Things to Do in Iceland?
Iceland’s got no shortage of breathtaking spots, Silfra being one of them, but figuring out how to fit them all in is half the challenge.
With so much to see, planning can quickly feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t want to miss the must-visit spots or get stuck worrying about logistics like restrooms, gas stations, or the best times to visit certain attractions.
That’s where my 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks come in.
Each guide is packed with practical tips, region-specific itineraries, packing lists, and insider recommendations.
It also comes with a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations showing you exactly where to find the hidden gems most tourists miss.
Having these guides and the map is like getting tips from a friend who’s already been everywhere you want to go.
(Hi, I’m that friend! 👋)
You don’t have to stress about missing something amazing or scrambling for the next stop, you can just relax, knowing exactly what to expect on the way.
Happy Planning!
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