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Operated by: Adventure Vikings

Reykjavík: Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure – Wetsuit & Drysuit Options

Snorkel through Silfra, one of the world's top dive sites, set within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir. Float through crystal-clear glacial water in a freshwater fissure 60–63 metres deep. No diving experience needed. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
No pickup
Minimum age
12+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1 · Max 24
Travel method
Self-Drive

About this experience

Silfra is ranked among the world's premier dive and snorkel sites, tucked inside the Þingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, roughly 50 km from Reykjavík. This extraordinary freshwater fissure reaches depths of 60–63 metres, and its glacially filtered water is so clear you can see almost from end to end — an experience guides often describe as feeling like flying.

This 2-hour 30-minute snorkeling tour is operated by Adventure Vikings, the only Icelandic company offering wetsuit snorkeling in Silfra. While a drysuit provides thermal insulation by trapping layers of air, the wetsuit option lets you actively dive into the fissure rather than simply floating on the surface — making for a far more immersive and dynamic experience.

No diving experience or diving licence is required. Your English-speaking guide will brief you fully on site, help you suit up, and lead you through the fissure at a comfortable pace. All necessary snorkeling gear is provided, and complimentary photos are included so you can focus entirely on the experience.

After your snorkel, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate while your guide wraps up the session. The actual time spent snorkeling in Silfra is approximately 30–40 minutes, with the remainder of the tour covering briefing, suiting up, and post-snorkel wind-down.

Highlights

  • Snorkel in Silfra, one of the world's top-rated freshwater dive sites
  • Located inside Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Wetsuit option lets you dive into the fissure — unique to Adventure Vikings in Iceland
  • Visibility stretches almost the full length of the crystal-clear glacial fissure
  • All snorkeling gear, an English-speaking guide, free photos, and hot chocolate included
  • No diving experience or licence required — suitable for confident swimmers aged 12 and over

Experience details

Your tour begins at the Silfra car park in Þingvellir National Park. Park at the Þingvellir P5 parking lot and walk approximately 400 metres back along the road to the snorkel and dive van area, where your Adventure Vikings guide will be waiting. Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin.

After check-in, your guide will deliver a full safety briefing and help you into either a drysuit or wetsuit. The wetsuit is the recommended choice — it allows you to dive beneath the surface and explore the fissure more actively, rather than floating on top as you would in a drysuit.

  • Approximately 30–40 minutes of active snorkeling inside the fissure
  • Exceptional underwater visibility in glacially filtered freshwater
  • Guided experience with complimentary photos taken during the snorkel
  • Hot chocolate served after the snorkel to help you warm up

Total tour duration, including briefing and suiting up, is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Why choose this tour

Adventure Vikings is the only operator in Iceland offering wetsuit snorkeling in Silfra — a meaningful distinction. The wetsuit allows active diving into the fissure, delivering a far more engaging experience than the passive float a drysuit provides.

The tour is compact at 2 hours 30 minutes, making it easy to combine with other activities in the Þingvellir area. Gear, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, complimentary photos, and hot chocolate are all included — no separate equipment hire needed.

With no diving licence or prior experience required, this tour is accessible to any confident swimmer who meets the physical prerequisites, making it one of Iceland's most approachable bucket-list water experiences.

What’s included

All necessary snorkeling gear; English-speaking guide; complimentary photos; hot chocolate

Pickup point

Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need diving experience or a licence to snorkel in Silfra?
No. Neither a diving licence nor prior diving experience is required. You must be a confident swimmer, meet the physical prerequisites, and complete the Silfra Snorkeling Medical Statement before the tour.
What is the difference between the wetsuit and drysuit options?
A drysuit uses insulating layers to keep you dry and warm but limits you to floating on the surface. The wetsuit option, exclusive to Adventure Vikings in Iceland, allows you to actively dive into the fissure for a more dynamic and immersive experience.
What are the physical requirements for this snorkeling tour?
Participants must be at least 12 years old, between 145 cm and 200 cm tall, and weigh between 45 kg and 120 kg. You must be physically fit, able to swim, and comfortable in water. Pregnant participants are not recommended to take part.
Where exactly do I meet my guide for the Silfra snorkel tour?
Park at the Þingvellir P5 parking lot and walk approximately 400 metres back along the road to the Silfra car park, where the snorkel and dive vans are located. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin.
Can I wear glasses during the snorkel?
Glasses are not permitted inside the snorkel mask. If you require vision correction, bring a prescription dive mask or wear contact lenses on the day of your tour.
How long is the actual snorkeling time inside Silfra?
Active snorkeling inside the fissure lasts approximately 30–40 minutes. The full tour, including briefing and suiting up, runs for 2 hours 30 minutes in total.

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