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Operated by: Adventure Vikings

Þingvellir: Private Snorkeling Tour in Silfra Fissure

Snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, a world-renowned freshwater fissure inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir. This private tour includes all gear, an English-speaking guide, free underwater photos, and hot chocolate after your 30–40 minute snorkel.

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

About this experience

Silfra is ranked among the top snorkeling and dive sites on the planet — and for good reason. Located within the Þingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, roughly 50 km from Reykjavík, this freshwater fissure reaches depths of 60–63 metres. The water is so exceptionally clear you can see almost from one end to the other, creating a weightless, flying sensation unlike any other aquatic experience.

This is a fully private tour, meaning your group has exclusive access to your guide and the experience is tailored entirely to you. No diving experience or diving licence is required — your guide will brief you thoroughly before you enter the water.

You have the choice of snorkeling in a drysuit or a wetsuit. The drysuit provides insulation through layered fabric, keeping you dry throughout. The wetsuit option, exclusively offered by Adventure Vikings among Icelandic operators, allows you to dive beneath the surface rather than simply floating on top — a noticeably more immersive experience.

After your snorkel, warm up with hot chocolate included as part of the tour. Free underwater photos of your Silfra experience are also provided, so you can relive the moment without needing to manage a camera in the water.

Highlights

  • Snorkel in Silfra, one of the world's top-rated dive sites
  • Private tour with an English-speaking guide
  • Choice of drysuit or wetsuit snorkeling
  • Free underwater photos included
  • Hot chocolate provided after snorkeling
  • No diving experience or licence required

Experience details

Your adventure begins with a transfer to Þingvellir, where your guide will conduct a full briefing and help you suit up — this preparation phase takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in total, including travel time. The snorkel itself lasts around 30 to 40 minutes inside the Silfra fissure.

Once in the water, you'll drift through one of Iceland's most extraordinary natural features. The glacial meltwater filtering through porous lava rock for decades produces visibility that is virtually unmatched anywhere in the world.

  • Full gear fitting and safety briefing before entering the water
  • 30–40 minutes of snorkeling in Silfra's crystal-clear fissure
  • Private guide throughout the entire experience
  • Free underwater photos delivered after the tour
  • Hot chocolate to warm up afterwards

Participants must be comfortable swimmers and meet the physical requirements listed in the booking conditions. A liability release form is signed at the start of the tour.

Why choose this tour

This private snorkeling experience in Silfra stands apart from group tours. Your guide focuses entirely on your party, the pace is set by you, and the experience feels personal rather than rushed.

Adventure Vikings is the only Icelandic operator offering wetsuit snorkeling in Silfra, giving participants the option to dive beneath the surface — something not possible in a standard drysuit. All necessary equipment is provided, free underwater photos are included, and hot chocolate awaits you at the end. No prior diving experience is needed, making this accessible to most confident swimmers aged 12 years and above.

What’s included

Private tour. All necessary snorkeling gear. English-speaking guide. Free underwater Silfra photos. Hot chocolate after snorkeling.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need snorkeling or diving experience to join this tour?
No experience or diving licence is required. Your guide provides a full briefing and gear fitting before you enter the water. You do need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable in water, but no prior snorkeling or diving background is necessary.
What is the difference between the drysuit and wetsuit options?
A drysuit keeps you completely dry using insulating layers, offering good protection from the cold. A wetsuit allows you to dive beneath the surface of the fissure rather than floating on top, providing a more immersive experience. Adventure Vikings is the only Icelandic operator offering wetsuit snorkeling in Silfra.
Are there height and weight requirements for this tour?
Yes. Participants must be between 145 cm and 200 cm tall, and weigh between 45 kg and 120 kg. These limits exist to ensure a proper and safe fit for the snorkeling suits provided.
What is included in the tour price?
The price includes the private tour, all necessary snorkeling gear, an English-speaking guide, free underwater photos taken during your snorkel in Silfra, and hot chocolate served after the experience.
Can I wear glasses during the snorkel?
Glasses cannot be worn under a snorkeling mask. If you need vision correction, bring a prescription dive mask or wear contact lenses. The operator recommends arranging this before your tour date.
Where does the tour take place and how far is it from Reykjavík?
The snorkeling takes place at Silfra fissure inside Þingvellir National Park, approximately 50 km from Reykjavík. The meeting point is at Þingvellir. No hotel pickup is included — confirm your exact meeting arrangements at checkout.

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