Snorkeling Tours

Best Snorkeling Tours in Iceland

Discover the largest selection of snorkeling tours in Iceland. Swim between two tectonic plates in the pristine waters of Silfra ravine.
Find a unique experience

Select starting location

Select dates

Starting dateFinal date

Add travelers

1 traveler
Free cancellation
Best price guarantee
Easy Booking & Cancellation
Most Popular Website about Iceland

Snorkeling Tours

Refine the results by using the filters

2
We offer so much more

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Verified customer reviews

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Snorkeling in Iceland

Iceland’s majesty does not just exist at surface level. For explorers willing to brace the cold, this country boasts a number of hidden underwater treasures, some of which are heralded among the best snorkeling and dive sites in the world.

But snorkeling in Iceland is quite unlike what most world travellers are used to. Swap out the beach shorts for a drysuit, trade-in tropical fish for dark and mysterious canyons, and lower the temperature dramatically, and you’ve got yourself a closer impression.

Regardless of the differences, snorkeling in Iceland is one of the most exhilarating, unexpected and unique activities available to visitors. How often, after all, does one go snorkeling amidst the snow?

Silfra Fissure, while heralded as Iceland’s premier snorkeling site, is but one of many glacial rifts that exist within Þingvellir National Park. As the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continue to separate little by little each year, the continental no man’s land between them bears the brunt of the tension, often forming deep cracks and ravines that are submerged by glacial water.

One day in the distant future, these plates will have split apart so much that the adjacent lake, Þingvallavatn, will come to flood the whole national park.

Silfra Fissure has a slight current, meaning there is little need to swim (though swimming ability is a prerequisite). As your drysuit keeps you buoyant in the water, you can merely float the gauntlet, breathing in slowly as your eyes fully take in this subaquatic paradise. With near 100 metres visibility, you’ll have a captivating bird’s eye view over the fissure, its rock laden bottom, domineering canyon walls and luminescent green algae.

As previously mentioned, Silfra Fissure is lacking in fish-life (though young and smaller fish are known to treat the ravine as a nursery), but more than trades off for its unbelievable aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions

Can I snorkel between tectonic plates in Iceland?

Yes! You can snorkel in the Silfra fissure at Thingvellir National Park which is located between the massive Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate.

How deep is the Silfra fissure?

At its deepest the Silfra fissure is 200 feet deep (60 meters), however, on a snorkeling tour you will at most dive 40 feet into the water (12 meters).

Do I need prior snorkeling experience to participate in a tour in Iceland?

While prior snorkeling experience can be helpful, it is not mandatory for most snorkeling tours in Silfra Fissure. Tour operators provide a safety briefing and basic snorkeling instructions before the tour. However, participants must be comfortable swimming and meet certain age, height, and weight requirements. Make sure to check the tour description for further details.

Can I meet the guides at the Silfra snorkeling location in Iceland?

Yes, though the specific meeting point will differ with each operator. Some may wish to meet you at the nearby visitor's center, others in Silfra car park. Make sure to read the tour description carefully to know the correct meeting point. You can also contact us at info@guidetoiceland.is if you need further information.

When is the best time to go snorkeling in Iceland?

Snorkeling tours at Silfra Fissure operate year-round, with water temperatures remaining fairly consistent between 35-37°F (2-3°C). However, the air temperature and weather conditions may be more favorable during summer. Keep in mind that Silfra can be busier during peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.

Can I take underwater photos during a snorkeling tour in Iceland?

Yes, you can take underwater photos during your snorkeling tour in Iceland. If you have a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone, you are free to capture the stunning underwater scenery.

Some of the tours include underwater photography as part of the experience or rent out GoPro cameras to participants for an additional fee, such as this drysuit snorkeling tour with underwater photos.

Do I need to know how to swim when snorkeling in Silfra?

Yes, all participants must know how to swim when snorkeling in Silfra. Though the drysuits are very buoyant, guests are required to exert themselves physically whilst on the tour and navigate through the water.

Is the water cold when snorkeling in Silfra?

The water in Silfra is a consistent 2-3°C (35-37°F), year-round. Because Silfra has a light current running through it, the fissure never freezes, not even during the winter.

Do you need to wear a drysuit when snorkeling in Silfra?

Most operators require you to wear a drysuit, although some will also let you snorkel in a wetsuit. There are no options to snorkel without protective equipment, however, as the water in Silfra is far too cold.

Are there any snorkeling tours in the ocean surrounding Iceland?

No, all snorkeling tours in Iceland take place in Silfra fissure at Thingvellir National Park.

Is the water drinkable in Silfra?

Yes, and delicious. Remember "The Golden Rule", however, and don't drink too much (drysuits are known for self-containing any liquid).

How long does my snorkeling tour at Silfra last?

The tour lasts at least two hours when snorkeling in Silfra fissure, with snorkeling time ranging between 30 and 45 minutes.

Is it possible to negotiate about the age limit for snorkeling in Silfra?

No, the tour operators need to adhere to Icelandic law, which states that you must be 14 years of age in order to take part in snorkeling in Iceland.

Is there fish in the Silfra fissure?

Compared to other snorkeling sites that are abundant with wildlife, the appeal of diving in Silfra is its crystal clear water, exploring geological formations, and the overall uniqueness of diving between tectonic plates. However, some small fish may reside there such as the diminutive Dwarf Char, but mostly they stay in the depth near the rocks so they are unlikely to be spotted by snorkelers.

What is the visibility like when snorkeling in Silfra Fissure?

Silfra Fissure is known for its exceptional underwater visibility, which can exceed 100 meters (328 feet) on a clear day. The crystal-clear water is a result of the slow filtration of meltwater from the nearby Langjokull glacier through the porous volcanic rock, which can take over 100 years to reach the ravine.

What other equipment will I use when snorkeling in Silfra?

Alongside the drysuit, you will wear a pair of neoprene gloves, a neoprene hood, a pair of fins, and a snorkeling mask when snorkeling in Silfra.

Will my snorkeling tour in Silfra be cancelled if it's raining or snowing?

No, tours at Silfra will go ahead unless extremely strong winds warrant a cancellation. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the tour operator directly or email our team at info@guidetoiceland.is.

What should I wear for a snorkeling tour in Iceland?

Due to the cold water temperatures, the tour operator provides participants with a dry suit or a thick wetsuit, gloves, a hood, and snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins). It is essential to wear warm, thin layers of clothing, such as thermal or fleece, under the dry suit, and bring a change of clothes and a towel for after the snorkeling experience.

Can I participate in a snorkeling tour if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

If you wear glasses, switching to contact lenses for your snorkeling tour is recommended, as glasses cannot be worn with the provided snorkeling masks. If you wear contact lenses, you can use them without any issues during your snorkeling experience.

How do I get to the Silfra Fissure for a snorkeling tour?

Many tour operators offer pick-up services from Reykjavik, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Iceland and drive to the Silfra Fissure yourself, but make sure to allow ample time for parking and finding the meeting point.

Are there any health or medical restrictions for participating in a snorkeling tour in Iceland?

Due to the physical nature of snorkeling and the use of dry suits, participants must be in good health and able to swim. Certain medical conditions, such as heart or lung issues, may require clearance from a doctor, and pregnant women are not advised to participate in snorkeling tours.

Additionally, there are some age, height, and weight requirements that differ between tour operators, so be sure to read the tour description carefully before booking it.

Can I scuba dive instead of snorkeling in Iceland?

Yes, it is possible to go scuba diving in Silfra Fissure, but participants must hold a valid dry suit diving certification or have logged at least 10 dry suit dives within the last two years.
Link to appstore phone
Install Iceland’s biggest travel app

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.