SNORKELLING IN ICELAND: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE

Snorkelling isn’t reserved for tropical climes – did you know that you can snorkel in Iceland too? Our guide will show you where you can snorkel in Iceland and why it’s a unique experience.

We’ll explain the best time to go snorkelling in Iceland and what you should expect in terms of water temperature, as well as outlining the gear you’ll need and sharing tips on how to stay safe while you’re in the water. Prepare to be surprised as you read our complete guide to snorkelling in Iceland.

Silfra Fissure

If you know a little about snorkelling in Iceland then chances are you already know about Silfra Fissure. This underwater rift, located within Thingvellir National Park between the North American and Eurasian plate boundaries, is the country’s most famous snorkelling spot. It’s thought to have opened up following a shift in the tectonic plates after an earthquake that took place towards the end of the 18th century.

The water originates as meltwater from Langjökull Glacier and percolates through underground rock to reach its destination. The surrounding lava acts as a filter; in fact, the filtration process takes decades – as much as 100 years. That means visibility is exceptional here, which is why you’ll have no trouble seeing what lies underwater. It really is an extraordinary place.

Diving and Snorkeling Tours typically cover the four main parts of Silfra: the Big Crack, the Hall, the Cathedral and the Lagoon. Each has its own distinct characteristics, and you’re sure to have a favourite by the time you clamber out of the water. The Big Crack is the narrowest part of the fissure, as its name implies, while the colours you’ll experience at Silfra Hall are breathtaking.

The lava rock walls of the Cathedral are probably the most striking part of its geology because, in parts, the floor drops away to around 20 metres beneath you. Meanwhile, the Lagoon is where you’ll best appreciate the stellar visibility as you’ll often see its entire 120-metre length as you prepare to exit the fissure. Within the fissure, look out for the long strands of stringy lime green algae the locals nickname “Troll’s Hair”. If you’re here in August or September, you may even see a stray Arctic char or two.

On a fine day, the sun shimmers like diamonds on the surface of the water; if it’s snowing, you’ll see the fragile flakes settle and dissolve. Regardless of when you come, as you float along, you’ll see the colours change beneath you, as will the depth and width of the fissure and its scenery.

Actually, there are a handful of other snorkelling spots in Iceland that don’t receive the same attention. They’re few and far between, though if you dive you can access the geothermal chimney of Strytan or the underwater hot springs of Lake Kleifarvatn.

Snorkellers will love Nesgjá, situated within North Iceland’s Diamond Circle between Húsavík and Ásbyrgi. It is sometimes referred to as the Silfra of the North. Here, too, you can experience snorkelling between tectonic plates in water that’s just a few metres deep.

As with Silfra, the water here is filtered by the porous lava to become crystal clear, so snorkellers can enjoy visibility of up to 100 metres while they’re underwater. It’s cold, typically between 2 and 4°C, but its maximum depth is only about 5 or 6 metres. Swim amidst algae-covered rock in the company of Arctic char.

Another nearby snorkelling site, Litla-Á, joins Nesgjá to comprise what’s sometimes referred to as the Northern Water Circle. At Litla-Á (Little River) the water is shallower still, just 1.5 metres down at its deepest point. Visibility is pretty good and you’ll sometimes snorkel alongside brown trout and sticklebacks.

Yet since an earthquake in the 1970s altered the area’s geology, the water is warmed by a geothermal spring, and the temperature now remains a balmy 20 to 24°C year-round in this delightful river. It’s hard to reconcile this with the fact that you’re so close to the Arctic Circle. Cold water adds to the magic; emerging from wells under the river bed, it creates bubbling sands.

Snorkelling is one of the most unique activities in Iceland, so if you plan to add a Silfra Fissure tour to your itinerary, you’ll probably want to know what to expect. Tours run year-round as there’s little temperature variation between winter and summer. They’re open to children over the age of twelve and most adults, but there are certain conditions that participants must adhere to for safety reasons.

As a result of the cold temperatures – the water is always around 2 to 4°C – you’ll need to wear specialised gear. For this reason, height and weight restrictions apply. When you arrive for your tour, you’ll be issued with a dry suit which is effective in such cold water – in fact you should feel pretty comfortable throughout your tour.

You’ll wear the dry suit over thermal underwear with long sleeves and long legs, again to keep you warm in this frigid environment. You may find that the dry suit can feel tight and constricting at first, so you’ll need to be OK with this if you want to snorkel here. Most people get used to it fairly quickly, particularly once they’re immersed in such striking scenery.

This tour is best for swimmers and you’ll need to be physically fit, though no previous snorkelling experience is necessary as full instruction will be given. Nevertheless, in this sometimes confined space it’s vital that you feel comfortable in the water as you’ll be in it for around 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll need to be able to communicate with the instructor in English or remain in the vicinity of someone who can translate for you.

But if you are happy with these requirements, then Silfra Fissure snorkelling is likely to be one of the standout moments of your Iceland trip. Of all the Iceland water activities that you can sign up for, this is surely one of the most unique – after all, most places don’t have visible plate boundaries, let alone allow people to snorkel through them.

Silfra Fissure is situated within Thingvellir National Park, the first stop on the Golden Circle. Getting here from Reykjavik takes about an hour on good roads. You can purchase the tour as a stand-alone activity if you have a rental car, but it’s also possible to book a transfer if you don’t plan to self-drive while you’re in Iceland. This transfer service departs conveniently from Reykjavik’s BSÍ Bus Terminal in the city centre.

Another popular option is the Hot and Cold Snorkelling and Spa tour, which pairs Silfra Fissure with Laugarvatn Fontana. The water in the baths of this geothermal spa are deliciously warm, making this the ideal place to have a soak after your snorkelling tour has finished. The views over Lake Laugarvatn are splendid, and there’s also a geothermal bakery activity you can sign up for if you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite.

If you’re keen to incorporate unique activities into your Iceland trip itinerary, then the chance to snorkel through Silfra Fissure really is something you should consider. Why not book one of our tours and experience this remarkable place for yourself?