Question 1

When can you snorkel in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

You can snorkel in Iceland throughout the year. While it might seem crazy, you can snorkel in Silfra even in winter. Probably the best time to join a diving tour is spring or autumn, when there tends to be fewer crowds in the Þingvellir National Park.

Snorkelling in Silfra is possible at any time throughout the day too, with tours running from 08:00 to 17:00.

Question 2

Can you snorkel in Silfra during winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to snorkel in Silfra during winter. It’s a challenge you’ll remember forever.

The waters are typically no colder than at any other time of year, as they tend to be a stable 2 – 4°C (35.6 – 39.2°F) year round. It will of course be a little chillier when you get out of the water though!

Question 3

Is snorkelling in Silfra Iceland worth it?

Accepted Answer

Snorkelling in Silfra is not like snorkelling anywhere else. Thanks to impeccably clear water and its location in a live tectonic landscape, Silfra offers one of the most thrilling snorkelling experiences on Earth. How many times can you say you’ve swum between two continents?

Question 4

Can anyone snorkel Silfra?

Accepted Answer

Snorkelling in Silfra is available to anyone. Whether this is your first dive or you’ve snorkelled all over the world, Silfra offers something special.

That said, for your safety, there are some people who are not recommended to dive here. For example, you do need to be at least 12 years of age to snorkel safely in Silfra. Similarly, if you’re pregnant you won’t be able to dive with us.

You’ll also need to be able to fit in a dry suit, have a decent level of fitness, and be able to swim.

Question 5

How long is the Silfra snorkelling tour?

Accepted Answer

Most snorkelling tours at Silfra last for about 2.5 hours, including time to get fitted in the right gear and learn key safety advice. You will spend about 30 to 45 minutes in the water exploring the different areas of the tectonic fissure.

These times don’t include transportation. If you would like to start your Silfra snorkelling tour from Reykjavík, account for a further 2.5 hours in travel. We’ll pick you up in one of our comfy vans.

Question 6

Can you snorkel Silfra without a tour?

Accepted Answer

You can snorkel in Silfra without a tour, but you’ll have to buy a permit from the Þingvellir National Park authority. That said, it’s much safer to snorkel with an expert guide, who can provide the gear and ensure that you have the appropriate level of fitness.

Question 7

What temperature is snorkelling in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

There’s no doubt that snorkelling in Iceland is pretty cold! The temperature of the water in Silfra is fairly stable all year round, between 2 and 4°C (35.6-39.2°F).

While that sounds pretty cold, it won’t feel as cold as you would think. That’s because you’ll be wearing a dry suit, as well as your own thermal layers underneath.

Question 8

Is it safe to snorkel in Silfra?

Accepted Answer

It is perfectly safe to snorkel in Silfra if you’re accompanied by a trained guide. You will be equipped with state of the art diving gear and given all the guidance you need to ensure you’re confident, comfortable, and safe.

While you don’t need past snorkelling experience, you will need to be reasonably physically fit, over 12 years old, and weigh at least 45kg.

We don’t recommend that you swim in Lake Þingvallavatn without a guide.

Question 9

How much does it cost to snorkel in Silfra?

Accepted Answer

The price of snorkelling in Silfra depends on the type of tour you book. For example, tours with transport from Reykjavík or private tours tend to be more expensive than the classic tour.

Check out individual tour pages for up to date prices.

Question 10

Can you snorkel through tectonic plates in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel between tectonic plates. At Silfra, in Lake Þingvallavatn in the Þingvellir National Park, you can swim between Europe and North America, deep in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

It’s an incredible experience to see the ever-changing tectonic world beneath the surface. As the two tectonic plates are diverging at about 2.5 centimetres each year, it’s never the same twice.

Question 11

What do I bring for a snorkel tour?

Accepted Answer

When you book a snorkelling tour, you’ll be given complete information on what you need to bring with you. But expect at the very least to bring long underwear, thick socks, as well as suitable clothes for the weather of the day. If you typically wear glasses, please bring contact lenses too.

The dry suit, snorkelling gear, and a hot drink and snacks are included in the price of the tour.

Question 12

Is snorkelling in Iceland cold?

Accepted Answer

We won’t lie to you—of course snorkelling in Iceland is cold! But you’ll be surprised by how little you’ll notice. You’ll be wearing a dry suit with thermal layers underneath, so you won’t be directly exposed to the cold water.

Question 13

How deep is the Silfra crack?

Accepted Answer

While the biggest Silfra depth is 63 metres (around 207 feet), the furthest you are permitted to dive beneath the surface is 18 metres (which is the standard limitation for most PADI-qualified divers anyway). Most Silfra tours don’t descend deeper than 10 metres (32 feet).

Question 14

How much does it cost to snorkel in Silfra?

Accepted Answer

Snorkelling in Silfra requires less equipment so is the cheaper way to explore the waters between the continental plates. Meeting on location, a snorkelling session in the crystal-clear chasm between the continents costs around $140 and with pick-up from Reykjavík, it is around $200.

You can also combine a snorkelling session in the ice-cold water of Silfra with a luxurious soak in a geothermal bath for around $175 (self-drive).

Question 15

Is the Silfra fissure worth it?

Accepted Answer

Although it is not the only tectonic fissure you can visit in Iceland, Silfra’s crystal-clear water and beautiful rock formations makes it the most unique.

Many positive Silfra reviews rave about the experience and show that the experience is definitely worth it. You probably won’t see any marine life, but the high visibility shows off the rocks and interesting plant life that looks like it is from another planet.

Question 16

Is it safe to snorkel Silfra?

Accepted Answer

As long as you go with an organised tour, snorkelling in Silfra is perfectly safe. In fact, an organised, guided session which includes the use of a dry suit, is the only way to experience snorkelling in Silfra.

The dry suit keeps you warm and prevents the risk of hypothermia. The biggest risk to snorkelers in Silfa is the cold as the water is around 2 to 4°C. There is also a risk to those who experience claustrophobia as unexpected panic can set in when you descend into the water. Those that struggle to swim or have low physical fitness should not attempt to snorkel at Silfra.

Question 17

Why is Silfra water so clear?

Accepted Answer

One of the most striking things about diving at Silfra is the diamond clarity of the water. You can see beyond 100 metres in front of you – exceptional visibility.

The water is so clear because it takes between 30 and 100 years of filtration through porous volcanic rock to reach the surface. By the time it reaches the chasm, the water is extremely pure.

Question 18

Is there life in Silfra?

Accepted Answer

While there is plenty of life in Silfra, most of it is invisible to the human eye – unless you’re talking about plant life, of course. Bright green, twisting “troll hair” grass grows at the bottom of the chasm and there are loads of unseen microscopic invertebrates.

There are three types of fish that live in the Þingvallavatn lake that feeds into the Silfra fissure – brown trout, sticklebacks and Arctic char. Only the Arctic char ventures into the fissure and only during mating season in July and August.

The only fish you might spot in the fissure itself is the dwarf char, but these are very small and tend to lurk in hidey holes and dark spots. Spotting a dwarf char is rare.

Question 19

Can you dive at Silfra without a tour?

Accepted Answer

You cannot dive in Silfra without an organised tour for safety reasons. Unlike snorkelling in Silfra, you also need to be PADI qualified to dive and be trained in dry suit diving before you arrive with at least one dry suit dive logged in the last two years or 10 dry suit dives logged overall.

There are many single-day dry suit courses on offer in the UK and US to prepare for your visit if you aren’t already qualified.

Question 20

Can you snorkel Silfra on your own?

Accepted Answer

You cannot snorkel in Silfra without a guide or organised tour due to safety regulations. But you can use your own snorkelling equipment on a Silfra tour if you prefer, just make sure your equipment is serviced and prepared for cold-water exposure. You also need to be able to swim capably to get in the water at Silfra as it is an extreme environment.

Question 21

Where is the Silfra fissure?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find the Silfra fissure within Þingvellir National Park, in the southwest of Iceland. It marks the point where the two tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia meet.

Question 22

How much does it cost to dive in Silfra?

Accepted Answer

If you are happy to meet on location at Þingvellir National Park, a diving experience at Silfra costs around $250. As we have mentioned, getting to Silfra can be tricky so you can add transfers from Reykjavík for a total of $300 for your Iceland tectonic plates diving experience.

Question 23

How far is Silfra from Reykjavík?

Accepted Answer

Silfra is relatively close to Iceland’s capital. It is 60 kilometres from Reykjavík to Silfra and the drive usually takes between 45 and 55 minutes. There is no public transport directly to Silfra, so the best way to get here from Reykjavík is by driving yourself or joining an organised tour.

Question 24

What age is Silfra for?

Accepted Answer

Silfra is not for young children as the minimum age to snorkel here is 12 years old and participants must be at least 17 years old to dive at Silfra. 17-year-olds diving need a signature from their legal guardian to participate in the experience.

If you are over the age of 60, you need to have a diving medical statement signed off by a doctor to dive at Silfra.

Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra: Dive into the Clearest Waters on Earth

Silfra Meeting Point

Need to know

Requirements

Tour itinerary

Thingvellir National Park

Silfra fissure

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