Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This means that the Silfra fissure is technically the separation point between the continents. The divide was caused by an earthquake in the late 1700s. Today, the fissure is a hot-spot for divers. It is the only place in the world where you can actively dive or swim between continents. Silfra snorkeling should top the list of any adventure bucket list!

The fissure is just shy of 65 feet (18m) deep, and is filled with crystal clear runoff water from the nearby Langjökull glacier. Silfra’s waters are said to be the clearest in the world. As you snorkel through the divide, you can practically see straight through to the bottom. 

Silfra Snorkeling | The Ultimate Guide

How do you get to Silfra?

Silfra is located in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, just one hour outside of Reykjavik. Silfra is one of the most popular attractions on Iceland’s Golden Circle route. If you are planning a road trip around the country, Silfra should absolutely be added to your itinerary.

There is no public transportation to the dive site, so you will need to drive.

You can rent a car in Keflavik or Reykjavik for around 3,000-5,500 Icelandic krona per day ($22-40 USD). Camper vans will typically be slightly higher in cost – closer to 10,000-20,000 Icelandic krona per day ($70-139 USD).

There are also many tours that depart from Reykjavik to Silfra. Dive.is is a great company that offers private and group snorkeling tours with the option to add on round-trip transportation from Reykjavik. I recommend checking them out if you are interested in a day trip!

Because of its close proximity to the capital city, a Silfra snorkel tour is a great activity to add to the beginning or end of your Iceland trip. Just remember that, if you opt to dive, you do not hop on an airplane the next day!

How much does Silfra snorkeling cost?

A group snorkel tour at Silfra costs anywhere from 13,000 – 19,000 Icelandic krona ($90-$130 USD). If you require round-trip transportation from Reykjavik, the cost is $175 USD for the tour and transport.

Silfra also offers private tours for a whopping $1,170 USD (170,000 Icelandic krona). In my opinion, the group tour will suit you just fine.

Note that the cost of tours sometimes drops the day before. If you are willing to take a risk, you can monitor the website to see if prices slash due to low attendance! It is never a guarantee, though. So I recommend buying your tickets ahead of time.

Check out this website to see all of the tours offered!

Can you snorkel Silfra on your own?

Anyone can snorkel Silfra, regardless of whether or not you have experience. Guide groups will show you the basics, and you should have no issues taking off.

If you would like to dive in the fissure without a guide, you will just need to obtain a permit from the National Parks service. You will also need to prove that you have dry suit experience. Be sure that you are dressed appropriately and bring the correct gear if you are heading out solo. The waters are frigid, so a dry suit is a must.

How long is a Silfra snorkeling tour?

A typical snorkel tour in Silfra lasts anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours. The first 30 minutes are spent getting geared-up and chatting through safety measures and the history of the fissure. You’ll then head on over to the entrance site to get into the water.

The actual tour lasts roughly 40 minutes, depending on how quickly your group goes through the water. 

At the end of the tour, you will spend the remaining 30 minutes changing out of the dry suits. Most tours offer hot chocolate and snacks to attendees, so you’ll have some time to hang around and chat with the guides before taking off for the day.

If you require round-trip transportation, please allocate 45 minutes to an hour on either end of the tour for the drive to and from Reykjavik. A full tour with included transportation will take around 5 hours.

What should you bring on a Silfra snorkeling tour?

If you are heading out with a tour group, you will be provided a dry suit, mittens, snorkel, flippers, and goggles. That said, because the waters are cold, there are a few other items you should consider bringing:

• Thick wool socks
• Thermal, long-sleeve top
• Leggings (or long underwear)
• Contact lenses, if applicable (glasses won’t fit under the goggles)
• A Go-Pro, or other waterproof camera
• Clothes and shoes to change into afterwards (weather appropriate for the day)

Is Silfra snorkeling dangerous?

Generally speaking, snorkeling Silfra is a relatively safe activity – particularly if you are traveling with a guide. That being said, the activity is relatively strenuous and involves entering frigid waters in constricting body suits. 

You must be able to swim for 40 minutes with little assistance in order to take the tour, unless previous accommodations are made. The waters are extremely calm, so no need to worry about swimming against strong currents. Just note that the cold water is a little uncomfortable and can take some getting used to.

It is necessary for people with a history of medical conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ongoing complications from COVID or accident, etc) to receive clearance from a doctor before setting off on the tour. 

Participants with ongoing lung disease, epilepsy, or heart disease are unable to embark. 

The actual adventure is pretty straightforward! As long as you have read, understood, and signed the waiver beforehand, you should be absolutely fine.  

Preview the waiver from Dive.IS here.

How cold is Silfra snorkeling?

Silfra’s water comes directly from the Langjökull glacier. So, suffice it to say, it is cold. On an average day, the water in the Silfra fissure clocks in right around 2-3 degrees celsius (35F). For all tours, you will be provided a dry suit (that’s right – a dry suit) and waterproof gloves and booties to help you stay warm. 

Note that your face and wrists are exposed to the icy waters, which may be uncomfortable at first. As the tour continues, they will eventually go numb. Don’t be alarmed! The guides will help you adjust to the waters before you dive in.

Is Silfra snorkeling worth it?

Snorkeling in Silfra is, in my opinion, undoubtedly worth it. There is no other place in the world where you are able to swim between two continental tectonic plates. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

One thing that stuck out to me most was how astoundingly clear the waters were. You could see straight down to the bottom of the fissure. The sunlight illuminates the epic rock formations, and gives the entire underwater labyrinth a turquoise hue to it.

As an added bonus, the glacier water in the fissure was some of the most delicious water I have ever consumed. As you paddle your way through the waters, stop and take a sip!

You may not enjoy this activity if you dislike swimming or being cold. Those are two non-negotiable conditions that come along with a Silfra snorkeling adventure. But if you are up for a swim in pristine glacial water – then you should certainly give it a try!

That’s all, folks!

Hopefully this guide gives you a good understanding of how to snorkel the Silfra fissure in Iceland. The opportunity to snorkel between two continents is so unique. It is a must add to any adventure bucket list!

Have you snorkeled Silfra? Leave a comment below to share your experience!

Check out my 18 things to do in Iceland guide for more ideas!