Snorkeling between two tectonic plates was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Iceland. I remember seeing Silfra Fissure on an episode of The Amazing Race (yes, I’m a big fan of the show), and the idea immediately stuck with me.
The thought of snorkeling through crystal-clear glacier water, between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And after finally doing it myself, I can confirm that Silfra Fissure is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
Located inside Þingvellir National Park, Silfra is one of Iceland’s most unique natural attractions and a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Our Silfra Snorkeling Tour
Our experience started in true Amazing Race fashion.
We landed in Iceland, took a shuttle bus from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to Reykjavík, picked up our rental car, and drove straight to Þingvellir National Park.
Would I recommend doing this? Honestly, no.
We only did it because we had a very limited amount of time in Iceland and wanted to fit in as much as possible. Ideally, I would recommend giving yourself some time to rest after your flight before taking on an activity like Silfra snorkeling. Getting into a dry suit, dealing with the cold, and spending time in the water is much easier when you’re well-rested.
Getting Ready for the Cold
Before getting into the water, you’ll need to suit up, and this is definitely part of the experience.
The water in Silfra comes from glacial meltwater that has been naturally filtered through underground lava rock for years before reaching the fissure. The water temperature stays around 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, which means that, unfortunately, there is no escaping the cold.
The good news is that Silfra snorkeling is available year-round. The bad news, at least for me, is that the water is cold regardless of when you visit.
I did this tour in August, expecting that the summer weather might make the experience feel a little warmer.
It didn’t.
You must wear a fully insulated dry suit designed to keep you protected from the cold water. However, your hands and face are still exposed, and you will definitely feel the cold, especially on your face and hands.
Snorkeling Between Two Tectonic Plates
After getting suited up, we took a short walk to the water’s edge. Before entering Silfra, our guide gave us a quick briefing and explained how to move and breathe comfortably in the dry suit.
The suit adds a lot of buoyancy, which means you naturally float rather than sink. That sounds helpful, but it also makes snorkeling feel quite different from swimming in a regular wetsuit.
Once you enter the water, though, the experience becomes something completely different.
The water is incredibly clear, and the visibility can reach up to around 100 meters (328 feet) under the right conditions. Looking down into the fissure and seeing the geological formations beneath you is surreal.
Was Silfra Snorkeling Comfortable?
I’ll be honest: I struggled at first.
Between the tiredness from traveling, the bulky dry suit, and the cold water, I definitely had a moment where I questioned my decisions.
But once I relaxed and got used to the feeling of the dry suit, I was able to enjoy the experience.
And I’m so glad I did.
Silfra isn’t really about seeing colorful coral reefs or a huge variety of marine life. The water is simply too cold for that. During my snorkel, I remember seeing troll hair algae, a bright neon-green algae that grows in the fissure.
The real attraction is the geology and incredibly clear water.
Floating through the fissure while looking at the rock formations around you is a completely unique experience. There really isn’t anything quite like it.
How Long Are You in the Water?
The snorkeling portion of the tour lasts around 30–40 minutes, depending on the conditions.
If you’re struggling in the water, you can roll onto your back and float. Your guide will also be there to help you throughout the experience.
I did see a few people decide to leave the water during the tour. If you start feeling uncomfortable, it’s important to let your guide know as early as possible, as there aren’t any exit points along the route.
This is definitely an activity where it’s better to listen to your body rather than try to push through discomfort.
My Experience with Arctic Adventures
I did my Silfra snorkeling tour with Arctic Adventures, and I had a great experience.
Our guide was professional, reassuring, and made us feel safe throughout the entire tour. They also took photos during the snorkeling experience and included them at no additional cost, which was such a nice bonus.
After getting changed and warming up, we were greeted with hot chocolate and cookies. Having a warm drink and something sweet while taking in everything we had just experienced was the perfect way to end the tour.
Is Silfra Snorkeling Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
Silfra was one of the experiences I was most excited about before visiting Iceland, and despite the initial discomfort, it lived up to my expectations.
It’s cold, it’s a little uncomfortable, and getting into a dry suit after a long flight might not be the most relaxing way to start an Iceland trip. But once you’re in the water, floating between the geological formations in some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, it’s hard not to appreciate how special the experience is.
If you’re an adventurous traveler looking for unique things to do in Iceland, I would definitely consider adding Silfra snorkeling in Þingvellir National Park to your itinerary.
Just bring your sense of adventure—and be prepared for the cold!
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