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Visit an ancient underground lava tube cave where we'll see awe-inspiring rock formations in varied shapes and colors. Afterward, we'll drive to Thingvellir National Park for an afternoon of snorkeling between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Snorkeling at Silfra Fissure has been rated one of the top 5 activities in the world by Trip Advisor!
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Get the best value for money by booking a combo tour for up to 10% less! Discount is valid for option From Reykjavik only.
This Iceland snorkeling and caving tour allows you to experience the country from a new angle.
We start a day with the black part of the tour by exploring a lava tube cave close to Reykjavík. We'll head to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland's longest lava tube caves. This adventure gives you great insight into the volcanic activities that have formed the country.
After caving, you will have a chance to grab some lunch between the two activities.
Next, we'll meet you at Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), where the Silfra fissure is found. Here we will put on our dry suits and get ready to explore the blue. Witness some of the clearest water on Earth as your guide leads you on a fascinating underwater journey.
Raufarhólshellir is a geological paradise renowned for its stunning minerals. Covered with colorful stalagmites and stalactites, this underground cave shows the fiery side of the land of fire and ice.
The longest lava cave in Iceland, Raufarhólshellir, spans 1360 meters long. No need to worry about crawling through tight spaces - the ceiling of this vast tunnel reaches 10 meters high.
Lava tube caves are formed by a flash cooling process of lava that flows deep below the Earth’s surface. Formed over 5000 years ago by the Leitahraun eruption, Raufarhólshellir is an ancient relic of a long-lost volcano.
During the Raufarholshellir tour, you’ll witness a place where time stands still. Marvel at the main tunnel ceiling where three stunning light beams shine, then continues to three small tunnels decorated with frozen lava. These spectacular rock formations are one of the best sights in Iceland!
Thingvellir is one of Iceland's most famous national parks. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a historic landmark and geological wonder. Step back in time to the place where the first parliament (Alþingi) took place in 930. Today visitors can still find archeological relics such as the Lögberg or Law Rock and ruins of stone shelters.
Perhaps its most remarkable feature, the park sits on a rift caused by the separation of two continental plates. The valley has rocky cliffs and fissures, such as the awe-inspiring Silfra fissure, world-renowned as a dive and snorkel site, where we embark on our underwater adventure.
Snorkeling in Silfra is a rare experience. Located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, it is the only place in the world where you can swim between two continents.
Dubbed the clearest waters on Earth, the visibility at Silfra reaches close to 150 meters for unparalleled views. Stare into the ocean's depths in a way you never have before.
Your guide will accompany you as you drift through the peaceful waters. You'll soon see why this experience has been called liquid meditation. You'll also explore the underwater geology under these glacial waters.
Touch lava rocks and observe Iceland from a different angle. This one-of-a-kind adventure requires no previous snorkeling experience and is sure to captivate all ages. Underwater pictures are taken by our guides during the tour so it is not necessary to bring a waterproof camera. By the end of our trip, you'll understand why Silfra fissure snorkeling tours were rated as one of the Top 5 activities in the world by TripAdvisor!
Participants need to be comfortable in the water and be able to swim. You cannot participate if you are pregnant due to the small risk of cold water entering the suit.
Medical condition: Please fill in the medical statement form in our Snorkeling Handbook before booking the tour. If you have any medical issues, you will need medical approval from a doctor.
Weight limit: 45-120 kg
Height limit: 150 cm -200 cm
Age Limit: 12 years old minimum. Guardian's approval is needed for minors under 18.
All relevant information for the tour can be found in our snorkeling handbook.
Yes, you can bring a camera, but we recommend to have a waterproof one if you want to have it in the water with you.
If you plan to drive and meet us on location, the meeting point is at the Silfra car park, in Thingvellir National Park.
GPS: 64°15’23.508″N 21°6’58.676″W
Note that the National Park charges a small parking fee of 500 ISK.
We kindly ask you to be at the Silfra car park 15 Minutes prior to your tour starts.
Our guides normally have an underwater camera and usually, take photos during the tour without any fees. If you are interested in photos please let your guide know before you go into the water and after the tour, the guide will provide you the code to the folder which includes all the photos from that day.
Kindly note that photos cannot be guaranteed. Our customers’ safety and well-being are our first priority, and therefore the guide will focus on snorkelers as a priority when in the water and will be taking photos when everyone is comfortable.
No. Unfortunately, glasses don’t create a seal between your face and the mask. We recommend wearing contact lenses instead.
You are not able to participate in the snorkelling tour if you are pregnant.
Yes, the tour is directed in English and therefore you need to be able to understand English to participate.
Some snorkelling tours match with a dive tour, and then you will be in the same area at the same time. You will, however, be in separate groups with separate guides, and won’t be in the water exactly at the same time.
You need to be more than 12 years old. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.
You need to know how to swim independently. Because of the drysuit sizes, there are height-weight limitations. The minimum height is 150 cm, and the minimum weight is 45 kg. The maximum height is 200 cm, and the maximum weight is 120 kg.
All participants must have read and followed directions in the Snorkeling in Silfra Handbook.
Yes, you must be able to swim independently without a lifejacket, and you must be comfortable in the water.
When snorkelling in Iceland you will be wearing a dry suit, hood and gloves made of neoprene, along with fins, mask and snorkel. This equipment will make it not only possible but also very enjoyable, to stay in the water despite the low temperature. It is a fantastic experience.
No, you don’t need any previous experience to snorkel, but it is important that you can swim independently and that you are comfortable in the water.
Please wear or bring some long underwear and some warm socks. Wool or fleece is the best material to wear. You will be wearing your long underwear and warm socks under the dry suit.
We provide dry suits so that your body stays dry, and you will also wear undergarments to keep you warm. We use high-quality neoprene dry suits from Waterproof International and O´Three. But it is good to know that there is always a small risk that water can enter the dry suit. This is not dangerous but can feel a little cold, so we recommend you bring a spare set of clothes and a towel, just in case. Kindly note that your hands and face will get wet, which is completely normal and not actually that cold.
We provide an undergarment and neoprene dry suit from Waterproof and 0’Three. We also provide a neoprene hood and neoprene wet gloves to protect your head and hands from the cold. You will also be given fins, mask and snorkel.
Our client to guide ratio is one guide for every 6 snorkelers.
The water temperature is 2-4 degrees C (35-37 degrees F) all year round. The water comes from the Langjökull glacier which keeps it nice and cool, and very refreshing!
We use high quality neoprene dry suits from Waterproof International and O´Three.
The tour takes places at Silfra Fissure which is located in Thingvellir National Park.
Yes, there are 2 toilet facilities at Silfra. However, we don’t recommend that you use them for changing, as it can result in long queues.
Sometimes fish venture into Silfra from Þingvallavatn lake, but they will quickly swim back, as they don’t like chilly glacier waters. However, there is plenty of colorful seaweed, including a bright green variety known as “troll hair”, which makes the fissure unlike anything on the surface.
The cave systems in Silfra can be up to 60 m deep. However, your dive in Silfra will be from about 7 to 12 m, and the maximum diving depth that is permitted is 18 m.
