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Snorkeling Silfra is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering the rare opportunity to float between two continental plates in some of the clearest water on Earth. Located in Thingvellir National Park, just an hour from Reykjavik, Silfra is a geological marvel formed by the shifting of the North American and Eurasian plates. What sets this fissure apart is its exceptional underwater visibility, due to the natural filtration of glacial meltwater from the Langjokull Glacier.
While the water temperature remains a chilly year-round, a drysuit ensures you stay insulated, making the experience far more comfortable than you might expect. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorker, snorkeling Silfra is an adventure unlike any other. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Silfra’s geology, what to expect on your tour, and essential tips to make the most of your experience.
What is Silfra?
Silfra is a remarkable geological formation located in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland. This fissure is the result of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drifting apart at a rate of approximately three centimeters per year. The tension between the plates builds until it is released through periodic earthquakes, which occur roughly every decade. These seismic events create cracks and fissures throughout Thingvellir Valley, with Silfra being the largest and deepest among them.
What makes Silfra truly unique is its pristine, crystal-clear water, which originates from the nearby Langjokull Glacier. The glacial meltwater undergoes a natural filtration process as it travels through porous lava rock before reaching Silfra.
Due to these extraordinary conditions, snorkeling Silfra has become a must-do activity for visitors to Iceland. Adventurers can float between two continents, admiring the underwater rock formations and beautiful shades of blue created by the refraction of light. In addition to snorkeling, Silfra also attracts scuba divers who wish to explore its greater depths. Whether you snorkel or dive, exploring Silfra offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the planet’s most unique geological wonders.
Why is Silfra so Clear?
The water at Silfra is exceptionally clear due to a combination of unique geological and environmental factors. While visibility at most dive sites worldwide ranges from 33 to 98 feet (10 to 30 m), snorkeling Silfra offers an unparalleled experience, with visibility exceeding 328 ft (100 m). Several key factors contribute to this remarkable clarity:
Glacial Origin: Silfra is fed by meltwater from Langjokull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Unlike many other bodies of water that contain sediments and organic matter, this meltwater is exceptionally pure, free from the impurities commonly found in rivers and lakes.
Natural Filtration: Before reaching Silfra, the glacial water undergoes a decades-long filtration process through layers of porous volcanic rock. This process, which can take anywhere from 30 to 100 years, naturally removes sediments and contaminants, resulting in some of the clearest water on Earth.
Lack of Algae: With water temperatures remaining between 36–39°F (2 and 4°C) year-round, Silfra’s environment is too cold to support significant algae growth. In most bodies of water, algae contribute to reduced visibility, but Silfra’s frigid conditions help maintain its crystal-clear quality.
Minimal Human Impact: Situated within Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Silfra remains largely untouched by pollution and human activity. Strict conservation efforts and controlled access ensure that the water stays pristine, preserving its extraordinary visibility for divers and snorkelers alike.
Snorkeling Silfra Tours
Snorkeling Silfra is a guided experience that requires booking with a licensed dive operator. Thingvellir National Park is easily accessible from Reykjavik and many reputable tour companies operate out of the city, offering both snorkeling and diving excursions. While divers can explore Silfra at greater depths, snorkelers enjoy a very similar experience, floating between the tectonic plates in some of the clearest water on Earth.
Tours include an experienced PADI-certified guide, park entrance fees, complimentary photos, and all necessary equipment, including a drysuit, a mask, snorkel, and fins. After the tour, most operators provide a heated van for changing, and a cup of hot cocoa to warm up.
Getting to Silfra is straightforward. Many companies offer tours with round-trip transportation from Reykjavik, which is about an hour’s drive away. However, if you’re road-tripping through Iceland, you can opt to meet your guide directly at the park. I chose to self-drive and made Silfra my last stop before returning to Reykjavik, spending the night near Thingvellir National Park. This worked out perfectly, allowing me to explore the area without feeling rushed. I highly recommend DIVE.IS, a top-rated operator known for its professionalism and well-organized tours.
Best Time to Snorkel Silfra
There isn’t a single “best” time to snorkel Silfra, as it’s possible to visit year-round. The water temperature remains consistently cold, ranging from 36 to 39°F (2 to 4°C), regardless of the season. Since exiting the water is when you’ll feel the coldest, the outside air temperature plays a key role in your comfort. The ideal time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the overall experience you’re looking for.
Summer offers the warmest air temperatures, making the transition in and out of the water more comfortable. However, it’s also the busiest season, meaning larger crowds and higher prices. The shoulder seasons—May through June and September through October—strike a balance between fewer visitors and moderate air temperatures. I visited in October, and while it was cold, it wasn’t unbearable.
Silfra doesn’t freeze in winter, but I’d strongly recommend avoiding the coldest months unless you really enjoy the cold. Booking your snorkeling Silfra tour in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
Preparing for Snorkeling Silfra
The snorkeling Silfra tour begins with a briefing on the day’s activities before gearing up for the near-freezing water. Due to the consistently low temperatures, a drysuit is essential for staying warm. Unlike wetsuits, which allow a thin layer of water to enter and be warmed by body heat, drysuits are fully sealed to keep water out. Getting into one is a more involved process, but your guide will walk you through each step and assist with closures to ensure a watertight fit. From start to finish, the suit-up process takes about 30 minutes.
Proper fit is crucial to prevent leaks, so it’s important to provide the tour company with accurate height and weight measurements in advance. Drysuits are more functional rather than fashionable and you’ll likely feel a bit ridiculous wearing one.
To help combat the cold, it’s best to wear your warmest thermal base layers and thick socks. The tour operator will provide an additional insulating layer to be worn over your thermals, as well as mittens and a hood. Despite these layers, parts of your face will remain exposed to the icy water. The experience makes it well worth the temporary chill.
The Snorkeling Silfra Experience
Snorkeling Silfra is an unforgettable experience, offering a rare opportunity to float between two continental plates in some of the clearest water on Earth. While the idea of near-freezing temperatures can be unnerving, the actual experience is far more comfortable than you might expect.
Entering the Water
Initially, you may feel a rush of cold when first stepping in, especially on your hands and face. However, the drysuit does an excellent job of insulating your body, and once you’re floating, the breathtaking underwater scenery quickly takes over your senses. The water clarity is unmatched, creating a surreal feeling of floating in an endless expanse of blue.
In the Water
Expect to be in the water for 30 to 40 minutes. While swimming in the drysuit feels a bit awkward at first, it’s surprisingly buoyant, helping you float effortlessly. The current gently carries you through the fissure, so you won’t need to exert much effort. Water may slowly seep into your mitts, and your hands and lips will eventually go numb, but this is manageable and not as uncomfortable as it sounds. Moving your hands as little as possible helps retain warmth.
What You’ll See
Unlike traditional snorkeling destinations, Silfra has no fish or plant life—the water is simply too cold to support them. Instead, you’ll drift through otherworldly underwater valleys, deep crevices, and striking rock formations.
Capturing the Experience
Most tour operators provide professional photos of your dive, so bringing a camera isn’t necessary. Mitts are bulky, making it difficult to operate a camera, and many find it more enjoyable to fully enjoy in the experience rather than fumble with gear. If you do want to record the adventure, a GoPro attached to your wrist or head is the best option.
Post-Snorkel Warm-Up
Once you exit the water, you’ll feel the cold the most, so having a warm pair of gloves or hand warmers ready is a good idea. Most tour operators provide hot cocoa, which is a nice treat after the experience.
Snorkeling Silfra is truly one of Iceland’s most unique adventures. Despite the cold, its beauty makes it an experience you won’t want to miss!
What to Bring When Snorkeling Silfra
Packing the right gear will make your snorkeling Silfra experience much more comfortable. Here are the essentials to bring:
- Thermal base layers: Wear thermals under your drysuit for added warmth.
- A warm change of clothes: You’ll appreciate dry, cozy layers after the tour.
- Two pairs of warm socks: One for the drysuit and a fresh pair for afterward.
- Warm gloves or hand warmers: Your hands will be exposed to the cold, so bring gloves or hot hands for warmth after exiting the water.
- GoPro or waterproof camera: Capture the surreal underwater scenery. Some operators provide photos, but I recommend bringing your own camera.
- Towel: Needed for drying off and warming up post-snorkel.
Where to Stay Near Silfra
Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse
Located about 35 minutes from the Silfra meet-up point, Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse is an excellent budget-friendly option, especially for those road-tripping around Iceland. This charming guesthouse was originally a historic school built in 1928 and has been beautifully restored, offering a cozy atmosphere with vintage touches.
Guests can choose between private rooms or dorm-style accommodations, making it a great choice for both solo travelers and groups. The guesthouse also has an on-site restaurant. Its location near the Golden Circle makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Iceland’s top attractions before heading back to Reykjavik.
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Part of a well-known Icelandic hotel chain, Fosshotel Reykjavik is a modern, mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms, contemporary design, and excellent amenities. It’s a great option for those who prefer to stay in the city and take a shuttle tour to Silfra rather than self-driving. The hotel features a fitness center, an in-house restaurant, and a beer garden. Its central location in Reykjavík makes it a great base for exploring the capital.
Hotel Borg by Keahotels
If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Reykjavik, Hotel Borg is an excellent choice. As Iceland’s first luxury hotel, this elegant art-deco-style property is located in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and the city’s best restaurants. The hotel combines classic 1930s charm with modern comforts, offering high-end rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and a renowned restaurant led by an award-winning chef.
What do you think of snorkeling Silfra? Would you get in near-freezing water? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Planning on using Reykjavik as a home base for your travels? Continue to my post, “6 Easy Day Trips from Reykjavik”.
Oh wow! I’m a science nerd so this interests me soooo much. However I am not fond of the cold, so that may be an issue! What an awesome experience, thanks for sharing :) xk
Wow! This looks incredible. I didn’t even know this existed!
I tried to snorkel Silfra a year or so ago but I couldn’t do it! I felt suffocated inside the wet suit and freaked out as soon as I got in haha. I would try to do it again if I went back!