Snorkel or dive between two continental plates in crystal-clear glacial water with over 100 meters visibility. Silfra is the only place on Earth where you can swim between tectonic plates. The water is filtered through porous lava for decades, creating unparalleled clarity.
Silfra is a water-filled fissure within Þingvellir National Park, formed where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to pull apart, and is one of the only places on Earth where a person can snorkel or dive directly between two continental plates. The water comes from the nearby Langjökull glacier, filtered through porous underground lava for years before reaching the fissure, arriving with virtually no sediment and visibility that regularly exceeds 100 meters, among the clearest water found anywhere. The route runs through several distinct sections, including a wide, deep basin known as the Silfra Cathedral and a shallow, narrow channel called Silfra Lagoon, with rock walls close enough on either side in some spots for divers to touch both continents simultaneously. Water temperature stays between 2-4°C year-round, so all participants wear a dry suit with insulating layers underneath, provided along with a full safety briefing and guide for the roughly 30-40 minute float through the fissure. Tours run daily throughout the year regardless of season, since the water temperature barely changes; snorkeling tours have a lower minimum age than certified diving tours. The full experience, including gear fitting, briefing, and the float itself, takes three to four hours.
| Admission | Adult $150-250 (snorkeling), $350+ (diving) · Child $150 (minimum age 12-14 depending on tour) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tours run year-round, multiple daily departures |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours total |
| Address | Þingvellir, 801 Selfoss |
Good to know
- Best for
- adventure seekers, divers, lifetime travel list experiences
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Þingvellir, 801 Selfoss
64.2553, -21.1167 View on map
Highlights
- Snorkel or dive between two continental plates
- Visibility exceeding 100 meters in glacier-filtered water
- Silfra Cathedral and Silfra Lagoon sections
- Dry suits and full gear provided by operators
- Year-round tours regardless of season
- Located inside Þingvellir National Park
Tips for visiting
- Water temperature is 2-4°C year-round
- Dry suit keeps you warm but you need layers underneath
- Must be comfortable swimming and fit in dry suit
- Book weeks in advance in summer
When to visit
Available year-round since water temperature stays constant; booking weeks ahead is recommended in the busy summer months.
Accessibility
Participants must be able to walk to the entry point, get into and out of a dry suit, and swim comfortably, which makes the tour unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Silfra snorkeling tour take?
The full experience runs three to four hours including gear fitting and briefing, with about 30-40 minutes spent in the water.
Is Silfra worth it for kids?
Snorkeling tours typically require a minimum age of around 12-14 and comfort swimming in a dry suit, making it more suited to older children and teens.
Is photography allowed while snorkeling Silfra?
Underwater cameras are allowed and encouraged, given the exceptional visibility, though operators may offer photo packages as well.
Do I need diving experience for Silfra?
No prior experience is needed for snorkeling tours, but diving tours require current dry suit certification.