Drysuit snorkel between the North American and Eurasian plates in clear glacial water at Thingvellir National Park, with visibility often beyond 100 m.
Silfra Fissure snorkeling is a drysuit snorkelling tour in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, about 50 km east of Reykjavik in southwest Iceland. The fissure fills with meltwater that filters through porous lava for decades after leaving Langjokull glacier, which is why visibility often exceeds 100 metres. The water stays close to 2-4 degrees Celsius all year, so the experience is defined by the cold, clear water and the drifting, current-assisted float between the continental walls. Operators such as Dive.is run the tour from the Silfra car park within the national park, and the session normally lasts two to three hours including the briefing and suiting up. Participants need to be able to swim, be comfortable in cold water and be in reasonable health; operators typically set a minimum age of 12 to 16 and apply medical restrictions, so booking terms should be checked in advance. Equipment is provided: a thick drysuit, hood, gloves, mask and snorkel, while visitors bring warm base layers to wear underneath. Because drysuits trap air, a guide explains buoyancy and how to move with the gentle current, and small groups stay close to a guide throughout. Safety is built around the briefing, constant guide supervision, and the car-park access that allows a quick exit and evacuation if anyone becomes cold or uneasy. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the rules of the national park apply, including strict rules on where people may enter the water. Silfra can be snorkelled in every season, and the water temperature barely changes. Summer brings longer days and busier car parks, while winter offers low light and a chance of snow along the rim of the rift. Conditions to avoid are strong winds that make the surface choppy and any day when the operator judges the site unsafe, in which case departures are usually rescheduled or refunded. Prices on operator and reseller listings run roughly ISK 20,000-30,000 per person, and a hot drink and snack are commonly offered after the swim.
| Price | Roughly ISK 20,000-30,000 (~$160-240) per person on operator and reseller listings |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 2-3 hours including briefing |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | All year |
| Address | Silfra car park, Thingvellir National Park, 801 Selfoss |
Activity facts
- Where
- Thingvellir National Park
Equipment
Drysuit, hood, gloves, mask and snorkel provided; warm base layers recommended; swimming ability required
Location
Silfra car park, Thingvellir National Park, 801 Selfoss
64.2558, -21.1165 View on map
Highlights
- Float between the North American and Eurasian plates in a water-filled rift
- Visibility often beyond 100 m in glacial meltwater filtered through lava
- Drysuit, hood, gloves, mask and snorkel provided for the swim
- Swim inside Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Small guided groups with a pre-swim safety and buoyancy briefing
Tips for visiting
- Book several days ahead in summer, when departures fill early
- Wear thermal base layers under the drysuit; cotton stays cold when damp
- Swimming ability and basic health declarations are required by operators
- Photographers should ask the guide about camera and GoPro rules before entering
- Check the operator's weather and cancellation policy; windy days can lead to rescheduling
- Allow extra time for the roughly 50 km drive from Reykjavik
When to visit
Available all year; late spring to early autumn offers the longest daylight, while mornings and late afternoons are often quieter.
Accessibility
Entry involves a wooden platform and ladder, and participants must be able to swim and move in a drysuit, so the tour is generally unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Is previous diving experience needed for Silfra snorkeling?
No. The snorkelling tour is aimed at confident swimmers, and guides give a briefing on the drysuit and technique before entering the water.
How cold is the water at Silfra?
The water stays around 2-4 degrees Celsius all year. The drysuit and layers worn underneath keep most participants comfortable, although the face and hands feel the cold.
What is the minimum age?
Operators typically set a minimum age of about 12 to 16 and apply height and medical conditions, so the age rules should be confirmed with the operator when booking.
Which season is best for Silfra?
The tour runs all year and visibility is similar in every season. Summer has longer daylight, while winter has quieter surroundings and low light.