Complete Guide: Silfra Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
TRAVEL GUIDE: SILFRA SNORKELING IN ICELAND
Silfra snorkeling was never even on my “Iceland Bucket List!” That changed when I caught a glimpse of the impossibly clear glacial water, flowing from ancient glaciers at Thingvellir National Park. When I learned you could swim in the fissure between two continents here, I was all in!
Silfra is the only place in the world where you can swim between the tectonic plates!
THEY SAY: The water is so pristine and naturally purified, you can drink it as you swim!
Snorkeling in Iceland is, as you’d probably guess, an icy cold experience! Despite the discomfort, it’s such a unique, memorable experience that it’s worth the deep freeze. Plus, it really is fascinating to learn about the history of this natural wonder.
You can’t go on your own to snorkel or dive at Silfra. You’ll have to book a tour.
If you’re hoping to snorkel at Silfra, you’ll want to rent a car in Iceland. Driving around is really easy, and it’ll make getting to Thingvellir National Park (and beyond) much easier!
Silfra Snorkeling Tours: Between the Tectonic Plates
There are several tours to choose from in Thingvellir National Park. These are my recommendations:
Silfra Snorkeling Tour
➡️ Click to Book: The Best Silfra Snorkeling Tour
This tour will last about three hours, and cost around $150.
Our guide, Ronan, was a diver with the French Navy. He enthusiastically answered our questions, while guiding us along through the fissure.
Silfra Snorkeling Tour from Reykjavik
➡️ Click to book a snorkeling tour, with a pickup from Reykjavik
This tour company will send a driver to pick you up from Reykjavik. It’s a bit more expensive, at around $170, but worth it if you aren’t renting a car in Iceland.
Silfra Snorkeling + Golden Circle Tour
➡️ Click to book a Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik
This is a great, longer full-day option! The guide will pick you up in Reykjavik. In addition to snorkeling at Silfra, you’ll get to see the famous Gullfoss waterfall and other sites on the Golden Circle.
What to Expect Snorkeling at Silfra
Your lips are the only part of your body still exposed to the icy glacial water, and (mercifully) they’ll go numb quickly.
Still, I assure you: snorkeling between the tectonic plates is definitely worth it. It’s one of the most unique, memorable things you can do in Iceland.
If you’re sticking close to Reykjavik, it’s a quick, convenient half-day trip. If your plans take you around the country on the Ring Road, Silfra makes a great stop on that longer adventure.
What Makes Silfra Snorkeling So Special?
Walking around in Thingvellir National Park, the fissure between the continents looks like a deep crevasse between lava rocks, surrounded by beautiful Icelandic scenery. Once you submerge yourself and peek underwater, the true splendor of Silfra comes to life!
You can snorkel or dive here, in the crystal clear, 37-degree (3-degree Celsius) water.
The visibility seems endless, and they say the glacial water at Silfra is some of the clearest water on the planet.
They also say: the water at Silfra is drinkable, since it’s been “naturally purified” by running through miles of lava rocks before flowing through the fissure.
Swimming Between the Tectonic Plates in Iceland
The tectonic plates separating the continents split here in 1789. They continue to drift apart by about 2 centimeters per year.
In the best photo you’ll take on your tour, you’ll have one hand on Europe, and another hand on North America!
Is Silfra Snorkeling Dangerous?
With the proper precautions and an experienced guide, snorkeling between the tectonic plates is not dangerous.
The threat of earthquakes isn’t a concern to the guides I spoke to either.
They can remember one time when an earthquake created a silt cloud in the water at Silfra. The tour companies paused operations for a few hours, but the current was strong enough to move the cloudy water out quickly.
They say there’s no real danger from falling rocks or boulders, as the tectonic plates continue to slowly drift apart in Thingvellir National Park.
Hotels Near Silfra
Be prepared to spend half a day snorkeling at Silfra, which is an easy drive from Reykjavik.
There are a few hotel and rental options near the national park, but this interactive map will show you other options in the surrounding region:
Map & Directions to Silfra, Iceland
Silfra is only about 30 miles (or 48 kilometers) from Reykjavik, Iceland.
It’s a pretty drive north on Route 1, known as Iceland’s “Ring Road” to Route 36, which leads you right into Thingvellir National Park.
If you’d rather not drive, you can book a tour which includes a pickup in Reykjavik!
Silfra Snorkeling: What to Expect on a Tour
Here’s a rundown on what to expect, if you go snorkeling between the tectonic p.ates in Iceland.
You have to take a tour. This isn’t something you’re allowed to attempt on your own!
the Water Temperature a Silfra
The temperature of the “clearest water on Earth” is pretty consistently 37.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3 degrees Celcius.
You’ll swear it must be colder than that when it hits your lips!
The Dry suits You’ll Wear Snorkeling in Iceland
Wear comfortable clothing, which you’ll leave behind after you change into the dry suit the tour operator will provide for you.
The dry suit will definitely keep you warm! Mine was impenetrable by the icy water (thank God).
That said, this is not a “comfortable” experience! The drysuits do keep you dry, but the tight cap squishes your head in a way that you’ll have to experience to fully understand. Your face and lips will still be exposed, and again: the frigid water will have your lips swollen and completely numb after a few minutes of stinging as you swim.
Photos of Snorkeling at Silfra
The guides will typically bring a GoPro or other kind of underwater camera to take photos for you while you swim.
They do a pretty good job, and make sure to get each member of the group several times along the tour. They emailed us a link to the photos later that same day.
Another challenge surrounding photography at Silfra is: the dry suits are so buoyant, they prevent you from diving under the surface.
The Clarity of the Water Between the Tectonic Plates
Visibility is an incredible 100-meters at Silfra, making it some of the clearest water on the planet.
The water flowing through the fissure is from the Langjokull Glacier, Iceland’s second biggest. The runoff spends around 40 years filtering through lava rocks before arriving at Silfra, so it’s pure enough to drink.
What Can you See Snorkeling Between the Tectonic Plates in Iceland?
While you won’t see any fish, you’ll be wowed by the hues of blue and the clarity of the water flowing between the continents.
The only living organisms are algae, which thrive during the summer months.
The Best Time to Snorkel at Silfra in Iceland
Unless there’s a massive storm that prevents you from driving to Thingvellir National Park, snorkeling at Silfra is not weather-dependent.
You can book a Silfra snorkeling tour year-round.
It’s cold regardless of the weather. It rained pretty steadily during our entire visit, but we barely noticed since we were in the water.
FAQs About Silfra Snorkeling
Let’s tackle a few more frequently-asked-questions people have about snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Iceland.
Is it crowded in the water between the tectonic plates?
According to Iceland tourism officials, around 50,000 people go to Thingvellir National Park each year to swim in the glacial water at Silfra.
Still, you’ll be in a relatively small group, which is allowed to spread out in the water. You won’t be running into other snorkelers very much!
Can You Snorkel on Your Own at Silfra?
Definitely not.
You’ll have to book a tour to snorkel or dive at Silfra.
How Long is the Silfra Snorkeling Tour?
The entire tour is about three hours. Much of it is the introduction, briefing, and drysuit fitting on land.
Do You Have to Be in Good Shape to Snorkel at Silfra?
A current helps push you along the route down the fissure, so it’s not a tiring swim. Still, it’s not recommended for travelers who are pregnant, have heat problems, respiratory or neurological diseases.
The tour companies typically don’t allow anyone 70 and older to snorkel at Silfra. If you’re 60-69, you’ll need a medical waiver.
Can Children Snorkel at Silfra?
Kids 12 and older are allowed on the Silfra tours, but anyone 18 and under has to have an adult with them.
Is it Safe to Snorkel at Silfra?
The snorkeling tours at Silfra continue even when volcanoes erupt and Iceland trembles with seismic activity.
A major safety feature is the buoyancy of the dry suits. Even if you pass out in the water, someone with you will easily be able to guide you to shore.
Have People Died at Silfra?
Icelandic news agencies report four deaths of people while snorkeling at Silfra since 2010. An American tourist drowned in 2017, though it’s unclear how or why.
Several more have had to be rescued, after suffering from exhaustion, heart attacks, and other medical issues.
Can You Bring Your Own Camera to Silfra?
Technically, you can bring your own camera. But unless you have a special setup, it’ll be very difficult to use. The special drysuit gloves you’ll be wearing won’t allow you to operate most normal cameras with underwater housing. Our guide seemed to manage pretty well with his GoPro.
This is something I’d try to figure out if we ever snorkel at Silfra again. I’d love to be able to take my own photos, but the drysuit gear is really restricting.
Can You Dive at Silfra?
Experienced divers are welcome to explore the fissure between the tectonic plates.
Government officials in Iceland estimate 10,000 people go diving at Silfra each year.
How Deep is the Silfra Fissure?
Silfra’s depth goes down 200 feet (60 meters) in certain spots between the tectonic plates.
If you dive at Silfra, the maximum diving depth allowed is 60 feet, or 18 meters.
Do Fish Live in the Glacial Water at Silfra?
While you won’t see any fish, you’ll be wowed by the color and clarity of the water. The only living organisms are hearty algae, which thrive during the summer months.
Wrap: Is Snorkeling in Iceland Worth It?
There’s so much to see in Iceland, and it’s all unique! Add Silfra to the list of amazing natural wonders not to miss.
While I usually like exploring places on my own (without a guide) I’m glad it’s required here. The guides also help preserve the natural beauty from being overrun by tourists in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park!
Check out some of our other blogs on Iceland:
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Renting a 4×4 in Iceland
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Hike to Iceland’s Plane Wreckage
