Snorkeling Trips in Iceland
Book Your Perfect Snorkeling Tours in Iceland
Snorkeling Tours in Iceland
When you live on an island carved by fire and polished by ice, you develop a deep respect for water in every form—especially the sapphire-clear springs that flow through our lava fields. Snorkeling trips in Iceland give visitors a rare chance to share that fascination. Whether you are gliding through Silfra in Þingvellir National Park or exploring hidden kettle ponds on the Reykjanes Peninsula, every dip reveals colors and clarity you’d never expect this close to the Arctic Circle.
What makes Iceland snorkeling tours special? First, the water. Silfra is fed by glacial melt that has filtered underground for decades, emerging so pure that it delivers visibility of up to 100 meters. Locals compare it to “swimming through the air.” Add the thrill of floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and you have a world-class bucket list site that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
We snorkel year-round in Iceland. In winter, dry suits keep you comfortably warm even when the air temperature hovers below zero. Summer brings long daylight hours and, for the brave, the option of a thick wetsuit to feel the 2 °C water swirl past your fingertips. Guides explain the geology and local legends as they help you to gear and lead the way.
Qualified PADI-certified guides carry emergency equipment, and group sizes stay small to protect Silfra’s fragile lava walls and delicate “troll hair” algae. Icelanders cherish this site, and by following a strict “leave no trace” policy, your visit helps preserve it.
Some snorkeling trips bundle a Golden Circle tour, lava-tube caving, or a soak in a secret geothermal lagoon so that you can experience Iceland’s trademark contrasts—icy water one moment, steamy hot spring the next.
Tips from a local? Book early. Prime slots sell out fast, particularly in June and July. Bring a spare memory card—underwater GoPro footage here is pure magic. After the tour, warm up with a bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup at a roadside café – nothing tastes better after a plunge between continents.
Ready to experience the clearest water on Earth? Reserve your snorkeling trip in Iceland, and let our volcanic island reveal a hidden, crystal-blue world just beneath the surface.
Most Common Questions About Snorkeling Trips in Iceland
What makes snorkeling trips in Iceland so special?
Our island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, allowing you to glide between the North American and Eurasian plates while marveling at the volcanic rock that has been sculpted by millennia of frost and lava. Add glacial spring water that has filtered through basalt for decades, and you get unrivaled clarity and a surreal palette of blues found nowhere else on Earth.
Where is Silfra Fissure, and why is it Iceland’s top snorkeling site?
Silfra lies inside Þingvellir National Park, roughly an hour’s drive northeast of Reykjavík. The fissure is fed by meltwater from Langjökull glacier, giving it both legendary visibility and the bragging rights of being the only place where you can snorkel directly between two tectonic plates.
Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?
Yes, as long as it’s attached to a floating hand grip or wrist lanyard. Many guides also take high-resolution photos that you can purchase afterward, which is handy if you’d rather enjoy the moment.
Is the water safe to drink?
It’s possibly the purest water you’ll ever taste—filtered by lava rock for up to a century. Locals always take a cheeky sip mid-snorkel.
Are tours cancelled for bad weather?
Heavy wind or extreme ice on the access path can cause cancellations, but rain, snow, and typical Icelandic chill don’t affect underwater visibility. Operators monitor conditions and will reschedule or refund if a tour can’t run safely.
What else can I combine with a snorkeling trip?
Popular add-ons include the Golden Circle’s geysers and Gullfoss waterfall, a soak in the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths, or even a lava-tube caving adventure on the same day—letting you sample Iceland’s fire, ice, and crystal-clear water in one sweep.
I’ve never snorkeled before. Can I still join a tour?
Absolutely. Tours are run in small groups (usually six guests per guide) and begin with a detailed safety briefing on land. Guides help you into the suit, explain every step, and stay within arm’s reach throughout the swim. If you can swim, you can snorkel here.
What are the age, height, and weight requirements?
Participants must be at least 12 years old, 150 cm tall, and weigh at least 45 kg; the upper limits are approximately 200 cm and 120 kg due to dry-suit sizing.
How cold is the water, and will I feel it?
The water remains at 2–4 °C year-round, but a dry suit paired with a thick fleece underlayer keeps your body warm. Only your face and hands feel the tingle—and most guests say that first splash is part of the thrill.
Can you snorkel Silfra all year?
Yes. Because fresh spring water is constantly flowing, Silfra never freezes—even in the heart of January—and tours operate 365 days a year unless severe storms close the national park road.
How long does the trip take from Reykjavík, and is transport available?
Silfra is about 60 km from the capital; the drive takes just under an hour in good conditions. Most operators offer hotel pick-up, or you can self-drive and meet your guide at the car park.
Should I choose a dry suit or a wetsuit?
Dry suits are the go-to for comfort: you stay completely dry and can focus on the scenery. Wetsuits suit confident swimmers who want to duck-dive a meter or two under the surface for photos; you’ll feel the water but gain more mobility.