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Imagine snorkeling in crystal clear glacial water, reaching both hands out and touching North America with one hand, and Europe with the other.
Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Iceland was an adventure of a lifetime and definitely worth the high price tag. I chose this excursion on my first trip to Iceland and I loved every minute of it. As a budget traveller, I was wondering, is snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure worth it? Yes, yes it is! It was an adventure I splurged on but I’m so glad I went for it and got the chance to swim in the clearest waters in the world while touching two separate continents. It was amazing!
Have I convinced you to take the plunge yet? If so, here is the complete guide to Silfra Fissure snorkeling in Iceland.
Background on the Silfra Fissure:
- The Silfra Fissure is located in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. At this location you can see the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. If you’re a geology nerd like me, you’ll be fascinated that you can physically see the Earth’s crust being torn apart. The Silfra Fissure is known for the clarity of its water, you can see underwater for more than 90 metres thanks to the pure glacial water that fills the fissure. In fact, National Geographic classifies the Silfra Fissure as one of the top dive sites in the world!
Know before you go:
Do I need to know how to swim before I snorkel Silfra?
Yes. You MUST know how to swim before you snorkel Silfra. There is a strong current in the fissure and you are not able to touch or hold onto the surrounding rocks as it disrupts the water clarity. Please do not put yourself and others in danger, only book this excursion if you can confidently swim.
How will I stay warm in the freezing water in Silfra?
A dry suit will keep you warm in the water but be prepared to get a little chilly. The dry suit is tight and constricting but it keeps the cold water out which keeps you as warm as one can be in freezing water! All tours will provide the necessary gear to keep you as warm as possible but you are swimming in glacial water, so getting a little cold is part of the adventure!
What do I need to bring to my snorkel Silfra excursion?
- Thick socks: This one is super important. I recommend socks that are high and don’t sit at your ankle. These are my favourite affordable socks. I also tucked my thermal leggings into my socks to keep everything secure and cozy!
- Contact lenses (if needed): You can’t wear glasses under your snorkel goggles so definitely bring contacts if you need them.
- Thermal layer: I recommend thermal leggings and a top for Iceland travel regardless. With the crazy winds in Iceland you will find yourself getting very cold, very quickly. This is my favourite affordable thermal set.
- Change of clothes (just in case you get wet)
- Towel: There are many affordable and lightweight travel towel options available online. This one from Amazon is my favourite. If you’re doing many water activities on your travels or staying in hostels I also love this poncho as it’s perfect for changing under.
Note: There are no changing stalls available in the tour parking lot. You will be putting on your dry suit completely exposed to the elements, rain (which it did for us) or shine. It’s best to show up completely prepared in the required clothing.
How do I get to the Silfra Fissure?
The SilfrA Fissure is located in Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is on the famous Golden Circle driving route. My recommendation would be to include this excursion into one of your days on the road. You can either rent a car or campervan at the airport for your trip (make sure to book ahead). If you’d prefer not to drive, many tour companies offer transportation for an additional cost to, and from the capital city, Reykjavik.
Parking
There is a specific parking lot in the park dedicated to snorkeling and diving tours. Check your tour companies website and the details on your ticket to know exactly where your group meeting spot is.
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Silfra Fissure snorkeling on a budget:
Can you snorkel in Silfra without a guide?
No, you cannot snorkel in Silfra without a guide. You might be thinking, this would be a great way to save money but since Silfra is a protected location, you must snorkel or dive with a guide. Although it might be more expensive we found a great budget option that was worth the price!
Affordable Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tours
Iceland Advice is the company that we booked our excursion with. It was the most affordable option and such an amazing experience. The gear provided was great quality and our guide was welcoming and very knowledgeable. In addition, the group was small (only 6 people) and snacks (cookies & hot chocolate) were provided after the swim. Additionally, the Iceland Advice excursion was the only one I found to offer FREE photos. Our guide did a great job of taking photos of everyone in our group and she shared them with us on Google Drive afterwards! As two budget travellers we were grateful we found an affordable option with all the extras included.
I hope this helps you with planning your trip. If you have any other questions about Silfra Fissure snorkeling I’d be happy to answer them in the comments below! Safe travels!
