Dive Between Continents: Silfra's Crystal Waters Snorkel & Photos
You'll arrive at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once there, you'll take a short journey through the volcanic, moss-laden fields of the park. Here, you will listen as your friendly and experienced PADI Divemaster guide. Later, you'll receive all of the necessary equipment for snorkeling in Silfra, including neoprene hoods and gloves, a thermal drysuit, snorkel and fins. The equipment will keep you buoyant throughout your time in the fissure, as well as offering a protection against the water. Once in the water, your eyes will meet the incredible shades of blue so prevalent in the fissure, as well as the natural under-water flora canyon walls. As you are swimming you will have the opportunity to swim across continents, as you will be switching back and forth from the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After the tour GoPRO pictures will be sent to you by email for free.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Kasi C, 12/13/2025 8:43:51 AM
Knowledgeable tour guide great way to spend a birthday. Unfortunately pictures weren't as good as I thought they would be would of definitely taken my own go pro also to of got more personal shots.
constantinakonsoula, 12/5/2025 8:14:02 AM
I can't describe the experience. One of the most beautiful things I've ever done in my life. Definitely worth the money! The feeling is crazy!! Swimming between two tectonic plates, surrounded by snowy mountains, absolutely gorgeous. Our guide James was amazing!! Polite, knowledgeable, calm. Picked up on the fact that I panicked a little and distracted me by telling me facts about the surroundings. I can't recommend him and the rest of the team enough. Thank you James and Lilian for a one in a lifetime experience!!
loganw963, 12/5/2025 8:12:06 AM
We had a wonderful time doing the Silfra Snorkelling. James is an incredible guide and very knowledgeable about the local area! He made us feel at ease the entire time. The water was incredibly clear and tasted delicious. What a once in a lifetime experience to swim between two tectonic plates! Cheers Logan
Paradise21521920837, 12/5/2025 6:36:58 AM
It was an amazing journey!! We enjoyed a lot all the experience. I absolutely recommend it. There are beautiful views during the sunrise, the equipment is perfect. And once you finished the snorkeling, you get a hot chocolate and chocolate Iceland bar. Amazing
DJGdeP, 12/4/2025 6:46:18 AM
An Unforgettable, Freezing Adventure Snorkeling in the Silfra rift—located in Þingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle route—can be described as an unreal and stunning experience, despite the extreme cold. It offers a unique opportunity to swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. 🧊 The Cold Factor: Preparation and Reality The water temperature in Silfra is VERY cold, ranging from about 35-39 F /2-4 C. However, the tours, such as those provided by Troll Expeditions Silfra, equip participants with a dry suit which is highly effective at keeping the body warm and dry. • Dry Suit: Keeps the body warm and dry, making the cold manageable. • Exposed Skin: Your face is exposed to the water, but the initial shock around the mouth and chin goes away quickly as the skin "goes numb." • Gloves: The gloves are noted as not being completely sealed, so the hands may feel the cold water, but you will get used to it. "Yes it's cold, but only for a few minutes around your mouth and chin, it goes away quickly... We did this Nov 23, snow on the ground, grey, dismal, little windy, and SOOOOOOO glad we did, it's unreal!" 💎 The Unbelievable View and Atmosphere The main draw is the incredible visibility and color of the water. The reviewer compares the breathtaking hue to the "most beautiful blue, like being in the Caribbean." Snorkeling offers a view of the rift, with mountains covered in snow visible from the water, creating a confusing yet peaceful sensation. • View: Stunning, crystal-clear blue water, and a unique perspective on the surrounding snow-covered landscape. • Atmosphere: Calm and peaceful feeling that is "cannot be explained." • The Rift: Snorkeling or diving in the fissure between the tectonic plates is the central draw. While there are no colorful tropical fish or corals to see, the geological setting and the water itself make the experience "awesome." 📝 Tour Logistics and Recommendations The tour guides (e.g., Troll Expeditions Silfra) are described as fabulous, funny, and helpful. They provide all necessary gear and comprehensive instructions. • Check-in & Gear: Tour vans are set up with all the necessary gear. Guides assist heavily with putting on the awkward dry suits for first-timers. • Briefing: Groups (around five per guide) receive an explanation of Silfra's history and a review of snorkeling techniques. • Post-Snorkel: The treat of hot chocolate and chocolate bar is a welcome bonus. This is a must do!!! It was not crowded this time of the year. and not really expensive for such a experience.
benrD382LS, 12/2/2025 9:52:37 AM
This was once in a lifetime experience! Abbie was a phenomenal guide. Would recommend it to anyone visiting Iceland. Pro tip - ensure you come when there is sunlight. It’s winter and we chose the 1pm slot it was perfect.
896sharnis, 11/29/2025 6:39:52 AM
We had a great experience with the tectonic plate swimming. James and Vicky were both incredibly helpful in getting us ready and reassuring us. We were in Vicky’s group and her guidance during the session was outstanding. She made everything feel easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend joining one of her groups!
Shon_S, 11/28/2025 11:21:42 AM
Had a great time swimming between the tectonic plates. Even on a cloudy snowy day we could clearly see everything and got great pictures from our guide Augustin.
Oudwil, 11/21/2025 10:29:03 AM
Vicky was great, and so was the rest of the team getting us suited up. Amazing trip and the cold is really not that bad! The chocolate milk at the end is very appreciated!
Scout L, 11/21/2025 6:18:47 AM
Anna was amazing!! She is very experienced and had so much knowledge to share about the history behind everything!!!!!
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Have read, signed, and followed directions on the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement Form –https://troll.is/medical). You can sign the form at the meeting location.
- Be comfortable in water and be able to swim.
- Communicate in English at the time of the tour.
- Be physically fit.
- You must be ready to wear a tight and constricting dry suit to protect your body from the cold.
- You must be a minimum of 135 cm and a maximum of 200 cm in height and weigh between 30 and 140 kilos along with being physically fit.
- You must be a maximum of 69 years of age to participate in this tour. If you are over 60 years of age, you need a medical waiver, available on page 2 of the Medical Statement.
- You must be a minimum of 12 years of age to participate in this tour. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian booked on the same tour.
- If you are over 45 and partake/have partaken in pipe smoking or heavy alcohol intake, you need a medical waiver.
- Please note that should you have any neurological, circulatory or respiratory problems or underlying diseases, battled any illnesses or have any physical problems you might have to turn in a physicians allowance to participate in this tour.
- This is a self drive tour, you need your own car to arrive to the meeting point, please note there are no public buses to reach the location.
- * Silfra gets very busy in summer. That's why we recommend booking our earliest morning or late afternoon tours.
- Not allowed for people over 69 years old
Departure point
Write "Troll Expeditions Silfra" on Google Map. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time. Park your car at P5 Thingvellir (parking lot 5), walk to the meeting point Troll Expeditions Silfra. Please note this is a self drive tour, you need your own transportation to reach the meeting point.Return details
You'll arrive at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once there, you'll take a short journey through the volcanic, moss-laden fields of the park. Here, you will listen as your friendly and experienced PADI Divemaster guide. Later, you'll receive all of the necessary equipment for snorkeling in Silfra, including neoprene hoods and gloves, a thermal drysuit, snorkel and fins. The equipment will keep you buoyant throughout your time in the fissure, as well as offering a protection against the water. Once in the water, your eyes will meet the incredible shades of blue so prevalent in the fissure, as well as the natural under-water flora canyon walls. As you are swimming you will have the opportunity to swim across continents, as you will be switching back and forth from the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. After the tour GoPRO pictures will be sent to you by email for free.Redemption
Please click on this link to be directed directedly to the meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/yjQHK5YLLYxQhAcS7 Remember to check roads.is before you start driving, especially during the winter, in order to take the correct path and not any closed roads marked in red. • Not allowed for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions. • Not allowed for pregnant women • All passengers must have filled in the medical form in order to join this tour! Maximum age for this tour: 69 years old Important: If you are between 60-69 years old please bring a signed doctor's note with you that is attached to our must fill out medical form.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund