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Spend a day underground, snorkel between two continents in Silfra and descend into the iconic lava tunnel Raufarholshellir, one of Iceland’s longest and most spectacular lava tubes!
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It is required to read the Snorkeling Handbook before booking.
This unique combo tour will introduce you to the underground world that lies beneath the land of ice and fire. Zip up your drysuit and dip into the crystal-clear blue waters of the Silfra Fissure, then strap on a headlight and step into the eerie and pitch-black Raufarholshellir Cave. The snorkeling takes place in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was rated a top-five experience in Trip Advisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
This adventure is a fulfilling yet exotic way to witness how Iceland has been transformed by eruptions and earthquakes over the millennia!
Please check our snorkeling handbook to prepare for the tour.
Your tour will begin when you’re picked up from your selected location in Reykjavik. The volcanic landscape of Iceland is rich in lava tube caves that have formed as a result of eruptions over the millennia. We start out at Raufarholshellir volcanic cave just a short drive from Reykjavik.
The ancient lava flows have created incredible formations and unique patterns in the rock. In winter, you can also see the glistening naturally-formed ice sculptures that contrast with the dark stalagmites, stalactites, and other formations.
The 1360-m (4500-ft) long Raufarholshellir is Iceland's third-largest lava tube.
Hiking in this otherworldly lava tunnel is not considered difficult. However, be aware that in some places you might have to get down on hands and knees or duck your head. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of open spaces to take outstanding pictures too!
After the cave exploration, you’ll have time to grab lunch before moving onto the second part of your adventure. Prepare for snorkeling in Iceland’s cherished natural wonder!
For part two of this trip, we go to Thingvellir National park for some snorkeling action in the Silfra Fissure. This rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is famous for the clearest water on Earth. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking a different kind of snorkeling or diving tour. The visibility in Silfra reaches beyond 100 meters, and there is plenty to admire down there!
Float weightlessly above the rift. Find yourself surrounded by vivid shades of blue, interrupted by the sun rays as they slice through the underwater canyon. Marvel at the bronze walls of the fracture and touch the green algae as you swim.
The meltwaters originate at Langjökull Glacier and are filtered over decades by porous lava rocks. There’s no harm in taking a sip of the pristine glacial water while you’re there!
Before we head back to Reykjavik, we’ll take a quick moment to enjoy the spectacular view of Thingvellir along with some hot chocolate and cookies.
All relevant information for the tour can be found in our snorkeling handbook.
Yes, you are allowed to bring your camera along, but we recommend to have a waterproof one if you want to have it in the water with you.
If you are planning on meeting us at the location than the meeting point is at the Silfra car park, in Thingvellir National Park.
GPS: 64°15’23.508″N 21°6’58.676″W
Please note that the National Park charges a small parking fee of 500 ISK.
We kindly ask you to be at the Silfra car park at least 15 minutes prior to your tour starts,
Our guides normally have an underwater camera and usually, take photos during the tour without any fees. If you are interested in photos please let your guide know before you go into the water and after the tour, the guide will provide you the code to the folder which includes all the photos from that day.
Kindly note that photos cannot be guaranteed. Our customers’ safety and well-being are our first priority, and therefore the guide will focus on snorkelers as a priority when in the water and will be taking photos when everyone is comfortable.
Unfortunately, you cannot wear glasses as the glasses don’t create a seal between your face and the mask. We recommend wearing contact lenses instead.
You are not allowed to participate in our snorkeling tour if you are pregnant as it can put your baby in high risk.
Yes, you must be able to understand English to a participant. The tour is directed in English.
You need to be more than 12 years old ( guardian’s approval needed for minors under 18) and you need to know how to swim independently. Because of the dry suit sizes, there are height-weight limitations. The minimum height is 150 cm, and the minimum weight is 45 kg. The maximum height is 200 cm, and the maximum weight is 120 kg.
Some snorkeling tours match with a dive tour, and then you will be in the same area at the same time. You will, however, be in separate groups with separate guides, and won’t be in the water exactly at the same time.
Yes, you must be able to swim independently without a lifejacket and feel comfortable in the water to take part in the tour.
It is a magical experience. When snorkeling you will be wearing a dry suit, hood, and gloves made of neoprene, along with fins, mask, and snorkel. This equipment will make it not only possible but as well very enjoyable to stay in the water despite the cold temperature. Tripadvisor recently rated Snorkeling at Silfra as one of the Top 5 travel experiences in the world.
No, you do not need any previous experience to snorkel, however, it is important that you can swim independently and feel comfortable in the water.
We highly recommend long underwear and some warm socks. Wool or fleece is the best material to wear. You’ll be wearing the clothing under the dry suit.
We provide you with high-quality neoprene dry suit so that your body stays dry. There is always a small risk that water can enter the dry suit, that is not dangerous but you can feel a little cold, therefore, we recommend you to bring an extra spare set of clothes and a towel, just in case. Note that your hands and face will get wet, which is completely normal.
You will be provided with high-quality neoprene dry suit from Waterproof International and O’Three. As well as neoprene hood and gloves to protect your head and hands from the cold. You’ll also be given fins, mask, and snorkel.
Our client to guide ratio is 1 guide for every 6 snorkelers
The water temperature is 2-4 degrees C (35-37 degrees F) all year round.
Yes, there are two toilet facilities at Silfra.
Occasionally fish venture into Silfra from Þingvallavatn lake, but they will quickly swim back as they don’t like the cold glacier water. However, there is a lot of colorful seaweed including a bright green variety known as ‘’troll hair’’, which makes the fissure unlike anything on the surface.
Silfra can be up to 60m deep. However, when you’re diving in Silfra than you will go about 7 to 12m deep, and the maximum diving depth that is permitted is 18m.
Yes, we will provide you with a headlight and a helmet.
The Icelandic weather is very unpredictable therefore we highly recommend to dress in layers. Warm layers closest to you preferably wool/thermal underwear, pants sweater and on top waterproof outdoor clothing. It is also suitable to wear good hiking shoes and gloves. Jeans have proven to be a bad choice.
