- You snorkel in glacial meltwater filtered through lava rock for decades, creating exceptional clarity
- Water temperature stays between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius year-round, requiring a drysuit for comfort
- The 120-metre lagoon serves as the exit point after you drift through the fissure sections
- Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where Iceland's parliament met from 930 to 1798
What Makes Silfra Unique
Silfra formed in the divergent tectonic boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. The rift sits in Þingvallavatn Lake within Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. The plates continue drifting 2 cm farther apart each year.
The water originates as meltwater from Langjökull, Iceland's second largest glacier, about fifty kilometres north of Þingvallavatn Lake. It percolates through the aquifer for thirty to a hundred years before emerging in the fissure. This long filtration creates potable, exceptionally clear water.
Three main dive sites define Silfra. Silfra Hall has a maximum depth of about 45 metres. Silfra Cathedral is a 100 metres long fissure with visibility almost from end to end. The lagoon is about 120 metres long and is used as the exit point for divers and snorkelers. Silfra descends to a maximum depth of 63 metres.
Arctic Char occasionally venture into Silfra during mating season in August and September.
Silfra Snorkeling Tours
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Top ratedBestsellerGuided tour · 3 hoursSilfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos★ 4.9 3 413 reviews✓ Free cancellationBooked 7 times yesterdayfrom €126 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 3 - 5.5 hoursReykjavík: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling between Two Continents★ 4.7 2 440 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableBooked 9 times yesterdayfrom €117 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 2.5 - 6 hoursSilfra: Snorkeling Tour Between Tectonic Plates★ 4.8 995 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableBooked 5 times yesterdayfrom €122 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 3 hoursSilfra: Half-Day Snorkeling Day Trip with Underwater Photos★ 4.8 1 234 reviews✓ Free cancellationBooked 4 times yesterdayfrom €119 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 4.5 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling with Free Photos★ 4.8 648 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €187 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 5 - 10 hoursReykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling & Lava Tunnel Adventure Combo★ 4.6 239 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €178 per personSee availability →Water Conditions and Equipment
Water temperature is between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. The water can be comfortably dived using a dry suit. The suit keeps your body dry and warm, though your face and hands remain exposed to the water.
The glacial meltwater creates exceptional visibility after filtration through the aquifer. In Silfra Cathedral, you can see with visibility almost from end to end. This clarity makes the site one of the clearest dive locations globally.
Check with tour operators about equipment provided. The cold water requires proper equipment for safe and comfortable snorkeling.
- Visibility reaches up to 100 metres in Silfra Cathedral, allowing you to see nearly end to end
- The water is potable and exceptionally clear due to decades of filtration through underground aquifers
- You float directly between two continental plates in one of the planet's clearest dive sites
- The site sits within <a href="/thingvellir-national-park/">Þingvellir National Park</a>, combining snorkeling with historical and geological significance
- Check tour operators for seasonal availability
- Water temperature between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius means your face and hands feel the cold
- Check with tour operators about participation requirements
- Parking near popular Þingvellir attractions requires a service fee
- The fissure descends to 63 metres maximum depth
Location and Access
Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park. The park is about 45 to 60 minutes east of Reykjavik by car. Numerous parking lots serve the park. A service fee is charged for parking lots close to the more popular attractions.
Many tours include transport from Reykjavik, combining the snorkeling with other Golden Circle attractions. The site sits near Þingvellir National Park's historical assembly grounds and geological features.
If you're planning a full day of sightseeing, you can visit Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall on the same route. These three sites form the core of the Golden Circle circuit.
Park Requirements
It is allowed to dive and snorkle in Silfra but there are some requirements. Check current requirements before you book, as conditions and regulations change.
Tours operate through licensed providers who handle permits and ensure compliance with park regulations. The UNESCO World Heritage status means environmental protection takes priority.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Historical Context
The Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene at Þingvellir until 1798. This makes it one of the world's oldest parliamentary sites.
The geological and historical significance combine at this location. You snorkel in a rift created by continental drift while visiting grounds where Iceland's democracy formed over a millennium ago.
Comparing Silfra to Other Iceland Water Activities
| Activity | Water Temp | Visibility | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silfra Snorkeling | 2-4°C | Up to 100m | Between tectonic plates |
| Silfra Diving | 2-4°C | Up to 100m | Deeper exploration to 63m |
| Jökulsárlón Boat Tour | Glacial | Variable | Icebergs and seals |
| Hot Springs | 37-40°C | N/A | Geothermal bathing |
Silfra offers cold water but exceptional visibility. If you prefer warmer water activities, consider the Secret Lagoon. You can include it in a Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour.
For other unique water experiences, whale watching from Reykjavik offers different marine encounters.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
Check with tour operators about seasonal availability and booking. Check safetravel.is before you travel for current conditions and any park alerts.
The drive from Reykjavik takes 45 to 60 minutes, making Silfra accessible as part of day trips from Reykjavik. Many visitors combine the snorkeling with other activities in a small group format.
Dress in warm layers for before and after the snorkeling. The drysuit keeps you warm in the water, but prepare for variable air temperatures.
Silfra delivers the rare chance to snorkel between continental plates in exceptionally clear water. The 2 to 4 degree water requires a drysuit. The site sits in a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature in Silfra?
The water temperature is between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius. The water can be comfortably dived using a dry suit.
How far apart are the tectonic plates at Silfra?
The plates drift about 2 cm farther apart every year at this divergent boundary. The fissure continues widening over time.
Where is Silfra located?
Silfra is in Þingvallavatn Lake in Þingvellir National Park. The park is about 45 to 60 minutes east of Reykjavik.
How deep is Silfra fissure?
Silfra descends to a maximum depth of 63 metres. The Silfra Hall has a maximum depth of about 45 metres.
Can you drink the water in Silfra?
Yes, the emerging groundwater is exceptionally clear and potable. The water percolates through the aquifer for thirty to a hundred years.
