Snorkeling in Iceland might not sound immediately appealing, but it is a unique experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Silfra is the name of a fissure in the earth created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Silfra fissure fills with glacier water that has been filtered underground through hardened, porous lava rocks for decades. As a result, it is the purest and clearest water in the world, revealing an enchanting underwater world with colors unseen on the surface. In the water that is about 2 degrees Celsius, you have up to 120 meters (394 feet) of visibility! Luckily, you wear a dry suit that keeps you dry and prevents immediate freezing. Does snorkeling in Iceland sound like an exciting challenge to you? Then read these 5 tips before you go to make the most out of it.
#1 Wear Thermal Clothing and Thick Socks under Your Dry Suit
Despite wearing a dry suit that will (hopefully) keep you dry, snorkeling in Iceland can still be quite cold. The dry suit will keep your entire body dry except for your hands. The thick gloves you receive will allow some water in, but fortunately, that water will warm up somewhat due to your body temperature. Only your lips will be directly exposed to the water, and for the first minute, they might feel a bit uncomfortable. It’s like being pricked by 50 needles. Not very pleasant, but after that minute, they will become numb, and you’ll feel them much less. To ensure you stay as warm as possible, it’s a good idea to wear thermal clothing under your dry suit. Additionally, wearing thick socks is highly recommended.
#2 Eat Enough but Do Not Drink too Much
The entire tour takes about 3 hours, of which you’ll spend 30 to 45 minutes in the water. The briefing, putting on the suit, and waiting for other groups can take some time, so it’s wise to eat well beforehand. Once you’re in the suit, you won’t be able to use the restroom, so make sure to go beforehand and avoid drinking too much. There are toilets available at the location where you put on the suits. After the tour, a delightful cup of hot chocolate awaits you!
#3 Bring Dry Clothes
Your dry suit is supposed to keep you dry, but it’s possible that some water might still get in. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring along some dry thermal clothing if you plan to wear it later in the day. In the summer, this might not be necessary, but in the winter, it’s likely to be useful.
#4 Jump into the Water Last If You Want to Take Your Time
Each guide can take a maximum of 6 people, and only one group is allowed in each section of the Silfra fissure at a time. This means that sometimes you may have to wait for other groups, but it’s for safety reasons and to ensure there is enough space. The Silfra fissure is quite narrow in some parts, so it can be challenging to pass other people. If you want to go at your own pace, it’s a good idea to enter the water last. This way, you won’t feel rushed and can enjoy the experience at your own leisure.
#5 Use Your Contact Lenses If You Need Them
If you wear glasses, it is recommended to wear contact lenses. Since you will be wearing a diving mask, it is not possible to wear regular glasses, and you want to be able to see well, right?
Where to Book the Snorkel Tour and What are the Costs?
Snorkeling in Iceland costs around $140, depending on the season. It may not be cheap, but it’s definitely a unique experience! As one of the most popular tours in Iceland, it’s wise to book in advance. We booked this tour with Manawa, and we had very good experiences with them. One great thing is that you can cancel your booking for free up to 10 days before the tour, and you’ll get a full refund. This flexibility is great in case your travel plans change or if you need to cancel your trip for any reason.
