Beginner Guides
First Time in Silfra: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Silfra sits inside Þingvellir National Park, in a fissure formed where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. It's become one of the most talked-about dive and snorkel sites on earth — here's what to actually expect if it's your first time.
Choosing freedive or snorkel
Both tours cover the same water. Snorkel stays at the surface, with short fins and no weight belt — simpler, and the minimum age is 12. Freedive adds long fins and a weight belt so you can glide down more easily on a single breath, guided the whole way by a certified instructor. Neither requires certification or prior experience.
What to bring
Just a swimsuit and a towel to wear underneath your wetsuit — everything else is provided and fitted to you on site, no need to send us your measurements in advance. If you'd rather bring your own wetsuit, it needs to be at least 5mm thick.
What the day actually looks like
Meet at the Silfra car park in Þingvellir National Park, 15 minutes before your tour time. You'll suit up, get a safety briefing, and head in as a small group — capped at 6 people per guide, a national park rule. Total time is around 2.5 hours, with roughly 45 minutes actually in the water.
Getting there
Þingvellir is roughly an hour's drive from Reykjavík. If you don't have a car, get in touch and we can help you figure out the best way to reach the meeting point.