Snorkeling in Iceland
The complete guide to snorkeling in Iceland — from the world-famous Silfra Fissure to lesser-known spots like Strytan, Gardur, and Kleifarvatn. Water temperatures, seasons, and what to expect.
Iceland is not the first country most people associate with snorkeling — but it probably should be. The island’s glacial-fed freshwater fissures and geothermally heated ocean vents create underwater environments found nowhere else on Earth. Water clarity at Silfra Fissure exceeds 100 metres, making it the clearest snorkeling destination in the world. All Iceland snorkeling is done in dry suits, so you stay completely dry regardless of the 2–4°C water temperature.
The Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour is the standout — rated 4.87/5 by nearly 2,800 travellers — but Iceland offers other underwater experiences worth knowing about.
Silfra Fissure — The Main Event
Silfra is a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Glacial meltwater from Langjökull filters through underground lava rock for 30–100 years before surfacing here, producing visibility that regularly exceeds 100 metres.
Why Silfra dominates Iceland snorkeling:
- Visibility: 100+ metres — the clearest freshwater on the planet
- Geology: The only place you can snorkel between two continental plates
- UNESCO status: Inside Þingvellir National Park
- Accessibility: 45–50 min drive from Reykjavik, tours run year-round
- No experience needed: Dry suit provided, PADI guide leads the swim
The snorkeling route passes through four distinct sections: Big Crack (a narrow entrance channel), Silfra Hall (wide and shallow), Silfra Cathedral (the deepest section at 63 metres, viewed from the surface), and Silfra Lagoon (a turquoise exit pool). The entire swim takes about 50 minutes.
What is included: PADI divemaster guide, dry suit with thermal undersuit, neoprene hood and gloves, mask, snorkel, fins, hot chocolate and cookies, free GoPro underwater photos. From $145 per person with free cancellation.
Other Snorkeling Spots in Iceland
Strytan Hydrothermal Chimneys — Eyjafjordur
Strytan is a pair of geothermal chimneys rising from the ocean floor in Eyjafjordur, North Iceland. The main chimney reaches from 70 metres depth to just 15 metres below the surface. Warm geothermal water (72°C at the vents) rises through the cold North Atlantic, creating a surreal underwater landscape of mineral deposits and temperature gradients.
- Location: Eyjafjordur, near Akureyri (North Iceland)
- Access: Boat trip required, guided tours only
- Best for: Experienced snorkelers and divers interested in geological formations
- Season: June–September (best conditions)
- Visibility: 10–30 metres (good, but nothing like Silfra)
Strytan is a protected natural monument — the only known hydrothermal cone in shallow water accessible to snorkelers. It is far less visited than Silfra and requires a trip to North Iceland, but the combination of warm venting water and Arctic marine life is unique.
Gardur — Reykjanes Peninsula
The rocky coastline at Gardur on the Reykjanes Peninsula offers shore-entry snorkeling in the North Atlantic. The attraction here is marine life rather than clarity — kelp forests, sea urchins, starfish, and cold-water fish species.
- Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, ~50 min from Reykjavik
- Access: Shore entry (no boat needed)
- Best for: Snorkelers who want to see Atlantic marine life
- Season: May–September (calmer seas)
- Visibility: 5–15 metres (variable, depends on weather and tides)
Gardur is a raw, wild alternative to Silfra. The visibility is modest and the experience is ocean snorkeling rather than freshwater, but it costs nothing beyond dry suit hire and gives you a very different perspective on Iceland’s underwater world.
Kleifarvatn — Reykjanes Peninsula
Kleifarvatn is a deep, dark lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula with geothermal vents on its floor. Hot springs bubble up through the lakebed, creating warm patches in otherwise cold water. The lake sits in a stark volcanic landscape — black sand, no trees, steam rising from the shore.
- Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, ~30 min from Reykjavik
- Access: Shore entry
- Best for: Adventurous snorkelers looking for something unusual
- Season: June–August
- Visibility: 5–10 metres (murky compared to Silfra, but atmospheric)
Kleifarvatn is not a typical snorkeling destination — it is dark, volcanic, and eerie. But the geothermal activity and dramatic setting make it compelling for snorkelers who have already done Silfra and want something completely different.
Iceland Snorkeling — Comparison Table
| Spot | Visibility | Water Temp | Access | Season | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silfra Fissure | 100+ m | 2–4°C | Drive (45 min from Reykjavik) | Year-round | Beginner-friendly |
| Strytan | 10–30 m | Mixed (cold + hot vents) | Boat from Akureyri | Jun–Sep | Intermediate |
| Gardur | 5–15 m | 5–10°C | Shore entry | May–Sep | Intermediate |
| Kleifarvatn | 5–10 m | Variable (geothermal) | Shore entry | Jun–Aug | Adventurous |
Why Silfra Is the Best Starting Point
If you are visiting Iceland and want to snorkel, start with Silfra. The visibility is incomparable, the guided tour requires zero experience, and the logistics are simple (one drive from Reykjavik, everything provided). The other spots on this list are rewarding in their own ways, but they are all harder to access, less developed for visitors, and offer a fraction of Silfra’s underwater clarity.
The Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour runs daily year-round — from $145 per person including dry suit, PADI guide, and free underwater photos.
Ready to Book?
The top-rated Silfra snorkeling tour is available year-round — from $145 with free cancellation. Rated 4.87/5 by nearly 2,800 travellers.
Ready to Snorkel Between Two Continents?
The top-rated Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour includes a PADI guide, dry suit, free GoPro photos, and hot drinks — from $145 per person with free cancellation.
Check Availability & Book