Float between continents in the crystal-cold water of Silfra, then continue to geysers, waterfalls and a volcanic crater on a compact Golden Circle day tour from Reykjavík. This small-group run mixes technical thrill with easy sightseeing and local context.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
On a gray Reykjavík morning the minibus eases out of the city and the landscape opens into angles and steam: frosted lava fields, sudden gullies, and a sky that can change with a single gust. By mid-morning the group stands at the edge of Thingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates part like a deliberate seam. Guides fit drysuits and explain that the water ahead is glacier-filtered, almost surgically clear — the fissure doesn’t so much hide as dare you to look deeper.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to enter/exit cold water, don a drysuit, and walk short uneven trails
Wildlife
History
Thingvellir’s plains hosted Iceland’s Althing from 930 CE—the open-air assembly where laws were made and disputes settled, making the site both political and geological history.
Conservation
Silfra and Thingvellir are protected areas with strict access rules; visitors are asked to stay on trails, avoid touching underwater formations and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the SuperSaver: Small Group Golden Circle Tour + Silfra Snorkeling today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for cold water
Wear warm wool or synthetic base layers under the provided drysuit; cotton will hold moisture and chill you.
Bring a change of clothes
Post-snorkel you’ll appreciate a dry set of clothes and a small towel to warm up quickly.
Know the medical rules
Review the operator’s medical form and seek doctor clearance for conditions like asthma or heart issues before booking.
Protect camera gear
Use a waterproof case for shoreline photos and avoid bringing valuables into the water; masks cannot accommodate glasses.
Wool or synthetic base layers
Thermal underlayers keep you warm under the drysuit and after you exit the water.
Warm wool socks
Dry, insulating socks are crucial after snorkeling in near-freezing water.
Small towel and change of clothes
Drying off and changing immediately prevents chill during the rest of the day.
Waterproof phone/camera case
Protect electronics from spray at Gullfoss and during shoreline photography at Silfra.