Silfra Snorkeling and Lava Cave Tour in Iceland4.7(373 Reviews)7 hours
From€242.39per person
Listing ID : 21120
4.7(373 Reviews)
Silfra Snorkeling and Lava Cave Tour in Iceland
7hDuration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration7 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland Adventure Combo
Silfra Snorkeling and Leidarendi Lava Tunnel with Underwater Photos
Dive between tectonic plates and descend into a volcanic underworld in a single unforgettable day.
Silfra snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Þingvellir National Park, combined with a guided walk through the Leidarendi lava tube, offers two of Iceland's most distinct natural encounters back to back. This full-day tour is rated easy, meaning no prior diving or caving experience is required. All necessary equipment is provided on the day.
Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The Silfra fissure, filled with glacially filtered freshwater, reaches depths of 60 to 63 meters at its deepest point. Visibility in these waters can extend the full length of the canyon, creating a sensation often described as floating through air.
The Leidarendi lava tube stretches approximately 900 meters through the Blue Mountain area near Reykjavik. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the tunnel features distinctive rock formations including lava stalactites and natural shelves along its walls. Some sections require light crawling, though access throughout the cave remains manageable for most fitness levels.
Snorkeling is available in either a wetsuit or a drysuit depending on your preference. The wetsuit option allows greater freedom of movement and the ability to surface dive, while the drysuit provides additional thermal insulation. Underwater photos are included so you can bring the experience home with you.
Tour Highlights
Snorkel the Silfra fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Receive professional underwater photos captured during your snorkeling session.
Explore the 900-meter Leidarendi lava tube with unique volcanic rock formations.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Þingvellir National Park.
Swim through some of the clearest freshwater on the planet with near-unlimited visibility.
No diving licence or caving experience required — suitable for beginners.
All snorkeling and caving gear is supplied, including wetsuit or drysuit options.
Itinerary
1
Arrival and Gear Up at Þingvellir
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point near Þingvellir National Park. Receive a full briefing on the day's activities and get fitted with your snorkeling equipment, choosing between wetsuit and drysuit options.
2
Silfra Snorkeling Session
Enter the Silfra fissure and snorkel through its main sections, including the famous Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and the Silfra Lagoon. Your guide will accompany you throughout and capture underwater photos during the session.
3
Warm-Up and Transition
After exiting the water, change out of your snorkeling gear and warm up with a hot drink. The group then travels to the Blue Mountain area for the caving portion of the tour.
4
Leidarendi Lava Tube Exploration
Enter the Leidarendi cave and walk through its 900-meter length, guided by an expert who will point out volcanic stalactites, lava shelves, and other geological features. Light crawling may be required in select passages.
5
Tour Conclusion
Exit the lava tube and return to the meeting point. Your underwater photos from the Silfra session will be shared with you to mark the end of the tour.
What Is Included
Included
Professional guide throughout the full tour
All snorkeling equipment (wetsuit or drysuit, mask, fins, gloves, hood)
Caving equipment including helmet and headlamp
Underwater photos from the Silfra snorkeling session
Entrance fees to Þingvellir National Park and Silfra fissure
Hot drink after the snorkeling session
Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides
Personal snacks or meals
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure this tour is the right fit for your group.
Duration
The full tour lasts approximately 7 hours, covering both the Silfra snorkeling session and the Leidarendi lava tube exploration.
What to Bring
Wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers as temperatures inside the cave and near the water can be cold. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and any personal medication you may require.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Please review the specific terms provided at the time of booking for full details on refunds and modifications.
Accessibility
The tour is rated easy, though some sections of Leidarendi cave require light crawling. Participants should be in reasonable physical health. The tour is not suitable for those with serious mobility restrictions.
Age Range
Participants must meet the minimum age requirement set by the operator. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please confirm age restrictions at the time of booking.
Ready to Experience Iceland from the Inside Out?
Secure your place on this full-day combo tour and discover two of Iceland's most extraordinary natural environments in a single journey.
Do I need prior diving or snorkeling experience to join this tour?▼
No prior experience is required. Snorkeling takes place at the surface of the fissure and the guide provides a full briefing before entry. The caving portion also requires no previous experience.
What is the difference between snorkeling in a wetsuit versus a drysuit?▼
A wetsuit allows greater freedom of movement and lets you surface dive into the fissure, while a drysuit keeps you completely dry and provides additional warmth. The operator recommends the wetsuit for most participants.
How cold is the water in Silfra?▼
The water temperature in Silfra remains consistently around 2 to 4 degrees Celsius year-round. Proper thermal protection is provided through the included wetsuit or drysuit.
Is the Leidarendi lava tube suitable for people with claustrophobia?▼
The cave has relatively easy access and wide passages for much of its length, though some sections require light crawling. Those with severe claustrophobia should consider this carefully before booking.
Are underwater photos included in the tour price?▼
Yes, underwater photos taken by the guide during the Silfra snorkeling session are included as part of this tour.
Can this tour operate in winter?▼
Yes, the Silfra fissure and Leidarendi lava tube can be visited year-round. Water and cave temperatures remain relatively stable across all seasons, and all necessary gear is provided for cold conditions.
Silfra SnorkelingLava TubeLeidarendi CaveÞingvellirIceland AdventureTectonic PlatesUNESCO World HeritageFreshwater SnorkelingCaving IcelandDay Tour ReykjavikUnderwater PhotosVolcanic Geology
This tour operates in southwest Iceland, covering two distinct natural sites. The snorkeling segment takes place at Silfra fissure within Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik. Silfra sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, making it a globally unique freshwater snorkeling destination. The caving segment takes place at Leidarendi lava tube in the Blue Mountain area, also within easy driving distance of Reykjavik. Both locations are accessible year-round and lie within Iceland's Golden Circle region, one of the country's most visited natural corridors.
Region: Southwest Iceland | Country: Iceland | Nearest City: Reykjavik | Natural Sites: Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO), Silfra Fissure, Leidarendi Lava Tube | Activity Zone: Golden Circle | Terrain: Freshwater Fissure, Volcanic Lava Field | Season: Year-Round
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