Reykjavík Whales and Snorkeling in Silfra
From the open waters of Faxaflói Bay to the continental crack at Þingvellir, a full day of Iceland's most iconic natural encounters.
Reykjavík whale watching and Silfra snorkeling combined in a single self-drive day gives travellers rare access to two of Iceland's most celebrated natural settings, the marine wildlife of Faxaflói Bay in the morning and the crystal-clear glacial fissure of Silfra in the afternoon. Both experiences are led by specialist operators, Elding and Dive.is, each recognised for their expertise in their respective fields. This itinerary runs from February through November, making it accessible across most of the year.
The morning begins aboard Elding's vessel out of Reykjavík Harbour, where minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales can be encountered depending on the season. The boat is equipped with open viewing decks, a heated indoor saloon and a café, meaning guests can choose their level of exposure to the elements throughout the three-hour excursion.
After returning to the harbour, participants drive independently to Þingvellir National Park for the afternoon's snorkeling session at the Silfra fissure. The site sits on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offering horizontal visibility exceeding 100 metres in water filtered through lava rock over decades.
Dive.is guides fit all participants with dry suits on site and walk through snorkeling technique before entry. The in-water portion lasts approximately one hour, concluding with hot chocolate and cookies at the parking lot before the return drive to Reykjavík.
Tour Highlights
Three hours at sea searching for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay with experienced Elding naturalist guides.
Snorkel through the Silfra fissure with over 100 metres of underwater visibility in glacially filtered freshwater.
Swim physically between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in one of the world's most unique geological settings.
Dry suit gear and full briefing provided by Dive.is professionals on site at Silfra, with no prior diving experience required.
Comfortable vessel facilities including a panoramic indoor lounge, café and cloakroom for borrowing blankets on colder days.
Warm refreshments including hot chocolate and cookies are served after the snorkel session before the drive back to Reykjavík.
Self-drive flexibility between the two venues gives participants control over their pace and the chance to explore Þingvellir at their own leisure.
Itinerary
Arrive at Elding's ticket office at Reykjavík Harbour fifteen minutes before departure. Exchange your voucher for boarding tickets and receive any necessary outerwear from the cloakroom.
Spend approximately three hours at sea in search of minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Naturalist commentary is provided throughout the voyage.
The boat returns to the harbour around midday. Participants then drive independently to Þingvellir National Park, a journey of approximately 45 minutes east of Reykjavík.
Meet the Dive.is team at the Silfra parking lot before the afternoon tour begins. Guides fit each participant with a dry suit and provide a full snorkeling briefing on site.
Enter the glacial waters of Silfra and snorkel for approximately one hour through the fissure separating the European and American continental shelves. Visibility regularly exceeds 100 metres.
After exiting the water, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Dive.is team. Participants then drive themselves back to Reykjavík to conclude the day.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching tour with Elding from Reykjavík Harbour
- Snorkeling tour with Dive.is at Silfra fissure
- Dry suit, hood, gloves and snorkeling mask provided at Silfra
- Use of blankets and overalls on the whale watching vessel
- Hot chocolate and cookies after snorkeling
- Naturalist guide commentary during whale watching
- Dive.is professional guide for the snorkeling session
Not Included
- Transport between Reykjavík Harbour and Þingvellir National Park
- Food and beverages on the whale watching vessel
- Thermal underwear and wool socks for under the dry suit
- Personal travel insurance
- Entrance fees to Þingvellir National Park beyond parking
- Gratuities for guides
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
This full-day combination of whale watching and glacial snorkeling is available from February through November. Places on both tours are limited, particularly during the summer peak season.
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