Discover the Magic of Snorkeling in Iceland’s Crystal Waters
                     Snorkeling in Iceland: The Guide for  
Self-Dr ive Travelers
Have you ever dreamed of snorkeling in crystal-clear waters between two tectonic plates? Iceland offers this 
unique experience at the Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir Nati onal Park. Renting a  car from Firefly Iceland gives 
you the freedom to explore this and other natural wonders at your own pace. Let’s find out why snorkeling in 
Iceland is an adventure you don’t want to miss and how to make the most of it with a  self-drive tour.
www.firefly.is
W h y  Snorkel in Iceland?
The Uniqueness o f  Si l fra  Fissure
Thingvellir Nati onal Park, a  U N E S C O  World Heritage site, is one of Iceland’s most famous spots. Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik, this park is not just 
beautiful; it’s packed with history and cool geology. Silfra Fissure, one of the park’s highlights, is a  top dive site and an incredible place for snorkeling.
Imagine this: you’re floating in a  rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Silfra Fissure is the only place in the world where you can do this. Formed by 
the diverging plates, Silfra lets you snorkel right in the Earth’s crust. It’s like swimming in a  piece of history.
The fissure was created by the movements of these plates over time, making it a  fascinating spot for anyone interested in geology or just looking for an unforgettable 
adventure. As you glide through the clear waters, you’ll be surrounded by ancient rock formations, feeling the history all around you.
The water in Silfra is incredibly clear, with visibility often exceeding 100 meters. This is because the water is filtered through porous lava rock for decades before it reaches the 
fissure, making it some of the purest water you’ll ever swim in. This clarity makes it a  standout dive site, attracting snorkelers and divers from all over the world.
Þingvellir Nati onal Park itself is a  treasure. It’s not only where the Silfra Fissure is located but also where the Icelandic Parliament, Althing, was founded in 930 AD, making it 
one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world. Walking through the park, you’re literally walking through history, both geological and human. It’s a  place where you 
can truly feel the connection between nature and history, making your snorkeling adventure even more special.
I t  ge t  Crystal  Clear  Glacial  Wa t e r Year-Round Snorkeling in silfra fissure
Silfra boasts some of the clearest waters on the planet, with One of the great things about Silfra is that you can snorkel 
visibility up to 100 meters. This clarity comes from the water here any time of the year. The water temperature stays 
being filtered through lava rock over decades. When you’re in around 2-4°C (36-39°F), no matter the season. Whether you 
the water, it feels like you’re flying because you can see so far visit in the winter wonderland or under the midnight sun, 
and so clearly. It’s truly a  magical experience. you’ll have an unforgettable adventure.
Prepar ing  for  Your  
Snorkeling Adventure
To stay warm and comfortable in the cold water, you’ll need a  snorkel mask,
NECESSARY dry suit, gloves, and fins. If you wear contact lenses, make sure your mask 
GEAR fits well to avoid leaks. Tour operators provide all the gear, but double- 
check before you go.
BOOK A Booking a  tour is a  smart move to ensure safety and guidance. Companies 
SNORKELING like DIVE.IS and Iceland Adventure Tours offer various packages.Remember to book a  snorkeling tour early, especially in peak seasons, to 
TOUR secure your spot.
Snorkeling in cold water requires some physical fitness. Make sure you meet 
the height and weight requirements and follow all the safety guidelines  
SAFETY from your snorkel guide. Dress in thermal layers under your dry suit to stay 
TIPS warm.
The Snorkeling Experience
M e e t i n g  Point  and  Enter ing Highl ights  o f  Post-Snorkeling 
Preparat ion Silfra the Dive Tips
You’ll start your adventure at After suiting up and listening to the Once in Silfra, you’ll be amazed by After your dive, it’s important to 
Þingvellir Nati onal Park. Arrive 15 safety instructions, you’ll head to the vivid colors and rock formations warm up. Many tours offer hot 
minutes early to park and get the entry point. The excitement visible in the crystal clear glacial chocolate, which is a  delightful way 
settled. Your tour operator will give builds as you descend into the cold, water. With visibility up to 100 to end your adventure. Take some 
you a  safety briefing and help you clear water, feeling the thrill of meters, you’ll see deep into the time to reflect on the incredible 
gear up for the dive. fl oati ng between two continents. fissure and marvel at the sights and share your experience 
underwater landscape. with fellow travelers.
Practical  In format ion  for  Self-Dr ive Travelers
Best Time to  Visit
Silfra is beautiful year-round. Winter offers a  snowy backdrop, while summer showcases lush greenery. Decide what scenery you prefer 
and plan your visit accordingly.
How to Get  There with a  Firef ly Rental  Car
Start your trip by picking up your Firefly rental car in Reykjavik. Once you’re all set, head northeast on Route 36 towards Þingvellir Nati onal 
Park. The drive usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the amazing scenery along the way.
As you drive, you’ll pass through beautiful rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and vast lava fields. The landscape is so stunning that you might want to 
pull over to snap a  few photos. Keep your camera handy; you never know when you’ll find the perfect spot for a  picture.
One of the best parts of renting a  car is the freedom it gives you. You can easily add Silfra to your Golden Circle tour, which also includes the 
Geysir geothermal area and the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. With a  rental car, you get to decide how long to spend at each spot and what 
pace suits you best.
When you get to Þingvellir Nati onal Park, just follow the signs to the Silfra parking area. There’s plenty of parking, and it’s a  short walk to the 
meeting point for your snorkeling tour. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to park and get ready without rushing.
Accommodation a n d  N e a r b y  Attractions
Þingvellir Nati onal Park offers various accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels. Don’t miss nearby attractions 
like hiking trails and the Langjökull Glacier, which are perfect for extending your adventure.
Self-Dr ive  Tips for  Snorkelers
Road Conditions a n d  Dr iv ing  Safety
Driving  in Iceland is an adventure! Here are some tips to stay safe on the road:
Check Weather and Road Conditions: Always check the weather and road conditions 
before you set out. Iceland’s weather changes quickly. Websites like the Icelandic Road 
and Coastal Administration give up-to-date info on road closures and weather alerts.
Equip Your Car: Make sure your Firefly rental car has the right gear for the season. In 
winter, you need winter tires and maybe even snow chains. In summer, good suspension 
and tires for gravel roads are important.
Drive Cautiously: Icelandic roads can be narrow and winding. In winter, they get icy 
and slippery. Drive slowly, keep your distance from other cars, and watch out for 
black ice, especially on bridges.
Handle Gravel Roads: Many rural roads are gravel. Drive slower to avoid skidding and 
be careful of flying stones when passing other cars.
Watch for Livestock: Sheep and horses often roam the roads in rural areas. Be ready to 
stop or slow down if you see animals on the road.
Must-H a v e  I tems for  a  Self-Dr ive  Trip
Pack essentials like a  map, GPS, snacks, water, and warm clothing. A  first-aid kit and extra layers are 
also useful, as Iceland’s weather can change quickly.
Scenic Routes a n d  Stops
Take your time on the drive to Silfra. There are many scenic routes and must-see stops, like geysers, 
waterfalls, and volcanic craters. The flexibility of a  self-drive trip lets you create a  personalized 
adventure.
Contact  Us
Got questions about your rental or need assistance 
planning your trip? Our friendly team is ready to help you 
every step of the way.
(+354) 522 00 22
www.firefly.is
Flugvallarvegi 5, 101 
Reykjavík 
[email protected]