Snorkeling in a hot spring
We take you where only few have been before
Lake Kleifarvatn offers the rare possibility to go snorkeling in an active hot spring. Hot springs are normally way too hot to even get close to them, but not this one! What looks like just a regular lake, hides an unbelievable surprise just a few meters under the surface.
Nestled within an extraordinary volcanic landscape a short drive from Reykjavik, lake Kleifarvatn strikes the visitor thanks to the surrounding hills, its surreal silence, its black sand beach and the sulfur smell that is typical of this area. Only a few minutes away from the lake you find the Seltún geothermal area, where you can walk among the boiling mud pots and witness the power of Mother Nature.
In Seltún, your guide will tell you about the volcanic activity in the area as well as brief you on the upcoming snorkeling tour. You will then follow your guide to Lake Kleifarvatn.
On the beach you will suit up in your snorkeling gear with the help of your guide. As you enter the water, you will notice right away the white and yellow sulfur deposits and the colorful swirls they create on the bottom of the lake. After swimming about 150 meters away from the shore, you will start seeing the gas bubbles shooting up from the sandy lake floor. The environment around you will change sensibly. It is hard to describe the feeling, but someone said it's like swimming in a glass of champagne...
After about 30 to 40 minutes, we will swim back to the shore. Once out of the water, your guide will help you take off your gear and they will offer you hot chocolate and cookies.
Tour Details
-
This tour can be tailor made to fit the needs of your group
-
2 hours
-
Available on request from 1 May to 30 September, we will find the best time for your group
-
Price is based on 19+ people
-
Max 8 snorkelers per snorkel guide, but we can accommodate multiple groups of 8
-
Free photos with all group tours
Please bring:
- Long underwear
- Thick socks
- Suitable clothes for the weather of the day
- Contact lenses if you wear glasses
Included:
- Guided snorkeling trip
- All necessary snorkeling equipment
- Hot chocolate, cookies and some real Icelandic snacks after the tour
Safety requirements
For their safety, all participants mus-
have read, signed, and followed directions on the online Snorkeling Medical Statement (link provided in confirmation email) PDF
-
have our Snorkeling Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older PDF
-
sign our liability release form at the start of the snorkeling tour PDF
-
be at minimum 150cm / maximum 200cm
-
be at minimum 45kg / maximum 120kg
-
fit within our dry suit size chart
-
be at least 12 years of age on the year and at least 45 kg / 99 lbs
-
be comfortable in the water and be able to swim
-
be physically fit
-
be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit
-
be able to communicate in English
-
not be pregnant
Experience the tour
Guides on this tour
You might be guided by one of these nice guys
YOU'LL SNORKEL HERE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Are the dry suits very tight / uncomfortable?
-
We use top-quality equipment for our Snorkeling and Scuba Diving tours.
The dry suits only do a certain amount of dives/time before they get sold and replaced by new ones.
This ensures that our guests will always dive/snorkel in top-notch dry suits frequently tested, serviced or replaced.
However, it is of high importance to provide us with your correct size (height and weight), so we can make sure to bring the best fit for you. If we receive an incorrect size, the guest will receive an incorrect dry suit fit. We assure you that your size information as well as all other personal information stays confidential with us.
We also want to point out that if you are sensitive to having something tight around your neck and/or wrists you might feel uncomfortable in a dry suit. It goes with the territory to have a well-sealing neoprene neck seal and rubber wrist seals in order to stay dry.
-
-
Can I use my own snorkel equipment?
-
You are most welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment, but please be aware of the following. If you are thinking of bringing your own fins, please make sure that they are open-heeled fins, as they will need to fit over a drysuit boot. Most people will wear a drysuit with similar-sized shoes to their normal shoe size, but sometimes that is not the case, and therefore your fins may not fit. If you have your own neoprene hood and gloves, you are welcome to bring them, but please remember that this is 3°C water - we highly suggest a minimum of 7mm hood and 7mm three-finger mittens as these are the warmest options, and what we will supply. You may find that 5mm five-fingered gloves are quite cold, and we do not advise wearing anything less than 5mm thickness.
-
-
Do you have prescription masks?
-
Sorry, but we currently don't have prescription masks available. It would be challenging to cater to the different prescriptions that our customers might have. If you wear glasses, we suggest using contact lenses instead, as they fit more comfortably under the mask. However, if you already have a prescription mask, you are more than welcome to use it during the tour.
-
-
Do you provide life jackets?
-
Unfortunately, it is not allowed to wear life jackets, or use any other swimming aid devices at Silfra. For this reason, all participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in water.
-
-
Do you rent out underwater cameras?
-
Unfortunately, we do not offer cameras for rent, we do however offer a very reasonably priced photo package including photos taken by your guide during your tour, and access to our "Best of Silfra" collection. You are however welcome to bring your own waterproof camera.
-
-
Do you sell gift certificates for your Silfra tours or dive courses?
-
Yes, if you want to give someone a nice present, it will be our pleasure to prepare a nice gift certificate for you.
The certificate can be made for all of our tours, courses or any other products you find on our website.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with your ideas.
-
-
How can I pay for the photos?
-
The guide loves capturing amazing moments throughout the tour, and they will have a wonderful collection of photos for you to browse and purchase. You'll be able to find your perfect shots directly from your guide at the end of the tour for just 3,000 ISK.
The photo package includes not only the photos from your tour but also our Best of Silfra folder, where you can discover the beauty of Silfra at its finest.
It's important to note that this is not a private photoshoot, so your folder will include pictures of all the lovely people in your group.
As your safety is always our top priority, there might be instances where the guide needs to assist another snorkeler in the water, which could affect the availability of the photos.
If you decide at a later date that you would like to purchase the photos you can contact our office and a payment link will be sent to you, allowing you to pay online.
-
-
How do I find the meeting point?
-
Silfra is located in Þingvellir national park, which is about 45-60 minutes drive from Reykjavík city. You can see a map attached to your ticket, find the map HERE or simply type Silfra Diving into Google maps. If you get lost on the way please do not hesitate to call our office for help.
-
-
How long are we in the water?
-
During our snorkel tour, you'll have the fantastic opportunity to explore the underwater world for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The duration of the snorkeling session may vary depending on the group's pace and the amount of time they wish to spend exploring the beautiful lagoon at the end. So, get ready to dive in and enjoy every moment of this amazing adventure!
-
-
How should I wear my hair?
-
Your hair is best worn either loose or in a low ponytail or a braid. This keeps it nicely out of the way during the activity. We do not advise buns or high ponytails as they will be quite uncomfortable under your hood, and bunches or twin braids can make a dry suit removal more difficult. Please be aware that your hair is going to get wet, so please bring a towel if you prefer drying your hair afterwards.
-
-
I use glasses, is that a problem?
-
Unfortunately, it is not possible to wear glasses underneath the dive mask, as the mask would fill with water. We therefore advise that if you are near-sighted (i.e. you need glasses for distance), you consider wearing contact lenses or bring your own prescription mask with you. If you are snorkeling and have prescription swimming goggles you are able to wear them, but you must also bring a nose clip to close your nose, so that you are able to use your snorkel. If your prescription is not very strong (up to approximately -4) you may find that the natural magnification of the water will still allow you to see quite clearly. Should you need to purchase contact lenses, there are several opticians in Reykjavík where you would be able to do so.
-
-
Is food included on the day tours?
-
We offer hot chocolate, tea and cookies after the dives and snorkels, but do not provide any other form of food. There is also drinking water on site. We kindly ask that you have eaten breakfast/lunch before your tour, as you will need the energy it provides.
-
-
Where is your shop?
-
Our dive shop is located at the western end of downtown Reykjavik, a 20-30 minute walk from most of the city centre. We are happy to welcome you here between 8:00 and 16:00 every day of the week.
The addressis Klettagarður 12, 104 Reykjavík.
-
Show all FAQ


