Enjoy the natural wonders of Iceland’s volcanic landscape with this adventure-packed tour. Venture into the mesmerizing Leidarendi Cave to marvel at its impressive lava formations, then drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates during an invigorating snorkeling session in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. Led by PADI-certified guides, this full-day experience offers personalized attention in a small group setting, complete with underwater photos and a warm-up with hot chocolate after the snorkel. Discover the thrill of exploring Iceland’s geological marvels and uncover the secrets of this captivating volcanic landscape.
Key Points
- Full-day tour combining lava cave exploration and snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, with PADI-certified guides and necessary equipment provided.
- Discover the Leidarendi Cave, marveling at volcanic formations and lava tubes, and the Silfra fissure for snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
- Personalized attention in a small group setting, with underwater photos and hot chocolate served after snorkeling.
- Participants must meet specific height, weight, and age requirements, and have the ability to swim and communicate in English.
- Pickups and transportation provided, with full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance and potential weather-related cancellations for guest safety.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour combines the thrill of exploring a lava cave with the serene experience of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure, offering a unique and unforgettable adventure in Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.
Led by PADI-certified guides, you’ll venture into the Leidarendi Cave, marveling at the volcanic formations and lava tubes.
Then, you’ll head to the Thingvellir National Park to discover the Silfra fissure, where you’ll don snorkeling gear and learn about the vibrant underwater world.
With a small group size, you’ll enjoy personalized attention throughout the tour.
Afterward, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate as you reflect on your incredible journey.
Inclusions and Amenities
The tour includes underwater photos, a warm cup of hot chocolate after snorkeling, and the use of necessary equipment like snorkeling gear, caving helmets, and head torches.
Participants will receive personalized attention from a PADI-certified guide in a small group setting.
Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik is provided as well.
To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, there are some requirements – participants must be at least 12 years old, within a specific height and weight range, able to swim, and communicate in English. Certain medical conditions may also disqualify travelers from joining the tour.
Participant Requirements
Participants must meet several requirements to join this tour. They need to be at least 12 years old, with a maximum height of 200cm and minimum weight of 50kg. Swimmers who are comfortable in the water are required, as the tour involves snorkeling in the Silfra fissure.
No glasses, contact lenses, or prescription masks are recommended.
A change of clothes is advised in case of wetsuit leakage.
All participants must communicate in English.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, claustrophobia, or pregnant travelers.
Participants over 65 need a physician’s approval before joining.
Health and Safety Restrictions
Certain health and safety restrictions apply to this tour. Individuals with back problems, heart conditions, claustrophobia, or who are pregnant can’t participate.
On top of that, travelers over 65 require a physician’s approval prior to joining the excursion. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.
The activities involved, such as caving and snorkeling, require a certain level of physical fitness and ability to navigate through tight spaces and underwater environments.
The tour operator prioritizes the well-being of guests, which is why these restrictions are in place. Participants must also meet minimum height and weight requirements.
Pickup and Cancellation Details
Pickups occur between 7:30-8:00 in summer and 8:00-8:30 in winter, with guests transported directly to the tour’s starting point.
The tour operator offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. However, the excursion may be canceled altogether due to poor weather conditions.
The tour’s logistics include:
- Prompt pickups from designated locations in Reykjavik
- Seamless transportation to the caving and snorkeling sites
- Flexible cancellation policy to accommodate last-minute changes
- Potential weather-related cancellations for guest safety
- Efficient operations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience
Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure
After exploring the lava caves, guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure, a unique continental rift filled with glacial meltwater. This snorkeling experience allows adventurers to witness the vibrant underwater ecosystem and marvel at the remarkable visibility of the fissure.
Teeming with colorful flora and fauna, Silfra offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Under the guidance of a PADI-certified instructor, participants don provided snorkeling gear and glide effortlessly through the chilly, but refreshing, waters.
After the invigorating swim, guests warm up with a soothing mug of hot chocolate, reflecting on their incredible journey between the continents.
Exploring Leidarendi Cave
What sets the Leidarendi Cave apart is its impressive network of lava tubes, formed centuries ago by ancient volcanic activity. Guests are guided through this subterranean labyrinth, marveling at the cave’s dramatic rock formations and learning about the region’s unique geological history.
The tour explores:
- Massive basalt columns and towering lava walls
- Intricate lava stalactites and stalagmites
- Smooth, curved ceilings and floors carved by molten rock
- Ethereal lighting that casts a warm glow on the cave’s features
- Remnants of the volcanic eruption that created this otherworldly landscape
Venturing deep underground, visitors are immersed in the raw power and beauty of Iceland’s volcanic origins, an unforgettable experience that complements the serene snorkeling in Silfra.
Tour Highlights and Experiences
The guided tour begins with an exploration of the Leidarendi Cave, where visitors marvel at the dramatic rock formations and learn about the region’s unique geological history.
After the caving adventure, the group heads to Thingvellir National Park to experience the mesmerizing underwater landscape of the Silfra fissure, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
Here, they’ll don their snorkeling gear and witness the otherworldly underwater scenery. Throughout the day, the PADI-certified guide provides personalized attention, sharing insights and capturing underwater photos to commemorate the experience.
After snorkeling, participants warm up with hot chocolate, reflecting on the exhilarating combination of lava caving and snorkeling that makes this tour a truly unforgettable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prior Snorkeling or Caving Experience Required?
No prior snorkeling or caving experience is required for this tour. However, participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. The PADI-certified guide will provide instruction and supervision throughout the activities.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling or Caving Gear?
No, participants can’t bring their own snorkeling or caving gear. The tour provides all the necessary equipment, including snorkeling gear, caving helmet, and head torch, to ensure safety and proper fit for the activities.
How Long Does the Tour Last From Start to Finish?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 7-8 hours, including transportation from Reykjavik, lava caving, snorkeling in Silfra fissure, and return to Reykjavik. The exact duration may vary depending on weather conditions and group size.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years and a maximum height of 200cm. Participants over 65 need a physician’s approval to join. There are also weight and swimming ability requirements for the tour.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The maximum group size is 6 participants for snorkeling and 8 for caving, with a PADI-certified guide providing personalized attention to the group.
Recap
This adventure-packed tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Iceland’s captivating volcanic landscape.
From marveling at the impressive lava formations in the Leidarendi Cave to drifting between the tectonic plates during the invigorating Silfra snorkel, you will be immersed in the country’s natural wonders.
Led by PADI-certified guides, the personalized small-group experience includes underwater photos and a warm-up with hot chocolate.
