Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour – Self Drive

A Complete Guide to the Silfra Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour — Self Drive

If you’re after a truly unique way to experience Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes, the Silfra Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour is worth a second look. Offered in Reykjavik by DIVE.IS, this five-hour adventure combines the thrill of snorkelling between two continents with relaxing dips in natural hot springs. It’s a self-drive tour, meaning you get to enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, with the help of a knowledgeable guide, and the reassurance of all gear included.

What I really love about this tour is its perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. First, snorkelling in Silfra’s crystal-clear waters — renowned for visibility that might seem like swimming in air — is an experience you won’t forget. The second highlight? Unwinding in the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal pools, soaking in naturally heated water while surrounded by Iceland’s breathtaking scenery. Plus, the small-group format, capped at just six travelers, ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

That said, a potential consideration is the physical requirement — you need to be comfortable in water, able to swim, and fit enough to wear and manage the drysuit. While guides like Sara and Quim are praised for their thoroughness and care, dry suits can feel snug and a bit constricting. Also, since the tour involves driving between two locations, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a bit of independence and scenic drives rather than a large, bus-based excursion.

Key Points

• Flexible Self-Drive Approach: You’re responsible for driving between Silfra and Laugarvatn, providing freedom and flexibility.
• Super Small Group: With a maximum of six guests, you’ll get personalized attention in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert Guides & Gear: Guides like Sara and Quim are highly praised for their professionalism, making safety and comfort a priority.
• Authentic Icelandic Relaxation: The geothermal pools and saunas offer an authentic way to unwind after the cold water.
• Incredible Visibility & Scenery: Silfra’s clear water and unique location between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates make it a one-of-a-kind snorkeling spot.
• Value & Convenience: All gear, dry suits, and entrance fees are included for around $206 — a fair price for such an exclusive experience.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point & Preparation

Your journey begins hours before jumping into the water at the DIVE.IS Meeting Point in Thingvellir National Park. Here, the team gears you up in dry suits, warm undersuits, and snorkelling equipment, tailored to your size and comfort, thanks to helpful staff who guide you through the process — a real boon with the so-called “snowsuit tightness.” As one seasoned reviewer put it, “dry suits can sometimes feel quite tight and constricting,” but knowing they are designed for cold water comfort makes the effort worthwhile.

The guide’s briefing covers safety, some fascinating park facts about the tectonic plates, and what to expect under the surface. This session is approximately an hour, setting you up for the adventure ahead. Feel free to ask questions because guides like Sara, Quim, and Odysseas are consistently praised for their friendly professionalism.

Snorkeling in Silfra

Once suited up, you walk a short five-minute distance to the site — an advantage that broadens your options for viewing the landscape. The snorkelling itself lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, during which you’ll swim in the famous Silfra fissure, a crack between the North American and Eurasian plates. The water is so transparent that divers and snorkelers often comment they feel as if they’re floating in midair.

Guides give clear instructions, ensuring everyone feels safe. One reviewer highlighted how their guide, Sara, “checked on everyone several times, making sure we felt safe and comfortable,” which boosted confidence during what can sometimes seem intimidating.

Post-snorkel Comfort & Refreshments

After getting out of the water, you’re treated to hot chocolate and cookies, a thoughtful touch appreciated by many. The heated van near the site offers a warm changing space, which is very useful after the cold water.

Time to Relax in Laugarvatn

Next, you take a scenic drive to Laugarvatn Fontana to enjoy the geothermal pools and saunas. The pools are natural, heated by Iceland’s volcanic activity, so you can relax as long as you like; some reviews say they would stay all day if they could. The experience combines relaxation with vivid memories of the icy adventure, as one guest remarked, “the hot spring after the cold dip was life-changing and incredibly beautiful.”

Guided or Self-Driven?

Since this is a self-drive tour, your experience depends a lot on your comfort with driving in Iceland’s sometimes unpredictable weather and roads. For independent travelers, this is a major perk, giving flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour’s business model ensures you are not just a passenger but an active participant.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys a touch of adventure, appreciates small-group experiences, and wants an authentic Icelandic encounter, this tour will suit you well. It’s ideal for adventurous first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, provided they’re comfortable in the water and able to manage the dry suit. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or very young children, but many older travelers (even up to 79, as one reviewer noted) have loved it.

The guides’ attention to safety and comfort makes this a reliable choice for those hesitant about cold-water snorkelling. Plus, if you’re keen on combining outdoor activities with wellness, the geothermal pools offer that perfect mix of thrill and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

This experience stands out because of its small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and the stunning contrast of icy water and warm springs. For the $206 price point, it offers a comprehensive adventure — gear, instruction, and access to world-famous snorkelling sites — all wrapped in a flexible, self-driven format.

If you’re looking for a bucket list moment that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and Icelandic hospitality, this is a solid choice. The guides, especially Sara and Quim, are praised for their warmth and professionalism, making even nervous swimmers feel confident. The hot springs afterward provide a perfect cooldown, making it a well-rounded day.

This tour suits travelers eager for a memorable, active experience that’s both authentic and comfortably small-scale. It’s perfect if you cherish the freedom of a self-guided drive and want to tick off one of Iceland’s most talked-about sights in a safe, enjoyable way.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for someone who can’t swim?
It’s best if you’re comfortable in water and able to swim, as the tour requires swimming and managing a dry suit. Guides will help ensure you’re safe, but basic swimming ability is recommended.

What should I wear under the dry suit?
Most travelers wear long thermal underwear and thick wool socks, which help stay warm and dry during the snorkel.

Can I participate if I’m over 60 years old?
Yes, but participants over 60 need a doctor’s signature approving their participation, so check with your medical provider beforehand.

How long does the whole experience last?
Expect about five hours from start to finish, including gearing up, the snorkel, hot chocolate, and the drive between sites.

Is there any reading material or guide commentary?
Yes, guides provide safety briefings and background info about Thingvellir National Park and the tectonic plates, making it both educational and fun.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so plan ahead.

Are photos included?
No, you can purchase souvenirs or photos separately if you wish to remember the moment.

Is this experience suitable in winter?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention snorkeling in winter as a highlight, and the tour is designed to keep you warm and comfortable despite the cold outside.

In exploring Iceland, few experiences rival the thrill of floating in Silfra’s pristine waters and then soaking in geothermal warmth. This tour offers a nice balance of adventure, comfort, and authenticity, making it a memorable addition to any Iceland itinerary.