I can´t swim.. Is that a problem?
Although you don´t need to "swim" while snorkeling, we recommend that you can. The reason for that is people that can´t swim tend to panic when they are in the water. You have to be comfortable with floating in water.
Do I need diving certifications to go snorkeling?
No, snorkeling is something that anyone with a taste for adventure can do, it is as easy as one, two, three .. : )
How cold is the water in the Silfra fissure?
The temperature in the Silfra is almost constant all year round at about 2°C but during extended sunshine and warm weather in the summertime the water can sometimes can go up to 4°C.
Where is the Silfra located?
The Silfra is located in a lava field inside Þingvellir National Park about 45 minutes from Reykjavík City.
Does Arctic Adventures provide snorkeling equipment on their trips?
Yes, we provide you with everything you need no go diving in the glacier spring water in Silfra. This includes a specially made thermal suite, a dry suit, a neoprene hoodie, neoprene gloves and neoprene shoes. All you need to bring is a towel to dry of and some warm thermal layers to wear underneath.
Will I get wet on the my snorkeling trip?
We have the best dry suits available in the business BUT for dry suits to be 100% watertight they have to custom made to measure for each individual. That is to say gaskets have to be custom made to fit the wrist and neckline of each person to be 100% watertight. We do our very best to fit you with the best fitting suit available but we can not guarantee that you will be dry, however our thermal suits (we call them Teddy bear suits) are designed to be warm even when wet. To be safe make sure you bring a extra set of thermal layers to wear underneath and if the one you wear on the trip should get wet.
What is the visibility under the waterline in Silfra?
In summer when there is some vegetation in the fissure the visibility is normally somewhere between 65-85 meters, in the winter visibility can be even better or 80-100 meters on clear days. This is absolutely world class visibilty, no where on earth will you find such conditions in fresh water.
How long am I in the water?
It takes anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour to go snorkeling in the Silfra.