Silfra Snorkeling Adventure and Northern Lights Tour

Adventurous Iceland: Snorkeling and Northern Lights Tour

Snorkeling Adventure in Silfra

Your adventure begins with the snorkeling tour of Silfra. Silfra, the famous fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, provides an underwater experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Floating in the crystal clear glacial water will give you the sensation of flying as you pass through an expansive canyon created by the slow separation of the tectonic plates. You will be provided with a dry suit and an undergarment to keep you dry and warm while in the near-freezing water. We recommend that you wear thermal long-underwear and wool socks for additional warmth. Make sure to drink some of the Silfra water while you are snorkeling! Who knows when you will be able to drink water so pure again. After your 30-40 minute snorkeling session in Silfra, you can explore the Thingvellir area as you wish.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Your northern lights hunt will begin later in the evening when you make your way the 20 minute drive from Reykjavík to Aurora Basecamp. Aurora Basecamp is a brand new Northern Lights Observatory where you will get tips on how to spot the lights, how to hunt for them in your rental car, how to take photos of them on your camera and much more, making it a perfect starting point for your Northern Lights hunt in Iceland. At Aurora Basecamp you will also experience a unique indoor simulation of the Northern Lights.

Also known as aurora borealis, northern lights are caused by the effect of solar flares on Earth's atmosphere. They appear in many forms and colors, ranging from green and white to pink and purple. Sometimes they appear as a dancing streak across the sky. At other times, they'll appear as lasers shooting down from outer space. As the possibility of viewing the northern lights depends on both solar activity and weather conditions here on Earth, it is not possible to guarantee the northern lights. However, the simulation in the Dark Park at Aurora Basecamp allows you to see a simulation so real that you will not be disappointed if you are not able to catch the real lights.

Itinerary Overview

Meet DIVE.IS at Thingvellir National Park. You will have to park your car at Parking P5 and then take a short walk to a smaller parking lot, where you will meet your guides for the snorkeling tour. The drive to Thingvellir takes 45-60 minutes.

Upon arrival at the Þingvellir National Park, park your car at parking lot P5, then take a short walk to the Silfra parking lot, where we will welcome you and give you a detailed briefing of the snorkeling tour. Here you will also get dressed into our top quality snorkeling gear. We have a heated changing van, but it's best if you wear your long thermal underwear before coming to the National Park. After gearing up, we will take a short walk over to the Silfra entry platform from where the activity starts. The exit point is at another platform in the Silfra Lagoon. The time spent in the water is approx. 35 minutes. After the snorkeling tour, we will warm you up with hot cocoa and cookies.

Aurora Basecamp is located about 20 minutes from Reykjavik. Enjoy the Northern lights at the Northern Lights Observatory. See them with your own eyes in the unique simulation at the Dark Park, learn how to take photos and receive information on where you might find them in the sky.

Inclusions

• guided snorkeling trip
• all necessary snorkeling equipment
• hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip
• entrance fee of 1.500 ISK into Silfra
• entrance fee at Aurora Basecamp
• guided tour through the Dark Park at Aurora Basecamp

Exclusions

• Long thermal underwear
• Warm wool socks
• Hat, gloves and scarf

Your adventure starts with a unique snorkeling journey in Silfra, a remarkable fissure between tectonic plates, delivering a surreal underwater escapade. Here are key details and prerequisites for your upcoming tour:

• Experience the sensation of floating through a massive canyon in crystal clear glacial water, feeling almost like flying.
• A dry suit and undergarment are provided for warmth in the near-freezing waters.
• It's recommended to wear thermal long-underwear and wool socks underneath the dry suit for extra insulation.
• Take the opportunity to drink the pristine Silfra water during your snorkel.
• Your snorkeling session lasts about 30-40 minutes, after which you can explore the Thingvellir area.
• The Northern Lights hunt begins with a drive from Reykjavík to Aurora Basecamp, offering tips on spotting and photographing the Northern Lights, and features a realistic indoor simulation.
• Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, visibility is subject to solar activity and weather, thus cannot be guaranteed.

Participants must adhere to the following prerequisites and conditions:

• Read, sign, and comply with the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement.
• Sign a liability release form at the tour's commencement.
• Meet the height (150cm-200cm) and weight (45kg-120kg) requirements.
• Be at least 12 years of age.
• Be comfortable in water and able to swim.
• Maintain a good level of physical fitness.
• Be prepared for the wear of a potentially snug dry suit.
• Ensure ability to communicate in English or have a translator present.
• Pregnant individuals are not allowed on the tour.

Note: Failure to sign the required documents or meet the stated criteria will preclude participation in the tour. Review the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement before booking to confirm eligibility.