Reykjavik: Whales & Snorkeling

Experience Iceland from two completely different perspectives with a thrilling full-day combo that takes you from the open sea to one of the world’s most famous freshwater snorkeling sites. Your day begins in Reykjavík Old Harbour, where you join a classic whale watching cruise into Faxaflói Bay. Over approximately 3 hours, you will search for some of Iceland’s most iconic marine wildlife, including minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises, while enjoying expert commentary and scenic views of Reykjavík’s coastline.

After returning to the harbour, you will drive independently to Þingvellir National Park for the second half of your adventure. Here, you will meet the Dive.is team at the Silfra parking area and prepare for a guided snorkeling tour in one of Iceland’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Silfra is famous for its remarkably pure glacial water and incredible visibility, often exceeding 100 metres, creating a surreal underwater world of vivid colours and dramatic rock formations. During the experience, you will float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, surrounded by crystal-clear water in a setting unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The guided snorkeling portion lasts approximately 30–40 minutes in the water, with a total activity time of around 1 hour. After the snorkel, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies before returning to Reykjavík. This self-drive combo is ideal for adventurous travellers who want to combine wildlife, geology, and unforgettable outdoor experiences in a single day.

Approximately 10 hours

• Combine a 3-hour whale watching cruise with a guided Silfra snorkeling experience in one day.
• Search for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises in Faxaflói Bay.
• Snorkel in the world-famous Silfra fissure with visibility that can exceed 100 metres.
• Float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park.
• Enjoy a rewarding mix of marine wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and crystal-clear glacial water.

Prices start from 199 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• 3-hour whale watching tour
• 30–40 minute snorkeling experience in Silfra
• Professional English-speaking guidance on both tours
• All necessary snorkeling equipment
• National park entrance fee
• Entry fee into Silfra
• Hot chocolate and cookies after snorkeling
• Use of warm overalls on the whale watching boat
• Free WiFi on board the whale watching boat

1. Arrive at Elding’s ticket office at Reykjavík Old Harbour around 08:45 to exchange your voucher for boarding tickets.

2. Board the whale watching vessel and depart at 09:00 for an approximately 3-hour cruise into Faxaflói Bay.

3. Search for marine wildlife such as minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and seabirds, while enjoying commentary from the crew.

4. Take in views of Reykjavík’s coastline from the outdoor decks or relax in the heated indoor saloon with panoramic windows.

5. Return to the harbour at approximately 12:00 and disembark from the whale watching tour.

6. Drive independently to Þingvellir National Park, where the second activity takes place.

7. Arrive at the Silfra parking lot before the 14:00 snorkeling start time and meet the Dive.is team.

8. Complete check-in, review the medical statement, receive a safety briefing, and get fitted with your dry suit and snorkeling gear.

9. Enter the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure and enjoy a guided snorkeling experience between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

10. Spend approximately 30–40 minutes in the water, surrounded by exceptional visibility and dramatic underwater scenery.

11. Finish the snorkeling activity and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies before beginning your return journey.

12. Drive back to Reykjavík at your own pace after this unforgettable full-day adventure.

• This is a self-drive combo tour; pickup and drop-off are not included
• Meeting points:
• Elding ticket office, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, IS
• Silfra Snorkeling parking lot, Silfra Þingvellir, 801 Selfoss, IS
• Whale watching departs at 09:00
• Snorkeling in Silfra starts at 14:00
• Available: 1 February – 30 November
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Minimum age: 12 years
• Maximum age: 65 years
• Participants must be 150–200 cm tall and weigh 45–120 kg
• Participants must be physically fit, able to swim, comfortable in water, and must not be pregnant
• All participants must sign the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement; doctor’s clearance may be required in some cases
• Bring: long thermal underwear, thick socks, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing
• If you wear glasses, contact lenses are recommended
• Booking cut-off: 2 hours before departure
• Cancellation policy: Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event