Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos

Silfra’s appeal is the contrast: from shore, the fissure can look like an unassuming crack in the ground, but beneath the surface you can see clear water and striking rock formations. This tour pairs that three-hour snorkeling session with a visit to Leidarendi, a 900-meter lava tube.

I like the practical combination of two very different Iceland experiences in one outing, especially if you don’t have a car. I also like that the group is small, with no more than six people per snorkeling guide, and that underwater photos are included.

The main consideration is comfort. The cave has low, tight sections that call for crawling, and Silfra requires you to swim and feel at ease in the water. Dry suits can feel tight around the neck and wrists, and some guests still notice the cold on their face and hands.

At a glance

• Two contrasting stops: Explore Leidarendi’s lava formations, then snorkel at Silfra in Þingvellir National Park.
• Small snorkeling groups: Each guide works with up to six people. The tour itself has a maximum of six participants.
• Gear and photos included: Snorkeling equipment, a cave helmet and head torch, and underwater photos are provided.
• A long half-day: Allow about six to seven hours, including transfers from Reykjavik.
• Hot chocolate after the water: A welcome warm-up is included after snorkeling.
• Come prepared: You must know how to swim, bring suitable outdoor clothes, and be comfortable with low cave passages.

From Reykjavik to Leidarendi’s lava tube

Adventure Vikings collects participants in Reykjavik and drives them to the day’s activities. The drive means you can visit both stops without renting a car or working out transport between the capital and Þingvellir National Park. The full experience takes about six to seven hours, so plan it as a substantial half-day rather than a quick excursion.

Pickup times vary by season. From March to October, the tour starts at 09:00, with pickup between 07:30 and 08:00. From November to February, the start is 09:30, with pickup between 08:00 and 08:30. Look for a van marked with the Adventure Vikings logo, and be ready within the stated pickup window.

The first stop is Leidarendi, a lava tube about 900 meters long. Inside, you’ll see features formed by flowing lava, including shelves and stalactites. The visit lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time to move through the cave rather than simply peer inside the entrance.

This is an active cave visit, not a smooth, paved walk. You should be comfortable crawling through some low or tight areas, and the operator does not recommend it for people with claustrophobia. A helmet and head torch are supplied, but you need clothing suitable for the weather. The cave can be wet, so waterproof outerwear is useful.

Wear sturdy boots with ankle support. They are not included, and the operator specifically advises against heels and jeans. If you’re used to city sightseeing in trainers and denim, this is the moment to change your plan. A spare set of clothes is also sensible, particularly because the cave may be damp and the dry suit used later has a small chance of leaking.

Snorkeling between continents at Silfra

After the cave, the tour heads to Þingvellir National Park for the main water activity. Silfra is a fissure between two continents, and the snorkeling route gives you a view of its clear water and rock formations from the surface. The water can look modest from above, especially on a gray or snowy day. Once your face is in the water, the clarity and underwater scenery become the point.

Expect about three hours at the Silfra stop, including preparation and time in the water. The gear is provided, and a PADI Divemaster or instructor guides the group. Each guide can assist up to six snorkelers at a time. The information also allows for up to three groups to be at the site during the activity, so small group size means close guide support, not necessarily that you’ll have Silfra to yourself.

You must know how to swim and be comfortable in water. That requirement matters even with a dry suit: the suit may help you float, but it doesn’t replace swimming ability or the need to stay calm and follow instructions. The suit can also feel snug, especially at the neck and wrists, so tell your guide if you’re uncomfortable while getting fitted.

Cold is part of the experience, though the amount you feel varies. One useful expectation is that a dry suit can keep your body comfortable in the water, while your face and hands may still feel cold. The session length is about three hours at the stop, not three hours of continuous snorkeling, but you should still be ready for a substantial outing in cold conditions.

Underwater photos are included, which is a genuine plus. You can focus on the formations and the guide rather than trying to manage a camera in a suit. Don’t wear glasses in the water; bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you need vision correction.

There is a wetsuit option, but the supplied details don’t explain the difference between the options in depth. If you choose a wetsuit, bring swimwear and a towel, and read the option details before booking so you know what to expect. With either choice, a dry change of clothes is a sensible backup.

What the $325 price covers

At $325 per person, this is not a budget outing. The value rests on combining two guided activities with transport, equipment, and photos in a single booking. You get the lava cave visit, Silfra snorkeling, a guide for each activity, the main safety gear, and Reykjavik pickup and drop-off. That saves you from arranging separate transport and sourcing specialist equipment yourself.

The small snorkeling group is another part of the value. A guide has no more than six people to assist in the water, and the tour’s stated maximum is six participants. That gives the guide room to help with fitting and comfort, and to keep an eye on the group. The caving limit is listed as eight participants, so the group size can differ between the activities; ask the operator if the exact group arrangement is important to you.

Food and drinks are not included, apart from hot chocolate after snorkeling. Eat breakfast before pickup, as advised, and bring anything else you’ll need for the day. The hot chocolate is a small detail, but after time in cold water, it’s a welcome finish.

The main caveat on value is weather. The cave portion can be canceled in poor conditions, as can happen with outdoor activities in Iceland. If bad weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. It’s worth accepting that a two-part itinerary is not an absolute guarantee that both stops will go ahead.

Who will enjoy this outing, and who should reconsider

This tour suits you if you want to fit a cave visit and Silfra into one day, don’t have a car, and like active experiences more than a bus tour with frequent photo stops. It also works well if underwater photos matter to you and you’d rather have an instructor manage the equipment and group than plan the snorkeling on your own.

It may not be the right choice if you’re uneasy in tight spaces, unwilling to crawl, or not comfortable swimming. The cave’s low passages and the water activity make these more than minor details. The minimum age is 12, and anyone over 65 needs a physician’s approval. Participants must also be between 150 and 200 centimeters tall and between 50 and 120 kilograms.

The operator requires age, height, and weight information for every participant. Provide those details when booking or contact the supplier afterward. Everyone must complete a medical form before taking part, using the link on the ticket voucher, so check the form before you commit if you have a health concern.

A few pieces of preparation will make the day easier. Dress for the weather, bring supportive boots, eat breakfast, and pack a change of clothes. For the water, follow the instructions for your chosen suit; if you select the wetsuit option, bring swimwear and a towel. If you wear glasses, arrange contacts or a prescription mask instead.

The tour is offered in English, and all participants must be able to communicate in English. If you have concerns about the suit, swimming, or the cave passages, raise them with the operator before booking. Better to sort out a practical question in advance than discover the answer after the van has left Reykjavik.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a compact, guided way to experience both Leidarendi and Silfra, and you’re physically comfortable with crawling and swimming. The strongest reasons are the unusual pairing, included transfers and equipment, small snorkeling groups, and the chance to see Silfra underwater without managing the logistics alone.

Skip it if either close cave passages or cold-water snorkeling sounds like a poor fit. At $325, the price makes sense when you’ll take part in both activities and value the included gear, guide, transport, and photos. If you’re uncertain about medical eligibility or suit requirements, confirm those details before paying.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

Allow about six to seven hours in total. The Leidarendi visit lasts around an hour and a half, and the Silfra stop is about three hours, with transfers and preparation making up the rest of the day.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are offered in Reykjavik. Look for a van with the Adventure Vikings logo.

What time is pickup?

From March to October, the tour starts at 09:00 and pickup is between 07:30 and 08:00. From November to February, the start is 09:30 and pickup is between 08:00 and 08:30.

Is food included?

Food and drinks are not included. Hot chocolate after snorkeling is provided, and you should eat breakfast before the activity.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. All participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in water.

What should I wear and bring?

Dress for the weather and bring boots with ankle support. Waterproof outerwear is useful because the cave can be wet. A change of clothes is recommended, and participants choosing the wetsuit option should bring swimwear and a towel.

Can I wear glasses while snorkeling?

No. Bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you need vision correction.

Are photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos are included.

Are there age, height, or weight requirements?

The minimum age is 12. Participants must be between 150 and 200 centimeters tall and between 50 and 120 kilograms. People over 65 need a physician’s approval.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.