Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Silfra puts you between two tectonic plates, in water so clear that visibility can reach 150 meters. Then the day changes pace at Laxnes Horse Farm, where you ride an Icelandic horse through open countryside. Two very different sides of Iceland fit into one day.

I like that transport, snorkeling gear, photos, and the horse ride are bundled together, and I like that the horse trek welcomes beginners as well as experienced riders. The main caveat is the cold: you’ll be wet after Silfra, so the wait and changeover before riding matter, especially in winter.

The day’s essentials

• Silfra comes first: Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in glacial water filtered through lava.
• Photos are included: Your snorkeling guide takes underwater pictures, a welcome record of a hard-to-photograph experience.
• Warm up afterward: Hot cocoa and biscuits are provided after the snorkel, but lunch and other food are not included.
• The horse ride is at Laxnes: Meet Icelandic horses and ride through the surrounding countryside, with time to get acquainted with the animals.
• It’s a full-day outing: Plan on about eight hours, including Reykjavík pickup and drop-off.
• Check the requirements carefully: You must be at least 12, comfortable in water, able to swim, and moderately fit.

From Reykjavík to Silfra’s glacial water

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavík, then a drive to Thingvellir National Park. The transfer saves you from arranging separate transport to the park and horse farm, and makes this combo practical if you have limited time in the capital region. The full outing lasts about eight hours, so it takes up most of a day.

Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, the plates are moving apart, and the gap fills with water that starts at Langjökull, or Long Glacier. It passes through lava fields before reaching the fissure, which helps explain the water’s remarkable clarity. Visibility can reach 150 meters.

That clarity is the star of the snorkel. The underwater views are prized for their shades of blue, and the fissure gives you a rare chance to float in a place shaped by the meeting of geology and glacial water. You don’t need to be an expert snorkeler, but you do need to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. The operator also requires everyone to read its snorkeling handbook before the tour. Take that seriously: it covers safety, medical conditions, and what to bring.

All necessary snorkeling gear is included. Guides have included Pedro, who was praised for taking time to help a first-time snorkeler feel safe, and Yannis, also identified as Jon, who worked to support his group in challenging cold conditions. Those details are encouraging, but they don’t guarantee the same guide or the same level of attention on your date. One participant described problems with equipment fit and communication, including feeling dismissed when a drysuit caused pain. Speak up clearly if gear hurts, leaks, or doesn’t fit properly. Feeling safe and properly equipped should come before keeping to the group’s schedule.

The tour includes underwater photos taken by your guide. That’s useful because a phone or camera is not a practical way to capture this part of the day yourself. The quality of the photos may vary, so treat them as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

The cold is part of the calculation

The snorkel is the day’s most distinctive activity, but cold is a real consideration, not a footnote. Even with the necessary equipment, expect to spend time outside while changing and preparing. In winter, one participant reported waiting in very low temperatures and wearing wet gloves, followed by lingering numbness in the fingers. That is a serious warning to pay attention to how your gear feels and to raise problems immediately.

After snorkeling, hot cocoa and biscuits give you a chance to warm up. They are a welcome comfort, but they are not a meal. Food and other drinks are not included, so plan accordingly for an eight-hour day. Bring warm clothing, socks, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. Extra socks are especially sensible, as one rider recommended after a cold snorkel.

The switch from water to horseback riding can also be awkward if the day is poorly paced. You may be changing clothes and waiting outdoors before continuing to the farm. A complaint about the transition described a long wait at the ranch without clear updates. This doesn’t mean every outing runs that way, but it does make communication worth watching. If you’re unsure how long a stop will take or where to go next, ask the guide or driver rather than waiting without information.

Meeting Icelandic horses at Laxnes

After Silfra, the group heads to Laxnes Horse Farm for the second activity. The farm’s Icelandic horses are described as hardy and sure-footed, with an alert, willing nature. You’ll have time to meet the horses before setting out, then ride through the surrounding countryside. The trek is described as unhurried, a good fit if you want time to enjoy the scenery rather than simply tick off a short ride.

The ride is intended for a broad range of experience levels, from beginners to experienced riders. That makes this combo more accessible than a tour built only for confident equestrians. Still, you’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the horse-riding weight limit is listed as 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The activity’s general exclusion list gives a different upper weight figure of 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds. Because those figures conflict, use the lower horse-riding limit and confirm with the operator if you’re close to either threshold.

The farm experience can be a lovely contrast to the brisk, gear-heavy snorkel. The horse owner has been described as welcoming, and the horses as well cared for. One account also praised the scenery on the route and said the ride did not feel rushed. But communication at the farm may not be as consistent as the snorkel briefing. If you arrive and are not sure what’s happening, ask when you’ll be starting and what to do while the horses are prepared.

If riding is the part you’re most excited about, remember that it follows the snorkel. You may be tired or cold by then, and the order may be less appealing if you prefer to ride fresh and warm. Bring dry clothes and socks so you can reset before getting on a horse.

Is the $322 fare good value?

At $322 per person, this is a substantial day tour, but it combines two activities that would otherwise require separate planning. The fare includes Reykjavík pickup and drop-off, snorkeling, the necessary equipment, a professional guide, underwater photos, horseback riding, cocoa, and biscuits. For someone who wants both Silfra and an Icelandic horse ride, that bundle can be convenient and may be better value than arranging each outing separately.

The strongest value is in the logistics. You don’t have to coordinate transport between Reykjavík, Thingvellir, and the farm yourself, and the day is organized around two very different experiences. The photos add something you might not manage alone at Silfra. The horse ride also gives the day a second act beyond the water, so the outing is not built around a single short activity.

The price feels less compelling if you’re unsure about snorkeling, sensitive to cold, or mainly interested in one of the two activities. There is no food beyond the cocoa and biscuits, and the changeover can involve waiting. A smooth day depends not only on the attractions but also on clear instructions, good equipment fit, and timely communication. Consider the convenience worth paying for, but don’t assume every part of the day will feel equally polished.

Who should book this combo?

This tour suits you if you want two distinctly Icelandic activities in one day, are comfortable with a full schedule, and can handle cold-weather preparation. It’s also a sensible choice if you’re new to snorkeling and want a guide to lead the group. A first-time participant felt well supported by guide Pedro, though that should not be taken as a promise that the same guide will be working on your tour.

The horse ride is a good match if you’re a beginner or have riding experience and want a scenic trek rather than a highly technical ride. It may not suit you if you want a leisurely day with long breaks, need a lot of reassurance about equipment, or dislike the possibility of waiting outside in cold conditions.

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, non-swimmers, or people with back, heart, or respiratory problems, epilepsy, or high blood pressure. Height and weight limits are also listed: participants must be at least 150 centimeters tall and at least 45 kilograms, with a maximum height of 200 centimeters. The maximum weight information conflicts, so check directly before booking if it applies to you.

What to bring and check before booking

Pack warm clothing, a towel, socks, and a full change of clothes. Food and drinks are not included, so bring anything you’ll need beyond the cocoa and biscuits. Read the required snorkeling handbook in advance, especially its medical and safety guidance, and make sure you’re comfortable swimming before committing.

The tour is guided in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, but the most important decision is personal: are you ready for a cold-water snorkel and a horse ride in the same eight-hour day?

Should you book it?

Book this combo if Silfra and Icelandic horses are both high on your list, you can swim, and you’re prepared for cold conditions and a long day. The included transport and equipment make it an easy way to pair two activities, while the farm ride offers a gentler change of pace after the fissure.

Think twice if cold bothers you, if you need a calm, predictable schedule, or if you only want one of the activities. Pack for the changeover, speak up if equipment is uncomfortable, and confirm the weight limit if you’re near it. With those points in mind, this is a worthwhile way to fit two very different Iceland experiences into one trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the activities and transport.

Is pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík are included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, necessary snorkeling gear, a professional guide, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Non-swimmers are not suitable for this activity.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Children under 12 cannot take part.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, socks, a towel, and a change of clothes. Food and drinks are not included.

What is the weight limit for horseback riding?

The horse-riding limit is listed as 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. Another section gives a different maximum, so check with the operator if you are near either limit.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.