Iceland · Dolphin Or Whale Watching

Reykjavík Whales & Snorkeling

10 Hours Round trip from Reykjavík Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Morning whale watching tour in Faxaflói Bay
02 Self-drive combo from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park
03 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra
04 Swim between the European and American continents
05 Look out for minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises
06 English guidance on both tours
07 Hot cocoa and cookies after snorkeling
08 National park fee and snorkeling equipment included

Combine two of Iceland’s most memorable outdoor experiences in one self-drive day from Reykjavík: a morning whale watching cruise in Faxaflói Bay followed by an afternoon snorkeling adventure in Silfra at Þingvellir National Park. Spend time at sea searching for whales and other marine wildlife, then continue inland for a guided snorkel in crystal-clear glacial water between two continents.

This combo tour pairs scenic coastal wildlife viewing with one of Iceland’s most iconic freshwater experiences. On the whale watching tour, enjoy panoramic views from the boat while learning about local whale species. Later, gear up with the guide team at Silfra and float through the famous fissure, known for its remarkable underwater visibility and striking surroundings, before warming up with hot chocolate and cookies.

Later, gear up with the guide team at Silfra and float through the famous fissure, known for its remarkable underwater visibility and striking surroundings, before warming up with hot chocolate and cookies.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Reykjavik, Thingvellir

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Whale Watching tour in Faxaflói bay

Spend 3 hrs. at sea in search for whales and other wildlife of the bay. Take in the scenery and landscape views while learning all about the whales of Iceland.

SELF DRIVE TO ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

Make your own way to Thingvellir national park where you will meed the team for the snorkeling part of this combo tour.

Snorkeling in Silfra

Enjoy a lovely snorkel between continents in the world famous and clear Silfra fissure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Reykjavík 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

30-40 min. snorkeling in Silfra
English guidance on both tours
All necessary snorkeling equipment
Hot cocoa and cookies after snorkeling tour
National park fee
3 hr. whale watching tour
Use of overalls on board whale watching boat
WiFi on board whale watching boat

What's Not Included

Pickup is not available for this tour - please make your own travel arrangements.

What to bring

Participants need to bring thermal underwear and thick wool socks. Its also recommended to dress according to weather and bring hat, gloves etc. If participants wear glasses we recommend wearing contact lenses as the masks are not suitable for glasses.

Know before you go

SELF DRIVE - Morning whale watching with Elding and an afternoon snorkeling with Dive.is
Available: 1 February - 31 November
Duration: Approximately 6-7 hrs. total
Time: Whale Watching at 09:00 & Snorkeling at 14:00
Whale Watching
Meet us at Elding's ticket office at 8:45 where you will exchange your voucher for admission tickets and from there we will show you to the boat. On board you will find several outdoor viewing platforms and a large indoor saloon with an on board café where you can buy light refreshments. We also have basic bathroom facilities and a cloak room where you can borrow one of our blankets or overalls on colder days. You can either stay outside in the fresh air or stay inside the heated lounge and observe the views from within, through our large panoramic windows. In summer we can expect to see minke whales at their most abundant, along with white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even humpback whales. After exploring the wonders of the whales and seabirds Faxaflói offers you return to the harbour around 12:00.
Snorkeling
Drive to Þingvellir national park and meet the Dive.is team at Silfra parking lot before the tour starts at 14:00. On site you will be geared up by your tour guide and shown the appropriate snorkeling methods. Once you are in the water the make sure to enjoy every moment - Snorkeling in the crystal clear glacial water in Silfra with over 100m view of its stunning surroundings is an amazing experience. Adding to that you are swimming between two continents and get an excellent view of the crack separating the European and American continental shells. The total time of snorkeling is approximately 1 hour. After the snorkeling you will be offered a well deserved and very welcome hot chocolate and cookies before your journey back to Reykjavík.
All snorkeling participants must read and sign the 'Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement' and if necessary, follow the directions regarding a doctor's clearance for the tour.
To snorkel in Silfra all participants must:
• Be no younger or older than 12-65 years old.
• Be between 150cm-200cm and 45kg-120kg.
• Must not be pregnant and be physically fit.
• Be ready to wear something tight and constricting dry suit.
• Be comfortable in water and be able to swim.
Check the size chart carefully to make sure you fit the height and weight requirements for dry suit snorkeling.