SuperSaver: Small Group Golden Circle Tour and Silfra Snorkeling

Exploring Iceland’s natural wonders has never been easier with SuperSaver’s Small Group Golden Circle Tour and Silfra Snorkeling. Adventurers can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure, where the European and North American tectonic plates meet, and uncover the geological marvels of Thingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur geothermal valley, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. With personalized small-group experiences, essential equipment, and warm refreshments, this tour promises an immersive journey into Iceland’s dynamic landscapes. But the true adventure lies in discovering what surprises await beyond the itinerary.

Key Points

• Covers three main highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur geothermal valley, and Gullfoss waterfall.
• Includes snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure within Thingvellir National Park.
• Offers a personalized small group experience with pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik.
• Showcases Iceland’s geological marvels and dynamic landscapes.
• Provides snorkeling equipment, safety briefing, and warm refreshments after the activity.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Reykjavik visits the Golden Circle and includes snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure.

It covers three main highlights:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Haukadalur geothermal valley
• Gullfoss waterfall

The snorkeling takes place in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure, located within Thingvellir National Park. Participants will receive snorkeling equipment, including a dry suit, and a safety briefing before entering the fissure, which offers excellent visibility down to the lava fields 100 meters below.

After snorkeling, guests can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. This small group experience provides a personalized tour with pickup and drop-off from specified locations in Reykjavik.

Highlights of the Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies at the heart of the Golden Circle tour, where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America dramatically converge. Visitors can wander along the continental rifts, taking in the stunning vistas of the park’s rugged landscapes.

Next, the tour ventures to the Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to the legendary Geysir hot spring, which lends its name to all geysers. Nearby, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall cascades over two tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of power and beauty.

Thingvellir National Park	Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
Continental rift	Geysir hot spring
Stunning landscapes	Gullfoss waterfall

This trio of iconic natural wonders showcases Iceland’s geological marvels and offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s dynamic landscapes.

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure

While snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters that divide the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Participants receive all necessary equipment, including a dry suit, and undergo a safety briefing before entering the fissure, which offers excellent underwater visibility reaching up to 100 meters below.

The snorkeling experience allows adventurers to discover the unique geological features of the Silfra Fissure, where the continents slowly drift apart.

After the refreshing dip, guests can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, reflecting on their incredible journey across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Itinerary and Pickup Details

The tour begins with a pickup from designated locations in Reykjavik, before traveling by minibus to the Golden Circle. First, the group visits Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet. Next, you will go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure, located within the park. After the snorkeling experience, the tour continues to the Haukadalur geothermal valley to see the Geysir hot spring and Gullfoss waterfall. The tour concludes with a drop-off back in Reykjavik.

Itinerary	Location	Activity
1	Thingvellir National Park	Visit
2	Silfra Fissure	Snorkeling
3	Haukadalur Geothermal Valley	Visit
4	Gullfoss Waterfall	Visit
5	Reykjavik	Drop-off

Preparing for the Snorkeling Experience

Participants receive all necessary snorkeling equipment, including a dry suit, before entering the Silfra Fissure.

They’ll listen closely to a safety briefing, ensuring they understand how to use the gear and what to expect during the snorkeling experience.

The crystal-clear waters of the fissure offer incredible visibility, allowing participants to see the lava fields an impressive 100 meters below.

After the snorkeling adventure, they can warm up with a comforting cup of hot chocolate and cookies.

This small-group tour is designed for a personalized experience, with specific height and weight requirements for the snorkeling activity.

Pregnant women, unfortunately, can’t participate in the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Exploring Thingvellir National Park

Upon arrival at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will be immersed in the dramatic landscape where the tectonic plates of Europe and North America meet.

This unique geological feature has shaped the area, creating a rift valley with stunning cliffs, serene lakes, and a sense of history.

Participants will have the chance to walk along the Silfra Fissure, a crack in the earth’s crust where the two tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.

The park’s peaceful setting provides a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural wonders before the thrill of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure.

Discovering Haukadalur Geothermal Valley

After exploring the unique geology of Thingvellir National Park, the tour moves on to the Haukadalur geothermal valley, home to some of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders.

The highlight is the Geysir hot spring, which has given its name to all other geysers in the world. Nearby, the mighty Gullfoss waterfall thunders over two rugged, tiered drops, creating a breathtaking display of power and beauty.

Participants will have the chance to marvel at these incredible natural phenomena, learning about the geothermal activity that shapes Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

With its steaming vents and cascading waters, Haukadalur provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the raw, untamed forces that lie beneath the island’s surface.

Tour Logistics and Requirements

The tour typically operates as a small group experience to provide a more personalized outing. Pickup and drop-off are conveniently arranged from specified locations in Reykjavik.

Participants must be able to swim and meet certain height and weight requirements to safely engage in the snorkeling activity, as pregnant women aren’t permitted to join this portion of the tour.

Warm clothing and extra layers are recommended, as the weather can be cold. Bringing a packed lunch is advised, as stops for purchasing food will be limited.

The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary if necessary for safety or enjoyment reasons, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

No, participants cannot bring their own snorkeling equipment. The tour provides all the necessary snorkeling gear, including a dry suit, to ensure proper fit and safety for the Silfra Fissure experience.

How Long Is the Snorkeling Portion of the Tour?

The snorkeling portion of the tour typically lasts around 30-40 minutes. Participants will receive a safety briefing before entering the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra Fissure, where they’ll have the chance to explore the unique underwater landscape.

Is There an Option to Just Do the Golden Circle Without Snorkeling?

Yes, there is an option to do the Golden Circle tour without the snorkeling portion. Travelers can choose to only visit the iconic Icelandic landmarks like Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss without participating in the Silfra fissure snorkeling activity.

Can I Skip the Snorkeling if I Don’t Feel Comfortable?

Yes, participants can choose to skip the snorkeling portion of the tour. The tour will still visit the other Golden Circle highlights even if someone decides not to partake in the Silfra Fissure snorkeling activity.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate in the Snorkeling?

Yes, participants must be able to swim to take part in the snorkeling activity. The tour operator requires swimmers for safety reasons and won’t allow non-swimmers to join the snorkeling portion of the excursion.

Recap

The SuperSaver: Small Group Golden Circle Tour and Silfra Snorkeling offers an unforgettable adventure through Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes.

Snorkeling in the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure, exploring Thingvellir National Park, and witnessing the Haukadalur geothermal valley and Gullfoss waterfall provide an immersive experience.

With personalized small-group tours, necessary equipment, and warm refreshments, adventurers can fully enjoy Iceland’s dynamic wonders.