Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

At Silfra, you float through a crack between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, looking into water filtered through Icelandic lava for remarkable clarity. Later, you ride a sure-footed Icelandic horse at Laxnes Horse Farm, where the pace suits beginners as well as experienced riders. Two very different Iceland days fit into one outing.

I like the easy Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, plus the chance to check off two major Iceland activities without arranging separate transport. I also like the free underwater photos, hot cocoa after snorkeling, and the time spent with friendly horses before the ride. The cold is the main catch: winter guests may wait outside in wet gloves or change in chilly conditions, so bring extra socks and dry clothes.

Key points to know before booking

• Snorkel between tectonic plates: Silfra sits in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American plates pull apart.
• Expect very cold conditions: The water is glacial, and winter air can make changing and waiting uncomfortable.
• A good first snorkel: Guides such as Pedro and Yannis, also called Jon, have been praised for patient instruction and calm support.
• Ride Icelandic horses at Laxnes: The horses are purebred, hardy, and known for their sure footing.
• Budget for a full day: The $322 price covers two activities, equipment, guides, photos, refreshments, and transport, but not a meal.
• Check the health rules carefully: You must swim, handle cold water, and meet the stated age, size, height, and fitness limits.

Silfra turns geology into a hands-on experience

The snorkeling portion takes place in Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most important natural and cultural sites. Here, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart, creating the Silfra Fissure.

You are not simply looking at a dramatic crack in the ground. You are floating through water inside a place shaped by the movement of the Earth. The setting gives the activity a strong sense of place that a standard swimming excursion cannot match.

Silfra’s water comes from Langjökull, or Long Glacier. It travels through porous lava rock before reaching the fissure, and that natural filtering produces unusually clear water. Visibility can reach 150 meters, although actual conditions vary.

The color is another reason this activity attracts so much attention. Expect shades of blue and clear views through the fissure, with the rocky walls and submerged formations close at hand. The experience is quiet and slow moving, not a fast-water sport. You float with the group and follow the guide’s instructions.

That makes the quality of the guide especially important. Pedro has been praised for taking extra time with a first-time snorkeler, while Yannis, also identified as Jon, received strong praise for trying to make the experience feel safe and manageable. Clear instruction matters here because the drysuit, snorkel, cold, and unfamiliar setting can feel like a lot at once.

The cold is real, especially in winter

Silfra is fed by glacial water, so you should not expect a warm swim. The required equipment is supplied, including snorkeling gear, but the cold remains part of the experience.

The most important practical advice is simple: bring warm clothing, a towel, a complete change of clothes, and socks. Extra socks are especially useful. One winter participant recommended wearing more than one pair, and that is sensible advice for a day involving cold air, wet equipment, and a change of activity afterward.

The process of getting ready can be less comfortable than the snorkeling itself. One January outing involved changing outdoors in temperatures around minus 15 degrees Celsius, followed by a wait of roughly 20 to 30 minutes in wet gloves. That is not a minor detail. Cold hands can become painful and numb, and wet hair before a horse ride is not an ideal combination.

Conditions and staff handling can vary, but you should plan for the least comfortable version of the changeover. Wear warm layers that are easy to remove and replace. Pack dry gloves and a hat if you have room. A towel is required, not optional.

The guide should check that your equipment fits and that you can use the snorkel before you enter the water. Most of the available feedback is strongly positive about the instruction, but one serious complaint described an overly tight drysuit and leaking equipment that was not handled well. Treat discomfort as something to report clearly and promptly. You should never feel pressured to continue in painful equipment.

What happens at Silfra

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavik and a drive to Thingvellir National Park. The exact start time varies, so check availability for your date.

At the snorkeling location, you receive the required gear and safety instructions. All participants must read the Snorkeling Handbook before the tour. It covers what to bring, medical conditions, and safety requirements, so read it carefully rather than treating it as routine paperwork.

You need to be comfortable in water and able to swim. This is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the tour also excludes people with several medical conditions, including heart, respiratory, and back problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnancy.

Once prepared, you enter the water with the guide and follow the route through Silfra. The pace is controlled, giving you time to look around and take in the blue water and rock formations. You should not expect a long independent swim. The guide leads the group and manages the practical side of the activity.

Underwater photos are included, which is a useful extra. You can focus on the experience instead of trying to operate a camera in cold water. Photo quality may vary, and one unhappy participant found the images disappointing, but the inclusion still adds value when the photos turn out well.

After snorkeling, you receive hot cocoa and biscuits. It is a small touch, but welcome after cold water. This is also the point when you will want to change fully into dry clothing before continuing to the horse farm.

Laxnes Horse Farm adds a warmer, slower half-day

The second part takes place at Laxnes Horse Farm, where you meet purebred Icelandic horses and ride through the surrounding countryside. The horses are hardy and sure-footed, with an alert but willing nature.

The riding is designed for a broad range of ability. Beginners can take part, while experienced riders still get a pleasant outing rather than a basic pony ride. You spend some time with the horses before setting off, which helps you get comfortable with the animal and gives the farm visit more substance.

The horse farm is family-run, and the owner has been described as welcoming and friendly. The horses are well cared for, an important point when choosing an animal activity. You can expect a scenic ride rather than a high-speed adventure. The published information does not promise advanced riding, long stretches of fast movement, or a particular gait, so book this for the setting and the connection with the horses.

The ride is not rushed, and the route offers views of Icelandic scenery. That slower pace works well after snorkeling. You move from a cold, equipment-heavy activity to a more traditional outdoor outing with time to look around.

Communication at the farm may not always be polished. One winter group was left waiting after arrival with little explanation, and some instructors spoke very little. Waiting is easier when you know how long it will last, so be prepared for a possible gap between arrival and the start of the ride.

The order of the day affects your comfort

This combo packs two separate activities into about eight hours. That is efficient, but it also means you need to think about clothing and energy.

The snorkeling comes before the horse ride in the described schedule. Afterward, you may have wet hair and will need to change completely. If the weather is cold, the transition can be the hardest part of the day. Pack clothing that dries quickly and can be put on without fuss.

There is no meal included. Hot cocoa and biscuits are provided after snorkeling, but you should plan for your own food and drinks during the full-day outing. The supplied information does not specify a lunch stop, so do not assume one.

Transport is included from Reykjavik, which is a major advantage. You avoid arranging separate trips to Thingvellir and Laxnes, and the combined schedule removes much of the planning work. Several people found the movement from pickup to snorkeling to the horse farm easy and well organized.

Communication can be uneven, though. The driver may provide only limited information, and the farm handoff may feel abrupt. If you need to know what happens next, ask directly. That is especially useful when you are cold, tired, or waiting with equipment.

Is $322 good value for Iceland?

At $322 per person, this is not a cheap day out. It becomes more reasonable when you count what is included: Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, both activities, snorkeling equipment, a professional guide, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits.

Booking the activities separately could cost more and would require you to arrange transport between locations. This combo is aimed at people who want to use one day efficiently and prefer a ready-made plan. You also get two very different experiences, which makes the price easier to justify than a single short activity at the same rate.

The value is weaker if you already have a car, have little interest in horse riding, or dislike cold-water activities. The horse portion is scenic and relaxed, but it is not presented as a specialist riding lesson. Silfra is the main draw, with horseback riding making the day broader and more varied.

The free photos help, but do not book solely for the pictures. The strongest reason to choose this outing is the combination of geology, cold-water snorkeling, Icelandic horses, and transport in one day.

Who should book this combo?

This tour suits you if you want a full activity day outside Reykjavik and like the idea of mixing adventure with a gentler countryside ride. It is especially useful for first-time snorkelers who want a guide close by and for visitors who do not want to rent a car.

You should be reasonably fit and comfortable in water. The minimum age is 12. The stated horse-riding weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, while the broader participation information lists a maximum of 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds. If you fall between those figures, ask the provider before paying, since the horse limit is the safer one to follow.

There are also height limits: participants must be at least 150 centimeters, or 4 feet 9 inches, and no taller than 200 centimeters, or 6 feet 6 inches. The listed minimum weight is 45 kilograms, or 99 pounds.

This is not the right pick if you are pregnant, cannot swim, have the listed medical conditions, or strongly dislike cold and outdoor changing. It is also a poor choice if you need a quiet day with no schedule pressure.

Practical packing advice

Keep your most useful items easy to reach. You will need them at different points during the day.

• Warm layers that can be removed and replaced quickly
• A full change of clothes
• A towel
• Extra socks
• Food and drinks for the day
• Dry gloves if you are visiting in winter

Follow the snorkeling handbook before arrival. It explains the medical and safety rules in more detail than a short booking page can. If you have concerns about a medical condition, body size, equipment fit, or swimming ability, resolve them before the day begins.

The tour is conducted in English, and live guides lead the activities. Names connected with the snorkeling portion include Pedro and Yannis, also called Jon. The guide can make a major difference, especially if this is your first time using a snorkel in cold water.

Should you book it?

Book this combo if you want two signature Iceland activities handled in one day and can accept the cold, the long schedule, and the need to carry a change of clothes. The best parts are the unusual setting at Silfra, the patient help available from strong guides, the well-cared-for Icelandic horses, and the included transport.

Think twice if you have a medical restriction, cannot swim, or need warm indoor facilities between activities. Winter conditions can be demanding, and communication at the farm may be basic. For an active visitor who packs carefully, the $322 price is fair for two outings, gear, guides, photos, and transport. The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking also make it easier to fit into a changing Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Is pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included in the activity price.

How long does the combo tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be comfortable in water and able to swim. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, and socks. Extra socks are useful in cold conditions. Food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old. Children under 12 cannot participate.

Are snorkeling photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos taken by the guide are included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later, subject to the booking conditions.