Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Between two continental plates, Silfra Fissure offers one of Iceland’s most unusual water experiences. The glacial water is filtered through lava, visibility can reach 150 meters, and your guide takes underwater photos. Later, you ride an Icelandic horse through the open countryside at Laxnes Horse Farm.

I like the easy Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, which turns two separate outings into one practical day. I also like the contrast: cold, otherworldly water in the morning, then a calm ride on a friendly Icelandic horse. Guides such as Pedro and Yannis have been praised for patient instruction, especially with first-time snorkelers.

The main catch is the cold. You may wait outdoors in wet gear, and the day can feel awkward if the snorkeling and riding schedule leaves you with damp hair and clothes. Bring the right layers, socks, a towel, and a full change of clothes.

Key points to know before booking

• Snorkel between two tectonic plates: Silfra lies in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American plates pull apart.
• Ride a distinctly Icelandic breed: Laxnes Horse Farm uses sure-footed Icelandic horses, known for their friendly, willing nature.
• Underwater photos are included: Your snorkeling guide takes photos during the Silfra outing.
• Plan for a cold-weather transition: A change of clothes, towel, warm layers, and extra socks matter, especially in winter.
• This is an active day: You must swim, feel comfortable in water, and manage a moderate level of physical activity.
• The age and size rules are firm: The minimum age is 12, and the listed horse-riding limit is 110 kilograms, with additional snorkeling height and weight restrictions.

Two very different Iceland experiences in one day

This eight-hour outing combines two activities that show Iceland from opposite angles. At Silfra, you float quietly in clear water beneath Thingvellir’s wide skies. At Laxnes, you sit high on a small, sturdy horse and follow a route through open scenery.

That contrast gives the day its appeal. You are not repeating the same kind of sightseeing all day, and each activity has a clear sense of place. Silfra is tied to Iceland’s geology and glacial water. The horse ride connects you with a local breed and a working horse farm.

The price is $322 per person. That is not a cheap day out, but it includes transport from Reykjavik, both activities, snorkeling equipment, a guide, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits. If you planned to book both experiences separately, combining them may save money and, just as important, reduce the work of arranging transport between them.

You should still think about the physical demands. Snorkeling in a drysuit can feel restrictive, and the horse ride requires enough balance and comfort to sit in the saddle. This is not a sightseeing bus tour with a short stop. You will be changing clothes, listening to safety instructions, getting into the water, riding a horse, and spending much of the day outside.

Silfra Fissure: clear water between shifting plates

The snorkeling stop takes place in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart. Silfra is the water-filled crack between them, and that setting gives the experience more weight than a standard snorkeling trip.

The water comes from Langjökull, Iceland’s Long Glacier. It travels through porous lava fields before reaching the fissure, which helps explain the remarkable clarity. Visibility can reach up to 150 meters, although actual conditions depend on the day and the water.

You do not need to be an expert snorkeler, but you must be comfortable in water and able to swim. The tour has a minimum age of 12, and you need a moderate level of fitness. The snorkeling handbook covers what to bring, medical conditions, and safety requirements, so read it before the day rather than skimming it at the last minute.

Your guide will help with the equipment and instructions. Pedro received particular praise for taking time with a first-time snorkeler, while Yannis, also referred to as Jon, was praised for trying to make the experience safe and enjoyable. Guide quality matters here because the water is cold, the equipment must fit properly, and small problems with a snorkel or drysuit need quick attention.

The underwater photos are a useful extra. You can focus on keeping a steady breathing rhythm and taking in the blue water instead of worrying about a camera. The photos also give you a record of the unusual setting, though image quality can vary with water, light, and timing.

Cold water, drysuits, and the practical side of Silfra

The water may look inviting, but this is a cold-weather activity. The drysuit is designed to keep water out, yet your hands, face, and other exposed areas can still feel the cold. You should bring warm clothing for before and after the snorkeling, plus socks, a towel, and a complete change of clothes.

Extra socks are especially sensible. One person specifically advised bringing them, and that is good Iceland advice in general. Your feet may be cold during the water portion, and wet or damp footwear makes the rest of the day less pleasant.

Winter conditions require extra patience. At temperatures around minus 15 degrees Celsius, getting changed outdoors and waiting in wet gloves created a serious problem for one participant, including lingering numbness in the fingers. I would treat this as a warning to ask your guide where changing and waiting will happen, and to speak up at once if equipment hurts or does not fit.

A drysuit should feel snug, but it should not cause significant pain. If the suit, mask, snorkel, or gloves are wrong for you, say so clearly before entering the water. The activity information also excludes people with heart, respiratory, or back problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnancy. Those restrictions are not minor footnotes. Read the handbook and check with a medical professional if you are unsure.

The listed limits include a minimum height of 150 centimeters, maximum height of 200 centimeters, minimum weight of 45 kilograms, and maximum weight of 120 kilograms for the snorkeling activity. Horse riding has a 110-kilogram limit. If you weigh between 110 and 120 kilograms, confirm that the horse-riding limit works for you before booking.

After the water portion, hot cocoa and biscuits offer a welcome warm-up. They are a small touch, but useful after cold water and outdoor changing. Do not count on this as lunch. Food and drinks beyond the listed cocoa and biscuits are not included, so carry or buy whatever meal you need during the day.

Laxnes Horse Farm and Iceland’s special horses

The second half takes you to Laxnes Horse Farm, where you meet purebred Icelandic horses and take a guided trek through the surrounding countryside. The farm is described as family-run, and the owner has been praised for being welcoming and for caring well for the horses.

The Icelandic horse is a major reason to choose this outing. It is smaller than many riding horses, but hardy and sure-footed. The horses used here are described as alert, willing, and friendly, which helps make the ride suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

You have time with the horses before setting off. That matters if you are new to riding. You can get used to the horse’s size and temperament, listen to the riding instructions, and settle your nerves before the trek begins.

The route passes through scenic countryside, with views that give you a feel for the open space around Reykjavik. This is not presented as a fast, technical ride. It is a steady outing intended to work for a broad range of ability levels. The trek is long enough to spend real time with the horses, but the exact route and pace can depend on the group and conditions.

Communication at the farm may be less polished than at the snorkeling stop. On some days, you may have to wait while horses are saddled, and instructions may not be immediate. That does not necessarily spoil the ride, but it can feel disorganized after a tightly managed morning. I would use the pause to enjoy the farm and horses, while asking staff directly if you are unsure when the ride starts.

Riding after snorkeling has one practical drawback: you may still have damp hair or clothing. Pack your change of clothes where you can reach it quickly, rather than buried under everything else. Warm, dry socks and an insulating layer will make the horse portion far more comfortable.

How the day flows from Reykjavik to the farm

Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included, which is one of the strongest practical features of this combo. You do not need to rent a car, find Silfra, arrange a separate ride to Laxnes, or work out how to connect two bookings.

The full outing lasts about eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The order described here begins at Thingvellir and continues to the horse farm, but the exact timing can depend on operations and conditions.

Expect some waiting and transfers. You may be moving from a bus to a changing area, from the water activity back to transport, and then to the farm. A patient attitude helps. One day may run smoothly, while another may include time for equipment fitting, horse preparation, or group changes.

The strongest organization appears to be at the snorkeling activity, where clear instructions are especially important. The horse farm offers a more relaxed, local feel, but communication may be brief. If you need to know how long a wait will last, ask rather than standing uncertainly.

English is the listed tour language. Guides handle the activities, and the information provided names Pedro and Yannis, also called Jon, as guides praised for patient help. Staff can change, so you should not book solely expecting a particular person.

Who will get the most from this combo

I would recommend this day to someone who wants two classic Iceland activities without spending time arranging separate transportation. It suits first-time snorkelers who can swim and appreciate close instruction, as well as confident riders who are happy with a gentle, scenic trek.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with children aged 12 and older, and friends who want a full outdoor day. The age limit means younger children cannot join, and everyone must meet the water and health requirements.

You should reconsider if you dislike cold water, have trouble swimming, or want a polished, luxury-style operation from start to finish. The day includes practical outdoor conditions, changing clothes, possible waiting, and a horse ride that may feel basic rather than advanced.

The combination also works well for people who value variety. Silfra gives you a rare geological setting, while Laxnes gives you time around animals and a slower pace. If you care more about one activity than the other, booking them separately may let you choose the best time, guide, or format for your priorities.

Price, cancellation, and what to pack

At $322, the value depends on how much you would otherwise spend on two tours and local transport. The included pickup, drop-off, snorkeling gear, guide, photos, cocoa, biscuits, and horseback riding make the price easier to justify for a visitor with only one free day.

The biggest savings are in convenience. You can book one eight-hour plan instead of coordinating a Silfra tour and a horse ride on separate days. You also avoid losing time to transport planning.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still shifting. Starting times must be checked for your chosen date.

Pack:

• Warm layers
• A towel
• Socks, ideally an extra pair
• A full change of clothes
• Comfortable clothing for riding
• Any food you need beyond cocoa and biscuits

Keep your dry clothes easy to reach. That simple choice can make the difference between enjoying the horse farm and spending the afternoon trying to warm up.

My booking advice

Book this combo if you want an efficient, active day built around two genuinely Icelandic experiences. Silfra is the stronger draw for geology and unusual scenery, while Laxnes adds friendly horses, local character, and a calm ride through the countryside. The underwater photos and included transport strengthen the value.

Skip it if you cannot swim, dislike cold conditions, fall outside the size limits, or have one of the listed medical restrictions. Also think twice if poor communication and outdoor waiting would frustrate you.

For everyone else, I would book it with realistic expectations: bring extra socks, read the snorkeling handbook, insist on properly fitting gear, and carry food for the day. With those preparations, this is a smart way to fit two memorable Iceland activities into one Reykjavik outing.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik horse riding and Silfra snorkeling combo last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

Is pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik included?

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

Where does the snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. Participants must be comfortable in water and able to swim.

What is the minimum age?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, and socks. Extra socks are useful in cold conditions.

Are snorkeling photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos taken by the guide are included.

Is food included?

Hot cocoa and biscuits are included after snorkeling. Other food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.