Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Silfra is the star here: you float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in water filtered through Icelandic lava. Then you trade a drysuit for a saddle and ride an Icelandic horse through the open countryside near Laxnes. Two bucket-list activities fit into one day, with transport from Reykjavik handling the awkward gaps.

I like the free underwater photos, which give you a record of an experience that is hard to photograph yourself. I also like the friendly, well-cared-for horses and the unhurried time at the farm. The catch is cold-weather comfort: one person had to change outside in minus 15 degrees and wait in wet gloves, so winter snorkeling requires serious preparation.

Key points to know before booking

• Silfra lets you float between two tectonic plates in glacial water with visibility reported up to 150 meters.
• Laxnes Horse Farm suits beginners and experienced riders, with purebred Icelandic horses and scenic riding routes.
• Pedro and Yannis/Jon received especially warm praise for patient, reassuring snorkel instruction.
• Hot cocoa and biscuits follow the water portion, a small but welcome comfort in Icelandic weather.
• The day lasts about eight hours and costs $322 per person, making it useful if you want two separate outings without arranging extra transport.
• You must swim, handle cold water, and meet health and size requirements, so this is not a casual sightseeing day.

Silfra’s clear water between two continents

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavik and a drive to Thingvellir National Park. The main event is Silfra Fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart.

You do not snorkel through a dark cave or a warm lagoon. You wear the required gear and enter cold glacial water, floating over rock formations in shades of blue. The water comes from Langjökull, or Long Glacier, and passes through lava fields before reaching Silfra. That natural filtering helps explain the remarkable clarity, with visibility described as reaching up to 150 meters.

The geology gives this activity its real character. You are not simply looking at clear water. You are positioned in a place where Iceland’s ground is slowly separating. The plates themselves are the headline, but the water, black rock, and blue tones make the scene memorable.

Your guide handles the safety briefing and snorkeling equipment. The guide also takes underwater photos, included in the price. This matters because your hands are occupied, your face is in the water, and you cannot easily document the experience yourself.

The strongest praise has gone to patient instruction. Pedro helped a first-time snorkeler feel safe while also keeping experienced members of the group engaged. Yannis, also referred to as Jon, was singled out for trying to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. That kind of calm guidance matters here, especially when a drysuit, mask, snorkel, and cold water all arrive at once.

Cold water is the price of admission

Silfra is exciting, but the physical side deserves plain talk. You must be comfortable in water and able to swim. You also need moderate physical fitness, and the published restrictions rule out non-swimmers and people with several medical conditions.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back, heart, respiratory, or blood-pressure problems. It also excludes people with epilepsy. The stated height limits are 150 to 200 centimeters, and the weight limits range from 45 to 120 kilograms in the general restrictions. Horse riding has a listed maximum of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, so check your exact eligibility with the provider if you are near either limit.

Bring warm clothing, socks, a towel, and a full change of clothes. Extra socks are a particularly sensible choice. One winter participant reported wet gloves, cold hands, and a long wait outside before entering the water. That is a serious warning, not a minor complaint.

The order of the day can also leave you with wet hair before the horse ride. In cold weather, pack your dry clothing where you can reach it quickly and dress for standing outdoors, not just for the time spent in the water.

A guide cannot control every part of a winter day, but clear communication makes a difference. Most of the published feedback describes smooth organization and clear instructions. One account describes poor communication from the driver and long, unexplained waits at the ranch. I would treat that as a reason to ask questions on the day, not as proof that every departure runs that way.

What the snorkeling portion includes

The tour supplies the necessary snorkeling equipment, a professional English-speaking guide, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits. Food beyond that small post-snorkel refreshment is not included, so bring or buy whatever meal you need during the day if the schedule allows.

You should read the Snorkeling Handbook before going. It covers what to bring, medical conditions, and safety rules. This is not paperwork to ignore. The drysuit and water conditions make the preparation part of the activity itself.

The handbook link supplied for this experience is:

https://adventures.is/media/230104/arctic-adventures-snorkeling-silfra-guide.pdf

Recent feedback is strongly positive overall, with a 4.7 rating from 13 ratings. Several people describe the snorkeling as unforgettable, especially for first-timers. One person, however, reported a tight drysuit, leaking equipment, and concerns about the guide’s response. That account is important because discomfort should be addressed promptly in any cold-water activity.

If your suit feels painfully tight, your snorkel leaks, or you cannot keep a comfortable breathing rhythm, speak up clearly and ask for help. You should never feel pressured to tolerate equipment that causes significant pain.

Riding Icelandic horses at Laxnes

After Silfra, the tour continues to Laxnes Horse Farm. Here you meet purebred Icelandic horses and ride through the surrounding countryside.

Icelandic horses are compact, hardy, and sure-footed. The tour presents them as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, with friendly animals and an alert, willing nature. That makes this a more approachable riding experience than one designed only for confident equestrians.

You get some time with the horses before the trek, which improves the experience. You can see the animals at close range and settle into the setting before heading out. For a first-time rider, this is useful. You are not thrown straight into a saddle and expected to act like a pro.

The farm is run by a local family described as welcoming, and the horses are well cared for. That point matters to me. A short ride is much more enjoyable when the animals appear healthy, calm, and properly handled.

The route offers views of the surrounding scenery, and the ride is described as unhurried. Experienced riders can enjoy the setting without feeling trapped in a rushed beginner exercise. Beginners, meanwhile, get a gentler introduction to Icelandic riding.

The organization at the farm may be less polished than the snorkeling operation. One account describes being dropped off without much information and waiting while the horses were prepared. The wait itself is not a major problem, especially at a working farm, but a simple explanation would make it easier. Bring patience and remember that the horses need to be saddled and prepared before you ride.

Why this combo can be good value at $322

At $322, this is not a cheap day out. The value comes from combining two activities that are normally sold separately, along with pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik.

You receive horseback riding, snorkeling, equipment, professional guiding, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits. You also avoid arranging transport between Thingvellir and Laxnes yourself. For a short stay in Iceland, that time saving can matter more than the headline price.

The combo is especially useful if you already want both experiences. Booking them together creates a full eight-hour day with less planning. It also gives you variety: the quiet, unusual focus of snorkeling followed by the movement and animal contact of a horse ride.

Still, the price will feel high if you are unsure about either activity. Silfra has a demanding cold-water component, while horse riding requires you to spend time outdoors and accept some waiting around. If you only want a gentle sightseeing day, a standard Golden Circle outing may suit you better.

The included photos add some value, but do not book solely for perfect images. One person found the photos disappointing. Think of them as a useful extra, not a guaranteed professional portrait session.

Timing, transport, and the shape of the day

The total duration is about eight hours, and pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

The two-part format makes transport a major benefit. You do not need to find your own way to Thingvellir, then work out how to reach Laxnes Horse Farm. The same convenience also creates a limitation: you follow the operator’s timetable rather than choosing how long to stay at each stop.

The order described begins with Silfra and continues to the horse farm. That means you should plan for the transition from cold-water gear to riding clothes. Pack your towel and dry clothes in an accessible place, and keep your warmest layer ready.

Communication appears to be strongest with the activity guides and less consistent during transfers and farm arrival. If you are left waiting, ask when the horses will be ready and how much time remains. A little direct communication can prevent a quiet wait from feeling like a problem.

The activity is provided in English. If you need instructions in another language, this tour may not be the right fit.

Who should book this Iceland combo

This tour suits you if you want an active day and like the idea of pairing geology with animals. It works particularly well for a small group with mixed riding experience, since the horses are intended for beginners and more experienced riders.

It is also a good match for first-time snorkelers who want close guidance. Pedro’s patience with a nervous beginner shows how much the right instructor can change the experience. You still need to be comfortable in water, but you do not need previous snorkeling experience.

The minimum age is 12. Children under 12 cannot participate. The activity also does not suit anyone who cannot swim, has the listed medical restrictions, or falls outside the height and weight limits.

I would be cautious about booking this if you dislike cold water, outdoor changing, or uncertain waits. I would also avoid it if you want a relaxed day with plenty of free time. Eight hours is a substantial commitment, and the day has two active sections.

Practical preparation for a better day

Wear warm layers for the transfer and time outside. The water gear is supplied, but your comfort between activities depends on what you bring.

Pack:

• Warm clothing
• Extra socks
• A towel
• A complete change of clothes

Read the safety handbook before departure and be honest about your swimming ability and medical history. The guide needs accurate information to keep the activity safe.

Do not count on the cocoa and biscuits as a full meal. Food and drinks beyond those items are not included. Carry whatever additional food you need, subject to the day’s transport arrangements.

For the horse ride, wear clothing that allows comfortable movement and can handle outdoor conditions. The supplied information does not promise a particular riding pace or route, so expect a scenic trek rather than a fast equestrian outing.

My booking verdict

I would book this combo if I wanted two distinctive Iceland activities in one organized day and felt ready for cold water. The best parts are unusually specific: Silfra’s tectonic setting, the clarity of the glacial water, the included underwater photos, and the friendly Icelandic horses at Laxnes.

I would not book it casually. The cold can be severe, the schedule may include waiting, and the snorkeling restrictions are real. Bring the right clothes, read the handbook, and confirm the weight and health rules before paying.

For an active visitor with limited time in Reykjavik, $322 is a reasonable price for transport, equipment, guides, and two major experiences. For anyone seeking comfort above adventure, choose a less demanding outing.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about eight hours.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $322 per person.

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off are provided in Reykjavik.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. All necessary snorkeling gear is included.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. The guide takes underwater photos, and they are included in the activity.

Can a beginner join the snorkeling portion?

Yes, previous snorkeling experience is not required in the supplied information. You must be comfortable in water and able to swim. A guide named Pedro was noted for patiently helping a first-time snorkeler.

Can a beginner ride the Icelandic horses?

Yes. The horse ride is described as suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

What is the minimum age?

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

What should I bring?

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

Is the activity suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women. It is also not suitable for people with back, heart, respiratory, or blood-pressure problems, epilepsy, or several other listed restrictions.