Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Two Iceland classics, one long day. This combo pairs snorkeling between tectonic plates at Silfra Fissure with a ride on an Icelandic horse at Laxnes Horse Farm. I like the efficient pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik, and I like that the tour includes underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits after the water. The main drawback is the cold: getting into and out of snorkeling gear outdoors can be rough in winter, especially when the day reaches the horse farm with wet hair and damp clothing.

The $322 price is not small, but it covers two separate activities, transport, guides, equipment, photos, and refreshments. I also like that beginners can take part in both parts of the day. Still, this is a physically active outing with strict health, height, weight, swimming, and age rules, so you should read the safety information before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Silfra offers exceptionally clear glacial water: Visibility can reach up to 150 meters, and the water is naturally filtered through lava fields.
• The horse ride suits first-time riders: The Icelandic horses are described as friendly, sure-footed, and comfortable with both beginners and experienced riders.
• Winter comfort needs planning: Bring extra socks, warm clothes, a towel, and a full change of clothes. One January participant reported painful cold fingers after waiting outdoors in wet gloves.
• The schedule links two very different activities: You snorkel in cold water, then continue to Laxnes Horse Farm for a scenic ride, so the order and clothing matter.
• The tour includes useful extras: Pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, a professional English-speaking guide, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits are included.
• Safety rules are firm: You must be at least 12, comfortable in water, able to swim, and within the stated height and weight limits.

Why Silfra is the star of the morning

Silfra Fissure sits in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates move apart. The snorkeling route lets you float through the clear water between these geological boundaries. It is a rare setting, not simply a cold-water swim with a nice view.

The water comes from Langjökull, or Long Glacier, and travels through porous lava before reaching the fissure. That natural filtering helps create extraordinary clarity. The water is cold year-round, but the supplied drysuit and snorkeling gear make the activity possible for suitable participants.

The strongest part of the Silfra outing is the visibility. The blue tones and submerged rock formations can feel almost unreal, and the water clarity gives you a good view even while you are wearing a mask and moving at a measured pace. You are not there for fast swimming. You are there to look closely and let the guide manage the route.

The guide matters a great deal here. One first-time snorkeler had a particularly good experience with Pedro, who took time to explain the process and help the participant feel safe. Another participant praised Yannis, also referred to as Jon, for working hard to make the activity comfortable and clear.

That said, the experience depends heavily on proper equipment and attentive instruction. A separate account described a poor fit in a drysuit, leaking snorkeling equipment, and concerns that were not handled well by the guide named Jampy. This is important practical information, not a reason to dismiss the whole activity. If your suit feels painfully tight or your mask and snorkel are leaking, speak up clearly and ask for an adjustment before entering the water.

Cold water, drysuits, and the real comfort level

Silfra is beautiful, but it is not warm. You should expect cold hands, cold air, and an outdoor changing process that can be uncomfortable, especially in Icelandic winter weather. One January account described temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius, wet gloves, and a 20 to 30 minute wait outside. The participant reported lingering numbness in the fingers the next day.

You cannot control the weather, but you can improve your odds of staying comfortable. Bring warm clothing for before and after the activity, dry socks, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. Extra socks are particularly useful. A November participant specifically advised bringing more than one pair.

The included hot cocoa and biscuits are a small but welcome touch after snorkeling. They will not replace a meal, and food and other drinks are not included, so plan for your own lunch or snacks. The tour lasts eight hours, and you should not assume that the cocoa is enough to carry you through the entire day.

Your wet hair is another detail worth considering. After snorkeling, you continue to the horse farm. One participant noted that riding soon after the water activity was not ideal with wet hair. A warm hat and a spare layer can make this transition easier.

Meeting Icelandic horses at Laxnes Horse Farm

The second half of the day takes you to Laxnes Horse Farm, where you ride a purebred Icelandic horse through the surrounding countryside. The setting offers a very different view of Iceland from the fissure. Instead of focusing on clear water and volcanic rock, you are moving at a steady pace through open scenery with a compact, sure-footed horse beneath you.

The Icelandic horse is well suited to this kind of outing. These horses are known for their sturdy build, alert nature, and willing temper. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, and several strong ratings praised the calm horses and the patient approach at the farm.

You may have time to meet the horses before setting off. One account noted that the local family who cares for the animals was welcoming and allowed time with the horses before the trek. That pause matters. It helps first-time riders settle down and gives experienced riders a chance to get a sense of the animal they will ride.

The ride is described as unhurried and scenic rather than a fast or technical horseback trip. That makes it a good fit if you want a gentle introduction to Icelandic riding. If you are an advanced rider looking for a challenging route, fast gaits, or a long independent ride, this may feel too tame.

The farm portion also seems to carry a more personal, local feel. The owner was praised for being friendly, and the horses were described as well cared for. That care is one of the better reasons to choose this combination instead of treating the riding as a quick photo stop.

How the two activities fit into one eight-hour day

The tour begins with pickup in Reykjavik and heads toward Thingvellir National Park. The exact starting time depends on availability, but the full outing takes about eight hours. The day is built around transport between the capital, Silfra, and Laxnes Horse Farm.

The order gives you a clear change of pace. Snorkeling requires concentration, careful movement, and tolerance for cold. Riding is more relaxed and gives you time to take in the views from above ground. For many people, that contrast is the appeal of the combo.

The schedule can also create a few awkward transitions. You might finish snorkeling cold and damp, then wait for transport or spend time getting organized before riding. One critical account described unclear communication at the farm and a long wait before staff arrived. Other accounts found the transport and timing easy, including one group that reached the farm earlier than expected.

This tells me that the overall operation can run well, but communication may vary between the vehicle, snorkeling team, and farm staff. Ask your guide what happens next before leaving each stop. A simple explanation about waiting time, changing, or the horse schedule can make the day feel much smoother.

The pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik add real value. You do not need to arrange separate transport to Thingvellir or the farm, and you avoid trying to fit two activities into an unfamiliar driving route. For a short Iceland visit, that saved planning time can be worth a lot.

Is $322 good value for Iceland?

At $322 per person, this is a significant purchase. I would judge it as reasonable value if you genuinely want both activities and would otherwise book them separately. The price includes transportation, horseback riding, Silfra snorkeling, equipment, guides, underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits.

The included photos are especially useful. You do not need to manage a camera while wearing a mask and snorkeling gear, and the guide can take pictures in the water. Photo quality may vary, as one dissatisfied participant found the images disappointing, but having a record included is still a practical benefit.

The combo also saves a full day of planning. You get two well-known Iceland experiences without renting a car or coordinating different companies. That convenience is valuable for a first visit or a tight schedule.

The value drops if you are uncertain about cold-water snorkeling or if horseback riding is only a minor interest. You might prefer spending the day on one activity that suits you better. Likewise, the tour is not a good bargain if health restrictions make either portion uncomfortable or impossible.

The 4.7 rating from 13 reviews suggests that most people found the day highly enjoyable, with repeated praise for the easy transport, kind horse farm staff, well-behaved horses, clear organization, and helpful snorkeling guides. The lower ratings point to the risks you should take seriously: equipment fit, outdoor waiting, communication, and guide attention.

Who should book this combo?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who want a full activity day and are comfortable switching between two very different environments. It works particularly well for first-time riders and first-time snorkelers who appreciate instruction and organized transport.

It also suits you if you want more than a standard sightseeing loop. You will not simply look at Thingvellir from a roadside viewpoint. You will enter the water at Silfra and then spend time with Icelandic horses in their working environment.

This is not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone uncomfortable in water. You need moderate physical fitness and must meet the listed size limits. Participants must be at least 12 years old, at least 150 centimeters tall, at least 45 kilograms, and no more than 200 centimeters tall and 120 kilograms. The horse riding weight limit is listed as 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, so that lower limit may be the one that matters for some people.

The activity is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with back, heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems, epilepsy, or other conditions covered in the required snorkeling handbook. Read that handbook before committing. It explains the medical and safety requirements in more detail.

Small details that make the day easier

Pack for the transition between water and horseback riding, not just for the individual activities. I would bring:

• Warm layers that can go over dry clothing
• A full change of clothes
• A towel
• Several pairs of socks
• A warm hat
• Snacks, since food and drinks are not included beyond hot cocoa and biscuits

Listen closely during the snorkeling briefing and ask for help with your equipment. A drysuit that feels too tight, a leaking snorkel, or a poorly fitting mask should be addressed immediately. You should never feel pressured to tolerate serious discomfort.

At the horse farm, pay attention to the riding instructions even if you have ridden before. Icelandic horses may feel different from horses you know, and the guide needs to match the pace to the group. Beginners should not feel embarrassed about asking questions.

The English-speaking guides are the only language support specifically listed. Guide quality can shape the whole day, and the individual accounts range from excellent care by Pedro and Yannis to serious complaints about Jampy. That makes clear communication from you especially important.

Should you book the Silfra and horse riding combo?

Book it if you want two distinctly Icelandic activities, value hotel pickup and drop-off, and can handle cold water plus a physically active day. The combination is efficient, memorable, and well suited to first-time riders and snorkelers.

Skip it if you dislike cold exposure, cannot swim, have any of the listed medical restrictions, or want a slow sightseeing day. I would also hesitate if you are booking during a very cold period and do not want to change outdoors or wait between activities.

For most suitable participants, the strongest reasons to book are the clear Silfra water, the friendly Icelandic horses, the included photos, and the convenience of doing both in one day. Just pack more warmly than you think you need, read the snorkeling handbook, and speak up early if your equipment does not fit.

FAQ

How long does the combo tour last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including transportation, snorkeling at Silfra, and horseback riding at Laxnes Horse Farm.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?

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

Do I need to know how to ride a horse?

No. The horseback ride is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.

Do I need to be able to swim?

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

What equipment is included for snorkeling?

All necessary snorkeling gear is included. Underwater photos taken by the guide are also included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, and socks. Extra socks are useful because the snorkeling portion is very cold.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The activity also has height, weight, health, and fitness requirements.