Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Silfra Fissure gives you one of Iceland’s strangest experiences: floating through clear glacial water between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Later, you ride a sure-footed Icelandic horse through the open scenery around Laxnes Horse Farm. I like this pairing because it covers two very different sides of Iceland in one day, and the included underwater photos save you from worrying about a camera.

I also like the practical touches: Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, plus hot cocoa and biscuits after the snorkeling. The main caution is the cold. You may change outdoors in winter, and one January participant reported waiting in wet gloves at minus 15 degrees Celsius. Clear instructions and good equipment handling matter greatly here.

Key points to know before booking

• Snorkel between two tectonic plates in Silfra’s clear, filtered glacial water.
• Ride purebred Icelandic horses at the family-run Laxnes Horse Farm.
• Use the included underwater photos to record the snorkeling portion without carrying your own camera.
• Expect a full eight-hour day with transfers, gear fitting, water time, riding, and some possible waiting.
• Bring extra warmth, socks, dry clothes, and a towel, especially for a winter departure.
• Check the health and size rules carefully, since swimming ability, physical fitness, and body measurements all matter.

Two Iceland classics in one long day

At $322 per person, this is not a cheap outing. But it combines two separately distinctive activities, transportation from Reykjavik, professional guides, snorkeling equipment, underwater photos, horseback riding, and a warm drink afterward. If you already plan to pay for both experiences, the combo can make financial and practical sense.

The tradeoff is time. You are not spending a relaxed day at one place. You are moving from a water activity at Thingvellir National Park to a horse farm, with changing, transport, safety instruction, and scheduling between them. I would choose this tour if you have limited time in the Reykjavik area and want variety more than a slow pace.

The overall rating is strong at 4.7 from 13 ratings, but the details matter more than the number. The most consistent strengths are smooth transport, friendly horses, attractive scenery, and guides who help nervous beginners. The clearest weakness is communication and cold-weather comfort during the snorkeling setup.

First stop: the blue water of Silfra Fissure

The snorkeling takes place in Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. You are not simply swimming in a lake. You are moving through a narrow geological feature created by the forces that continue to shape Iceland.

Silfra is filled with glacial water from Langjökull, also called Long Glacier. The water filters through porous lava for years before reaching the fissure. The result is exceptionally clear water, with visibility listed at up to 150 meters. That clarity is the main reason this stop feels so different from ordinary snorkeling.

You should expect shades of blue, dark rock, and a quiet, unusual sense of space beneath the surface. The water is cold, so the drysuit and the instructions before entering are not minor details. You need to be comfortable in water, able to swim, and ready for a moderate level of physical effort.

The guide leads you through the safety process and helps you use the mask, snorkel, and drysuit. One first-time snorkeler credited Pedro with taking time to help them feel safe, while Yannis, also referred to as Jon, received praise for making the experience work well. That kind of patient instruction is especially important if you have never used a snorkel before.

Still, do not treat this as a casual splash in the water. Your guide needs to know if equipment feels painful, leaks, or is not fitted correctly. One poor experience involved an overly tight XS drysuit, leaking snorkel equipment, and concerns that were not handled well. The lesson is simple: speak up early and clearly, and expect the guide to check the fit before you enter.

Cold-weather preparation makes or breaks the water portion

The snorkeling may be the headline activity, but the time around it can shape your memory of the day. In cold weather, you may change outside, wait for equipment, and handle wet gear in chilly air. A January participant described waiting 20 to 30 minutes in wet gloves at minus 15 degrees Celsius, followed by lingering finger numbness the next day.

That is a serious warning for winter bookings. Bring warm clothing for before and after the water, not just the outfit you wear under the drysuit. The required list includes socks, a change of clothes, and a towel. I would treat those as essential rather than optional.

Extra socks are particularly useful. One November participant specifically advised wearing extra socks because the snorkeling was very cold. Keep your dry clothes easy to reach, and do not assume that the included hot cocoa will replace proper winter layers.

After the water portion, hot cocoa and biscuits provide a welcome reset. You also receive underwater photos taken by the guide. These are useful because taking your own photos while managing a snorkel and drysuit would be awkward, and a phone or ordinary camera is not suitable for the activity.

The transfer to Laxnes Horse Farm

The day then shifts from cold water to Icelandic horses and open scenery. Laxnes Horse Farm is outside Reykjavik in the Capital Region, and the ride takes place in the natural surroundings of the farm. The horses are purebred Icelandic horses, known for their small size, sturdy build, and sure footing.

The change of mood is one of the best reasons to book the combo. Silfra asks you to focus on breathing, equipment, and the water around you. The horse ride gives you a slower way to see the countryside, with the chance to spend time near the animals before setting off.

The farm is described as being cared for by a local family, and the owner has been singled out for a warm welcome. You may have time with the horses before the trek, which helps beginners get comfortable instead of being placed on a horse and sent off at once.

The riding suits a wide range of ability. Beginners can take part, while experienced riders still get a scenic outing. The horses are described as friendly, alert, and willing, and the ride is not rushed. That matters if you want more than a quick photo on horseback.

The day may not run with perfect communication at the farm. One January participant was dropped off without clear information and waited while the horses were prepared. Waiting is less frustrating when someone explains the reason and gives you a rough time estimate. If the handoff feels unclear, ask the driver or farm staff what happens next.

What the horse ride is really like

This is a scenic trek, not a full-day riding expedition or a technical lesson. You should expect a guided ride through the area around Laxnes, with views of the surrounding Icelandic scenery. The emphasis is on enjoying the horses and the setting rather than speed or advanced riding.

For a beginner, the Icelandic horse is a good match in principle because the animals are described as calm and steady. You still need to follow the instructor’s directions and maintain a moderate level of fitness. Riding can be tiring, and the tour rules set a maximum riding weight of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

The provided restrictions also list people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms, as unsuitable. Since the horse-specific limit is lower, use 110 kilograms as the safer figure when deciding if this activity fits you. Height and weight limits also apply to the snorkeling equipment: participants must be at least 150 centimeters and no taller than 200 centimeters, and at least 45 kilograms.

The horse farm portion earned repeated praise for well-cared-for animals, attractive scenery, and a welcoming owner. That combination gives the ride a more personal feel than a quick, crowded photo stop. You get a chance to notice the horses and the local setting, not just complete a checklist.

The schedule, transport, and pace

The full experience lasts eight hours and includes pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. The operator moves you between the capital, Thingvellir, and Laxnes Horse Farm, which removes the need to rent a car or work out two separate bookings.

Transport is a major part of the value. One participant praised the easy movement from one activity to the next, while another said the group reached the farm earlier than expected. On the other hand, limited communication from a driver made the handoff less comfortable for someone else.

Plan for a structured day. You will need to be ready at the pickup point, follow equipment instructions, change clothes, take part in the snorkeling, dry off, transfer to the farm, and prepare for the ride. If you prefer to control every part of your schedule, booking the activities separately may feel less restrictive.

The combo works best when you want someone else to handle the complicated pieces. It is also useful for a short Reykjavik stay when you want to fit two major activities into one day without arranging separate transport.

Who should book this combo

I would recommend it to an active adult or teenager who wants both water and land activities, has limited time, and does not mind a long, organized day. The minimum age is 12, so families with younger children need another plan. The activity is conducted in English.

You must be comfortable in water and able to swim. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant people, or people with back, heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems. Epilepsy is also listed among the medical exclusions.

The tour is a poor fit if cold affects you badly, if you need extra time for clothing changes, or if you dislike waiting between activities. It is also not suitable if you cannot meet the listed height and weight ranges. Read the required Snorkeling Handbook before booking, since it covers medical conditions, equipment, clothing, and safety rules.

Is $322 a fair price?

The price makes the most sense when you compare it with the cost and hassle of arranging both activities on your own. Here you get one booking, Reykjavik transfers, guides, equipment, horse riding, photos, and the post-snorkel drink and snack.

The value is weaker if you only care about one activity. Someone mainly interested in horses may find a dedicated riding tour more relaxed. Someone focused on Silfra may prefer to spend more time on the water and avoid changing the day around a second stop.

I see the price as reasonable for a visitor with one open day and a strong wish list. You are paying for convenience as much as for the activities. The best value comes when you would otherwise book both experiences separately.

My booking advice

Book this tour if you want a practical way to combine two distinctly Icelandic activities, can swim, and are prepared for cold conditions. The Silfra setting is unusual, the underwater photos are useful, and the Laxnes ride adds a warm, grounded contrast to the water.

Skip it if you need polished communication at every handoff, have medical restrictions, or dislike cold outdoor changing. For winter, bring extra socks, a towel, a complete dry outfit, and serious warm layers. I would also read the snorkeling handbook before paying and confirm that your body measurements fit the stricter horse and equipment limits.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option give you some flexibility. If the combination matches your interests, the eight-hour schedule lets you check off two memorable experiences without arranging the day yourself.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts eight hours, including transportation, snorkeling, horse riding, preparation, and transfers between locations.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?

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

Where does the snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park.

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

Are underwater photos included?

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

What is the minimum age?

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

Is there a weight or height limit?

For horse riding, the weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The listed snorkeling restrictions also exclude people over 120 kilograms, under 45 kilograms, under 150 centimeters, or over 200 centimeters.

Can I cancel the booking?

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