Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

Two Iceland adventures, one busy day. This combo pairs snorkeling in Silfra Fissure with a relaxed ride on an Icelandic horse at Laxnes Horse Farm, with pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. It is an appealing way to see two very different sides of Iceland without arranging separate transport.

I like the easy pairing of Silfra’s clear glacial water and the friendly, sure-footed horses at Laxnes. The free underwater photos, hot cocoa, and biscuits add real value, too. The main caution is the cold: getting changed outside in winter, waiting in wet gloves, and boarding a horse with damp hair can make the day uncomfortable if the operation runs behind.

• Silfra gives you a rare swim between two tectonic plates, with water filtered through lava and visibility said to reach up to 150 meters.
• Laxnes Horse Farm offers a beginner-friendly ride on purebred Icelandic horses in open countryside near Reykjavik.
• The day lasts about eight hours, including pickup, transportation, both activities, and the time needed to change into specialist gear.
• Free underwater photos are included, giving you a record of the snorkeling without asking you to carry a camera.
• The combo is best for active visitors aged 12 and over who can swim and handle cold, wet conditions.
• Guide quality matters, and the strongest experiences depend on patient instruction and clear communication during the snorkeling session.

Why Pair Silfra With an Icelandic Horse Ride?

At $322 per person, this is not a cheap outing. Still, the price covers two major activities, transport from Reykjavik, a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, underwater photos, and refreshments after snorkeling. If you already plan to book both activities, combining them can be simpler and may cost less than arranging them separately.

The appeal is the contrast. At Silfra, you wear a drysuit and float through cold water in a narrow geological rift. At Laxnes, you sit upright on a compact Icelandic horse and move through quiet scenery at a much slower pace. One activity is strange and physical. The other feels local, calm, and traditional.

You should think of this as a full day rather than two quick stops. The advertised duration is eight hours, and that includes pickup, driving, safety instructions, changing clothes, and transfers between locations. You will have a much better time if you leave the rest of your day open.

The Morning Ride From Reykjavik to Thingvellir

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavik. Having transport included is a major advantage because Thingvellir National Park and Laxnes Horse Farm are outside the city, and the order of activities may require careful coordination.

Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s most important natural areas. At Silfra, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. You are not simply swimming in a scenic pool. You are moving through a visible crack in the earth, where the geology is the main event.

The drive also gives you changing views of Iceland’s open countryside. Since pickup and drop-off are included, you can focus on the day instead of watching the clock, finding parking, or dealing with rental-car directions.

That said, the transfer system depends on good communication. Strong guides can make changes and waiting time feel easy. Weak communication can leave you wondering where to go next, especially when you arrive at the horse farm before the staff are ready. If you are sensitive to delays or need a tightly timed afternoon, keep this in mind.

What Makes Silfra Fissure So Special?

Silfra is famous for its exceptionally clear water. The water comes from Langjökull, or Long Glacier, and passes through underground lava fields before reaching the fissure. This natural filtering process gives the water remarkable clarity, with visibility of up to 150 meters stated for the site.

You wear the provided snorkeling equipment, including a drysuit, then enter the water with a guide. The cold is not a small detail. Even with specialist gear, your hands, face, and any exposed areas can feel the temperature. Bring extra socks, warm clothes, and a full change of clothes. One useful tip from the day’s feedback is to wear extra socks, especially in colder months.

For a first-time snorkeler, the guide makes a big difference. Pedro was praised for taking time with a beginner and helping that person feel safe alongside more experienced members of the group. Yannis, also referred to as Jon, was singled out for trying to make the activity comfortable and enjoyable.

You need to be comfortable in water and able to swim. This is not a gentle sightseeing cruise where you can sit out part of the activity without preparation. You should also be ready to follow instructions about the snorkel, drysuit, and safe movement through the water.

The underwater views are the reward. Silfra’s blue tones and clear water create a setting unlike a normal snorkeling trip. The experience is less about colorful fish or coral and more about geology, light, and the strange feeling of floating through a crack between continents.

Cold Weather Is the Main Practical Challenge

Silfra can be physically demanding even when the tour runs well. The drysuit must fit properly, and the process of changing takes time. In winter, the combination of cold air, wet equipment, and waiting outdoors can become unpleasant very quickly.

One visitor described changing outside in temperatures around minus 15 degrees Celsius, then waiting 20 to 30 minutes in wet gloves. That led to painful, numb fingers the following day. This is a serious warning, not a minor complaint. If you book in winter, bring the warmest clothing you have and pay close attention to how your hands feel.

The supplied information asks you to bring warm clothing, socks, a towel, and a change of clothes. Treat every item as necessary. Put dry clothes in a waterproof bag if possible, since you will be dealing with wet equipment and changing conditions.

The quality of the equipment and the response of the guide also matter. A poorly fitting drysuit or leaking snorkel should be dealt with promptly. If something hurts, feels too tight, or leaks, tell the guide clearly and ask for a correction before continuing. You should not feel pressured to tolerate equipment that causes significant pain.

After snorkeling, hot cocoa and biscuits are included. This is a simple touch, but after cold-water activity it becomes genuinely useful. It gives you a warm drink while you recover and change before the next part of the day.

Free Underwater Photos Are Worth Noting

The underwater photos are one of the best extras in the package. You do not have to worry about carrying a phone or waterproof camera through the fissure, and you can concentrate on the activity instead.

Photo quality can vary. One complaint described the images as disappointing, while other comments treated them as a welcome bonus. I would see the photos as a free record rather than the main reason to book. If you get a strong set, excellent. If the pictures are ordinary, Silfra itself is still the important part.

Because the photo service is included, check how and when the images will be delivered before leaving the snorkeling site. The available information does not specify the delivery method or timing, so your guide is the right person to ask.

From Glacial Water to Laxnes Horse Farm

The second half of the day takes you to Laxnes Horse Farm. The setting provides a sharp change of pace after the cold water. You have time with purebred Icelandic horses, then go on a trek through the surrounding countryside.

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and known for their sure footing. They are also famous for the tölt, a smooth gait unique to the breed, though the supplied details do not promise that you will ride it during this outing. The important point for a first-time rider is that the horses are described as friendly, alert, and willing.

You do not need to be an expert. The activity is presented as suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and the feedback supports that. One person noted that the horses were well cared for and that the group spent time with them before the trek. That pause is valuable because it lets you get comfortable around the horse before mounting.

The horse farm is run by a local family, and the owner was praised for being welcoming. This gives the ride a more personal feel than a large, anonymous stable operation. You get to meet the animals and see how they are handled, rather than simply arriving, riding, and leaving.

The ride itself is described as unhurried, with beautiful scenery and enough time to enjoy the horses. If you want a fast, technical riding lesson, this may feel too gentle. If you want a scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, it is a better match.

Communication Can Shape the Horse Farm Visit

The weakest part of some outings was not the riding itself but the lack of information during the transition. At times, people arrived at the ranch and waited while the horses were prepared, without being told how long it would take or what was happening.

A short explanation would make a big difference. Waiting is easier when you know that saddling will take another 15 minutes, or that the owner will meet you shortly. The local welcome was warm, but communication among the riding staff was not always equally strong.

You can help yourself by keeping expectations simple. The farm may need time to prepare horses for a safe ride, and schedules can shift after a cold-water activity. Ask where to wait, when you should change, and when the ride will begin. Clear questions usually prevent confusion.

The order of the two activities also matters. Going from snorkeling to horse riding means you may still have damp hair and a tired body. One visitor found that combination poorly timed in freezing weather. If you dislike cold or become uncomfortable after water activities, bring a hat and extra warm layers for the transfer to the farm.

Who Should Book This Eight-Hour Combo?

This tour suits you if you want a packed Iceland day with two very different activities. It works especially well for:

• First-time visitors who want a memorable day outside Reykjavik
• Couples, families with children aged 12 and over, and mixed-experience groups
• Beginners who want an introduction to both snorkeling and horse riding
• Active people who can swim and manage a moderate level of physical effort
• Anyone who prefers one coordinated booking with pickup and drop-off

It is less suitable if you are a non-swimmer, dislike cold water, or have medical conditions that make the snorkeling unsafe. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or high blood pressure.

The stated physical limits need careful attention. Participants must be at least 150 centimeters tall and weigh at least 45 kilograms. The horse-riding limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, while the general exclusion information says people over 120 kilograms, or 264 pounds, cannot participate. Since the lower limit applies specifically to the horse ride, contact the provider if your weight is near either figure.

The age minimum is 12. Children under 12 cannot join, and the tour is not designed for someone who simply wants to watch the activities.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

The best preparation is practical rather than fancy. Pack:

• Warm clothing
• Extra socks
• A towel
• A complete change of clothes
• A warm hat and extra layers for the transfer, especially in winter

Read the Snorkeling Handbook before the tour. It covers what to bring, medical conditions, and safety rules. This is not paperwork to ignore. The handbook helps you decide if the activity matches your health and swimming ability before you arrive.

You should also expect an English-speaking guide. The guide’s instructions are important during the snorkeling portion, and you should speak up if your mask, snorkel, drysuit, or gloves do not fit properly.

Food is not included beyond hot cocoa and biscuits after snorkeling. Eat before pickup or bring something suitable, since the eight-hour schedule can make you hungry. The information does not promise a full meal stop.

Is $322 Good Value?

The price makes sense if you would otherwise book both activities separately. You receive transportation from Reykjavik, a professional guide, the horse ride, snorkeling equipment, Silfra snorkeling, underwater photos, and refreshments. Those inclusions remove several extra costs and simplify a day that would be awkward to organize independently.

The value is strongest when both activities appeal to you. If you mainly want to snorkel, paying for the horse farm portion may not feel worthwhile. If horse riding is your priority and you are uncertain about cold-water snorkeling, consider booking only a riding excursion instead.

The high overall rating of 4.7 from 13 reviews reflects strong satisfaction, but the smaller number of ratings means you should pay attention to the detailed conditions rather than rely on the score alone. The most consistent praise goes to the memorable combination, smooth transport, friendly horses, beautiful scenery, patient snorkeling instruction, and extra photos.

The clearest risks are cold, equipment fit, waiting time, and uneven communication. Those are manageable for a prepared person, but they should be part of your decision.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Combo?

Book it if you want two bucket-list activities in one day and are comfortable with cold water, moderate exertion, and a full schedule. The combination of Silfra’s geological setting and Laxnes’s well-cared-for horses gives you a broad taste of Iceland beyond the usual road stops.

I would be cautious if you have circulation problems, medical concerns, limited swimming ability, or little tolerance for cold. I would also avoid squeezing anything time-sensitive into the evening, since transport and preparation can take longer than expected.

For the right person, $322 buys a memorable and efficient day. Pack more warmth than you think you need, read the safety handbook, check the physical limits, and ask direct questions when equipment or timing is unclear. Do that, and this combo has a strong chance of becoming one of your most distinctive days in Iceland.

FAQ

How long does the combo tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, transportation, snorkeling, changing time, and horse riding.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is provided in Reykjavik. The tour then travels to Thingvellir National Park and Laxnes Horse Farm before returning to Reykjavik.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. You must be comfortable in water and able to swim to participate in the Silfra snorkeling activity.

What is the minimum age?

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

What equipment is included for snorkeling?

All necessary snorkeling gear is included. The tour also includes a professional guide and underwater photos.

Are food and drinks included?

A full meal is not included. Hot cocoa and biscuits are provided after snorkeling, but other food and drinks are not included.

What should I bring?

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

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos taken by the guide are included in the activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.