Reykjavik Combo: Horse Riding & Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure

This combo tour is interesting because it strings together two very Iceland experiences in one day: snorkeling Silfra Fissure between tectonic plates, then a horseback trek at Laxnes Horse Farm. The setting is the Capital Region, so you are not bouncing around the whole island to get two bucket-list moments.

I love that you get free underwater photos taken for you, so you can focus on your body position and the view instead of worrying about camera angles in Arctic water. My other big plus is the included hot cocoa and biscuits right after snorkeling, which helps you warm back up before you switch to a saddle.

One drawback to consider is cold logistics. Even with gear, you will likely be changing and waiting outdoors, and one winter review described having to dress outside at about -15 C, which made fingers feel numb. If you run cold easily, plan to take the sock and warming steps seriously.

Key highlights you should care about

• Silfra between the Eurasian and American plates at Thingvellir National Park
• Up to 150 meters of visibility in naturally filtered glacial water
• Snorkeling gear and underwater photos included (you do not bring a thing except what they ask you to pack)
• Icelandic horses at Laxnes Horse Farm, known for being hardy and sure-footed
• Hot cocoa and biscuits after snorkeling, a simple but welcome recovery break
• A full day loop with Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, so you can relax and let someone else drive

A full day in two worlds: tectonic plates and Icelandic horses

This is a classic Iceland combo because it matches the country’s two biggest “wow” themes. First, you get the geologic weirdness of Silfra, where two tectonic plates are pulling apart, and glacial water fills the gap. Then you slow down with a horseback ride over pastures that feel more human-scale, calmer, and very Icelandic in a different way.

It helps that the day is built as one continuous experience. You start with Reykjavik pickup, then head out to Thingvellir for the Silfra snorkeling. After that, you move to Laxnes Horse Farm for the horseback trek. You are not trying to coordinate two separate vendors and two separate travel days, which is where a lot of Iceland plans get stressful.

You should also know this combo is timed for the full 8 hours. That is long enough to feel complete, but not so long that you are constantly running. In the horse portion especially, people noted you get enough time to actually enjoy being with the horses, not just rush through.

Reykjavik pickup and the rhythm of an 8-hour day

The tour is 8 hours total, with pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik. Since they do not include food and drinks, I treat this as a day where timing matters: eat before you get picked up, then plan for a gap until you are done snorkeling and settled into the horse farm.

One thing I like about the structure is that it naturally breaks the day into two very different temperature and movement modes:

• Snorkeling is calm but cold and safety-focused.
• Horse riding is active, outdoors, and scenic.

That switch is a big part of the value. You get adrenaline and wonder in Silfra, then a different kind of connection with Iceland: moving slowly on a hardy horse through open countryside.

The one scheduling consideration is that winter changing and setup can add waiting time. One cold-weather review mentioned spending time outdoors while dressing. So if you are the kind of person who gets irritated by delays, bring patience, and dress in layers so you are comfortable while you wait.

Silfra Fissure snorkeling at Thingvellir: clear water, real cold, real rules

Silfra Fissure sits inside Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates diverge. That is not just a trivia fact. It is the reason the underwater colors look so unusual. The tour info says the glacial water comes from Langjökull and is filtered through lava fields, which is part of why you can get incredible visibility, up to 150 meters.

What you feel underwater is different from most snorkeling places. You are not fighting waves. Instead, you are dealing with cold, your suit, and your breathing technique. The guides are there to keep the group safe and moving, and the tour requires that you be comfortable in water and able to swim.

In one first-time snorkeling review, the guide Pedro was described as extremely patient and taking time to make the experience feel safe. Another named guide, Yannis (also written as Jon), was praised for trying to make the experience as good as possible. Those comments matter because Silfra is not just a photo stop, it is a skills-and-composure activity in cold water.

The practical reality: the water may be clear, but you should treat the experience like an Arctic activity. If you go in expecting it to feel like warm tropical snorkeling, you will be surprised.

Gear, the snorkeling handbook, and how to avoid discomfort

You are provided all necessary snorkeling gear, and the tour includes hot cocoa and biscuits after. Still, your comfort comes down to how you prepare and how you follow safety guidance.

The tour requires you to read their snorkeling handbook before the experience. That is not busywork. It covers what to bring, medical considerations, and safety requirements. If you want a smooth day, do the reading ahead of time, so you do not show up wondering why socks matter, or why there are restrictions for some health conditions.

What to expect with the gear:

• You will be fitted with a dry suit and snorkeling setup as part of the process.
• You should expect a tight initial fit and a period of adjustment.
• You may feel sensations you are not used to, like stiffness in hands or numbness if you spend time outside while dressing.

One winter review described the awkwardness of changing and dressing in very cold outdoor conditions around -15 C, including numb fingertips after waiting with wet hair. That does not mean every day is the same, but it does tell me one thing: dress for the cold between steps. Dry your body fast when you can, and protect your fingers and toes with the sock plan you bring.

If something feels wrong in the suit or snorkel fit, say so immediately. One review included a complaint about being told to endure discomfort during an experienced-guidance moment. You do not want to accept pain as normal. Use the staff time at the start to speak up so they can adjust your setup when possible.

Finally, the tour includes free underwater photos taken by your guide. That is a great bonus because your hands are busy. One review did mention that the final photos were disappointing, so if photos are your main goal, be aware that included photo sets can vary by guide, group conditions, and what you can see underwater.

Laxnes Horse Farm trek: hardy Icelandic horses and a slower kind of Iceland

After snorkeling, you shift to Laxnes Horse Farm for horseback riding. The horses here are purebred Icelandic horses, described as hardy and sure-footed. They are also described as friendly, alert, and willing, which matters if you are nervous about the saddle.

This portion is also good for a wide range of riders. One review explicitly said the trek was not rushed and worked from experienced riders through to novices. That is a big deal, because the best horse rides feel paced to the group, not just to the fastest riders.

You can expect that the day includes time with the horses before you head out. In at least one account, the owner was described as welcoming and the horses were well cared for by a local family. That adds up with what you want from a responsible outing: the horses should seem settled, healthy, and handled calmly.

The ride itself is described as taking you through scenic countryside around the farm area. While the exact route is not detailed in the tour info, the key thing is the feeling. Iceland by horse is not about speed. It is about motion, fresh air, and getting a view that you cannot get on foot at the same pace.

Fitness note: the tour asks for moderate physical fitness and a weight limit of 110 kg (242 lbs). So while this is not marketed as a hardcore trek, it still involves time in outdoor conditions and physical effort on uneven ground.

Packing list that actually helps: socks, warm layers, and a towel

Here is the packing list the tour asks for, plus the items I consider “must-do” based on the cold-condition notes:

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Socks

Your socks matter more than you might think. One review specifically recommended extra socks because snorkeling is very cold. If your feet get cold easily, pack more than the minimum. You want to be able to get dry fast and warm up quickly when the suit comes off.

Layering is your friend. A practical plan is:

• Dress in warm layers for the drive and waiting periods.
• Keep a dry towel and change of clothes ready so you do not have to scramble.
• When you are done snorkeling, switch out of damp items as soon as you can.

If you are prone to getting chilled, you will feel it first in your hands and fingers. Aim to keep your core warm so your extremities do not pay the price.

Price and value at $322: what you get, and what you still need to plan

The price is $322 per person for 8 hours. On paper, it looks high until you see what is included. You get:

• Reykjavik pickup and drop-off
• Horseback riding
• Snorkeling in Silfra
• All necessary snorkeling gear
• A professional guide
• Underwater photos
• Hot cocoa and biscuits

Food and drinks are not included. That is the main “extra cost” category you should plan for.

So is it worth it? I think it can be, mainly because:

1. You are paying for two guided experiences plus transport in one day.
2. You are not paying extra for snorkeling gear.
3. You get photos, which would normally be an add-on if you used your own camera in that cold.

If you already know you only want one of the two activities, then the combo loses value. But if you want both Silfra and horse riding, bundling them like this can save you time, stress, and coordination.

Who should book this combo, and who should skip it

This is a very specific kind of day, so read the requirements carefully. The snorkeling part requires participants be comfortable in water and able to swim. The minimum age is 12 years old.

Health and body restrictions listed for the tour include:

• Not suitable for children under 12
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• People with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or high blood pressure
• Not suitable for non-swimmers
• Weight limit of 110 kg (242 lbs)
• Height limits: under 150 cm (4 ft 9 in) and over 200 cm (6 ft 6 in)
• Weight minimum: under 45 kg (99 lbs) is not suitable

If any of those apply to you, do not try to “power through.” Cold water snorkeling is not a place to gamble with safety.

If you are a first-time snorkeler, this combo can still work well. One guide was praised for patience with a first-time experience. Still, you should go in mentally ready for the suit, the cold, and following instructions closely.

If you are nervous about horses, that is also often manageable here, since the Icelandic horses are described as willing and sure-footed. But again, riders have to meet the physical and weight requirements.

Should you book this Reykjavik Combo for Silfra and horses?

Book it if:

• You want one day that covers both Silfra Fissure snorkeling and an Icelandic horse trek.
• You like the idea of included underwater photos rather than trying to manage camera gear.
• You are comfortable with cold water activities and can swim.
• You appreciate a tour with professional guidance and a warm recovery break afterward.

Consider alternatives if:

• You dislike long cold dressing periods or you get uncomfortable in winter conditions.
• Food and snacks are a deal breaker for your style of travel, since food and drinks are not included.
• You have a condition on the not-suitable list, or you are unsure you meet swimming and physical comfort requirements.

My practical take: this combo is strong for people who want both geology wonder and Icelandic riding in one efficient day. If you prepare with warm layers, socks, and a real towel plan, the payoff can be huge.

FAQ

Is food included on the Reykjavik combo tour?

Food and drinks are not included. The tour includes hot cocoa and biscuits after the snorkeling, but you should plan for your own meals and hydration.

How long is the tour from start to finish?

The duration is 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be comfortable in water and able to swim for the Silfra snorkeling portion.

What age is the minimum to join?

The minimum age for participation is 12 years old.

What snorkeling gear and photos are included?

All necessary snorkeling gear is included, and the guide takes free underwater photos.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring warm clothing, a change of clothes, a towel, and socks. The tour also requires you to read their snorkeling handbook prior to the experience.