An Honest Review of Our Experience with Troll Expeditions

Snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland is one of those experiences that sounds absolutely unreal on paper. Floating between two continents? That’s bucket-list material.

And honestly — it was a neat experience.

But it’s also one of those activities where your enjoyment depends heavily on why you’re doing it and how comfortable you are in the water. If you truly love snorkeling for underwater scenery, marine life, and vibrant color, this may not blow you away. If, however, you’re someone who enjoys checking off unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, then snorkeling Silfra is very much a “we’ve done that” moment.

That’s exactly where we landed.

Why We Did It

We’ve snorkeled almost everywhere we’ve traveled — tropical reefs, clear lagoons, fish-filled coves. So for us, snorkeling between tectonic plates wasn’t about seeing incredible underwater life.

It was about the experience itself.

The idea of floating through a fissure in the Earth, between the North American and Eurasian plates, was something we wanted to say we’d done. And from that perspective, it absolutely delivered.

What You Actually See Underwater

This is where expectations really matter.

Silfra is crystal clear, and the visibility is incredible — but there’s not much to look at.

You’re snorkeling between:

• Volcanic rock
• A deep fissure in the Earth
• Smooth stone walls shaped by geology

And that is cool — in a very stark, minimalist way.

But if you’re expecting:

• Fish
• Coral
• Color
• Movement

…you won’t find it here.

This is not a vibrant snorkeling destination. It’s quiet, geological, and almost meditative. The experience is more about where you are than what you’re seeing.

The Cold Is Real (Even in September)

We went in September, and the water temperature was somewhere around 40°F.

Troll Expeditions outfits you extremely well:

• Full dry suit
• Thick thermal underlayers
• Hood
• Gloves
• Boots

The only thing exposed is your face — eyes, nose, mouth.

Once you’re in the water, the cold itself is manageable. The dry suit does its job well. But the overall experience — cold water, cold air, and gear — is intense, especially for first-timers.

Something We Didn’t Expect: Panic & Anxiety Are Common

This is an important piece to mention, because we saw it happen over and over again while we were there.

While we were waiting to get into the water, we watched a fair number of people enter the water and then get out within just a few minutes. Some people barely made it past the entry point.

It seemed like a combination of things:

• The bulk and buoyancy of the dry suit
• The cold water
• The cold air
• Having to breathe through a snorkel
• The unfamiliar feeling of floating differently than usual

For some people, that combination triggered panic or anxiety, even if they thought they were prepared.

This constant cycle of people getting in, then quickly getting out, was a big reason the lines were so long. Guides had to assist, reset gear, and manage people who realized very quickly that the experience wasn’t for them.

Not a Great First-Time Snorkeling Experience

Because of that, I would not recommend this as your very first snorkeling experience ever.

If you’re not already comfortable:

• Breathing through a snorkel
• Floating calmly in open water
• Managing buoyancy
• Staying relaxed when conditions aren’t ideal

…this may be a lot to handle.

The cost is also something to consider. The experience runs a few hundred dollars per person, and if you get in the water and immediately need to get out, you’re likely not getting refunded. I can’t speak to every company’s exact policy, but that’s a real risk.

So the question becomes:

Is it worth spending that much money if there’s a chance you won’t be able to complete the experience?

That’s something only you can answer — but it’s worth thinking through honestly.

Crowds & Logistics

This is a very well-known attraction, and it shows.

Even with a reservation:

• There were tons of people
• Multiple tour companies operating simultaneously
• Groups of about six people per guide
• Long waits once fully suited up

It’s well organized, but it never feels quiet or remote. You’re very aware that this is a popular, high-traffic bucket-list stop.

Was It Worth It?

Yes — once.

I’m glad we did it.

I’m glad we can say we snorkeled between tectonic plates.

It’s a genuinely unique experience.

But would I do it again?

No.

If I had never done it, I would still consider it — with realistic expectations. Now that we’ve experienced it, it’s not something I feel compelled to repeat.

Who This Experience Is Best For

This is a great fit if:

• You’re an experienced snorkeler
• You enjoy unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
• You’re comfortable in cold water and specialty gear
• You don’t mind crowds or waiting

You may want to skip it if:

• You snorkel for fish, coral, and color You’re prone to anxiety in the water
• You dislike cold or bulky gear

Final Thoughts

Snorkeling Silfra with Troll Expeditions is well run, safe, and memorable — but it’s not magical in the way tropical snorkeling is. It’s more cerebral than visual. More bucket-list than breathtaking.

And honestly? That’s okay.

Not every experience needs to be repeated to be worth doing once.