Snorkeling
You stay on the surface and look down, so you need no licence. You do need to swim, on most tours.
- From
- €117
- You need
- No licence
- Youngest
- 12, on most tours
Silfra snorkeling in Iceland
A guided swim in a flooded fissure at Þingvellir, no diving licence needed: 17 tours compared, with each operator's height, weight and age limits.
- From
- €117
- Duration
- 2 h 30 to 3 h
- In the water
- 25 to 50 min
- Tours compared
- 17
Can you snorkel in Silfra?
Yes, with a guide and no diving licence: you float on the surface in a dry suit or a thick wetsuit.
Silfra is a fissure in Þingvellir National Park, fed by one of the main springs of the area. You go down a metal staircase, follow your guide through its deep canyons, and finish in a shallow lagoon. The time in the water runs from 25 to 50 minutes, depending on the operator.
Between which plates? The sources differ. Visit Iceland and the operators say North America and Eurasia. The national park says “the North American and the Hreppar micro plate”. Either way it is a rift that is still opening, by about 2 cm a year according to Visit Iceland.
5 operators sell it on site from €117. What differs is the suit, the time in the water, what you pay on top, and who they accept.
Where do Silfra tours start?
At Silfra itself, or with a pickup in Reykjavik, about 60 km away.
At Silfra
You drive there
You meet your guide at the fissure. 5 operators, from €117. Parking is usually on top: 1,000 ISK for a car.
Meeting points and parkingFrom Reykjavik
Transport included
2 tours take you there and back, from €181. Arctic Adventures and Dive.is also sell pickup as an option on their tours at Silfra.
With the Golden Circle
A full day
3 tours add the other stops of the circuit, such as Geysir and Gullfoss, from €259.
With another activity
A lava tunnel, horses, a lagoon
4 tours pair Silfra with a lava tunnel, a horse ride, the Sky Lagoon or FlyOver Iceland, from €169.
Snorkel or dive at Silfra?
Snorkel, unless you already hold a dry suit qualification.
Scuba diving
You go down between the walls, 7 to 12 m on average. The park requires a dry suit qualification or 10 dry suit dives in two years.
- From
- €246
- You need
- Open Water and dry suit
- Deepest
- 18 m
Which Silfra snorkeling tour should you book?
For a first time, Troll: the most reviews here, with photos included, from €126.
We earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
At Silfra
5 operators, from €117. You make your own way, unless you choose pickup.
Most reviewed
Meets at Silfra
Troll, at Silfra
For a first time: by far the most reviews, in a group of 6 at most, with photos included.
From€126See dates: Troll, at Silfra
Lowest price
Meets at Silfra, or pickup
Arctic Adventures, at Silfra or with pickup
For the lowest price here, with the park fee and photos included, and pickup from Reykjavik as an option.
Dry suit or wetsuit
Meets at Silfra
Adventure Vikings, at Silfra
For a choice of suit: a dry suit, or a wetsuit if you would rather feel the cold water.
Heated van
Meets at Silfra, or pickup
Dive.is, at Silfra or with pickup
For somewhere warm to change: a heated van, with the 1,500 ISK entry fee included and one guide per group of 6.
Dry gloves
Meets at Silfra
Diving Island, at Silfra with dry gloves
For warm hands: dry gloves, which it says no other operator here offers, and a place to change indoors.
From Reykjavik
Return transport included, from €181.
Most reviewed from Reykjavik
Leaves Reykjavik
Adventure Vikings, from Reykjavik
For no driving: the return trip included, with a choice of dry suit or 6 mm wetsuit.
All fees included
Leaves Reykjavik
Troll, from Reykjavik
For a small group by private transport, with photos and all fees included.
From€181See dates: Troll, from Reykjavik
With the Golden Circle
A full day, from €259.
Most reviewed with the circuit
Leaves central Reykjavik
Troll, with the Golden Circle
For one full day: Silfra first, then Gullfoss and the hot springs, with photos included.
Adds Kerið
Leaves Reykjavik
Arctic Adventures, with the Golden Circle
For the circuit with one more stop: Þingvellir, Geysir, Kerið and Gullfoss, with the snorkel and photos.
Farm lunch
Leaves central Reykjavik
Adventure Vikings, Golden Circle and farm lunch
For a late lunch at Friðheimar included, in a group of 12 at most.
With another activity
From €169.
Lava tunnel
Starts at Raufarhólshellir
Arctic Adventures, with a lava tunnel
For a dry half of the day as well: a guided walk in a lava tunnel, then Silfra.
Horse ride
Reykjavik pickup
Arctic Adventures, with a horse ride
For a morning on an Icelandic horse at Laxnes before the fissure.
Sky Lagoon
Meets at Silfra
Adventure Vikings, with the Sky Lagoon
For warming up after the cold: Sky Lagoon entry and its ritual in the same booking.
FlyOver Iceland
Meets at Silfra
Adventure Vikings, with FlyOver Iceland
For an indoor half of the day: Silfra, then FlyOver Iceland in Reykjavik.
Compare in detail
Prices and ratings are read from GetYourGuide. Prices are rounded up. Last checked on 4 Nov.
Every tour here is free to cancel up to 24 hours before it starts.
| Tour | Duration | Starts | Min. age | Rating | From | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Silfra | ||||||
Most reviewedTroll, at SilfraTroll ExpeditionsSuit: Dry suitTime in the water: 50 minutes in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: 135 cm in its list, 145 cm in its text, up to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: Up to 69 in its text, 70 in its list; a doctor's clearance from 60Photos: GoPro photos includedKeep in mind: Its page gives two minimum heights, 135 and 145 cm, and two upper ages, 69 and 70: ask if you are near a limit. Parking is extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Silfra, plus code 7V4M+FCQ | €126 | See dates: Troll, at Silfra | ||
Lowest priceArctic Adventures, at Silfra or with pickupArctic AdventuresSuit: Dry suitTime in the water: 45 minutesGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: 150 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: 150 cm and 45 kg at least, 120 kg at most, and the longest list of health exclusions here. Its own website says 30 to 35 minutes in the water, this page 45. What's includedIncluded
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Silfra car park | 12 years | €117 | See dates: Arctic Adventures, at Silfra or with pickup | |
Adventure Vikings, at SilfraAdventure VikingsSuit: Dry suit or wetsuit, your choiceGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: 145 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: 145 cm and 45 kg at least, 120 kg at most. Bring a towel and warm clothes for before and after. No transport. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Silfra meeting point, Vallarvegur | 12 years | €119 | See dates: Adventure Vikings, at Silfra | |
Dive.is, at Silfra or with pickupDive.isSuit: Dry suitTime in the water: About 45 minutesGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: 150 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Keep in mind: 150 cm and 45 kg at least, 120 kg at most. Parking is extra. Its page says wetsuit in one line and dry suit in another: its list of what is included says dry suit. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 2 h 30 | Silfra Meeting Point, road 36 | 12 years | €122 | See dates: Dive.is, at Silfra or with pickup | |
Diving Island, at Silfra with dry glovesDiving IslandSuit: Dry suit and dry glovesTime in the water: About 25 to 30 minutes in its text, 45 in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 6 peopleWeight: Up to 130 kgAge: From 12 to 60Keep in mind: About 25 to 30 minutes in the water in its text, the shortest here. Its upper age is 60, the lowest here, and its weight limit 130 kg, the highest. Parking is extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Not suitable with
| 2 h 30 | Silfra meeting point, Vallarvegur | 12 years | €139 | See dates: Diving Island, at Silfra with dry gloves | |
| From Reykjavik | ||||||
Adventure Vikings, from ReykjavikAdventure VikingsSuit: Dry suit or 6 mm wetsuit, your choiceGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: 145 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: 145 cm and 45 kg at least, 120 kg at most. Bring warm clothes and a towel. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h 30 | Reykjavik | 12 years | €187 | See dates: Adventure Vikings, from Reykjavik | |
Troll, from ReykjavikTroll ExpeditionsSuit: Dry suitHeight: 135 cm to 200 cmWeight: 40 to 120 kgAge: From 12 to 69; a doctor's signature from 60Photos: GoPro photos includedKeep in mind: From 12 to 69, with a doctor's signature from 60. 135 cm and 40 kg at least, 120 kg at most. Lunch is extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 6 h | Reykjavik | 12 years | €181 | See dates: Troll, from Reykjavik | |
| With the Golden Circle | ||||||
Troll, with the Golden CircleTroll ExpeditionsSuit: Dry suitGroup size: Up to 18 peopleHeight: 150 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 125 kgAge: From 12 to 70Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: Up to 18 people, lunch is extra. 150 cm and 45 kg at least, 125 kg at most, up to age 70. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 10 h | Central Reykjavik | 12 years | €259 | See dates: Troll, with the Golden Circle | |
Arctic Adventures, with the Golden CircleArctic AdventuresSuit: Dry suit and thermal undersuitGroup size: Up to 19 peopleHeight: From 150 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: Up to 19 people. 150 cm and 45 kg at least, 120 kg at most. What's includedIncluded
Bring
Not suitable with
| 10 h | Reykjavik | 12 years | €260 | See dates: Arctic Adventures, with the Golden Circle | |
Adventure Vikings, Golden Circle and farm lunchAdventure VikingsGroup size: Up to 12 peopleHeight: 150 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: Only 3 reviews when we read it, and the highest price of the three. Bring thermals and two pairs of socks. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 9 h | Central Reykjavik | 12 years | €430 | See dates: Adventure Vikings, Golden Circle and farm lunch | |
| With another activity | ||||||
Arctic Adventures, with a lava tunnelArctic AdventuresGroup size: Up to 24 peopleHeight: From 150 cmWeight: From 45 kgAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: The lava tunnel comes first, and you make your own way to Silfra unless you choose pickup. Up to 24 people. From 150 cm and 45 kg. What's includedIncluded
Bring
Not suitable with
| 5 h | Raufarhólshellir, then Silfra | 12 years | €178 | See dates: Arctic Adventures, with a lava tunnel | |
Arctic Adventures, with a horse rideArctic AdventuresHeight: 150 cm to 200 cmWeight: 45 to 120 kg; 110 kg at most for the horseAge: From 12Photos: IncludedKeep in mind: 110 kg at most for the horse, 120 kg for the snorkel. Food and drinks are extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 5 h | Reykjavik pickup, or Laxnes Horse Farm | 12 years | €295 | See dates: Arctic Adventures, with a horse ride | |
Adventure Vikings, with the Sky LagoonAdventure VikingsSuit: Dry suit or wetsuit, your choiceGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: From 145 cmPhotos: GoPro photos includedKeep in mind: No transport is included, so you need your own way between the two. From 145 cm. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 7 h | Silfra Snorkeling Pond, Vallarvegur | €305 | See dates: Adventure Vikings, with the Sky Lagoon | ||
Adventure Vikings, with FlyOver IcelandAdventure VikingsSuit: Dry suit or wetsuit, your choiceGroup size: Up to 6 peopleHeight: From 145 cmPhotos: GoPro photos includedKeep in mind: No rating yet on GetYourGuide when we read it. No transport, so you need a car. From 145 cm. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 6 h | Silfra Snorkeling Pond, Vallarvegur | €169 | See dates: Adventure Vikings, with FlyOver Iceland | ||
The five tours at Silfra, side by sideEvery Silfra tour on GetYourGuide
When is the best time to snorkel Silfra?
Dive.is says there is no best or worst time, and the water stays about the same all year.
The water
2 to 4 °C all year, says Dive.is; about 3 °C, says Troll.
The air
This is what changes. Troll says you change outdoors, whatever the weather, and advises a hat and gloves, especially in winter. Diving Island says you change indoors, and Dive.is lists a heated van.
Your plans
Every tour here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before, so you can book and then watch the forecast.
How does a Silfra snorkeling tour work?
About 3 hours on site, with 25 to 50 minutes in the water.
Get ready
A safety briefing and the suit: 30 minutes at Troll, an hour at Dive.is. The neck and wrist seals must fit snugly.
Walk
A short distance in full gear, which can be awkward, to the metal staircase.
Swim
You follow your guide through Big Crack, Hall and Cathedral to the Lagoon. There is a mild current, and you swim against it near the end.
Warm up
A hot drink on nearly every tour. Most include photos; check yours under “Compare in detail”.
Who can snorkel Silfra?
On most tours: from age 12, from 145 or 150 cm and 45 kg, up to 120 kg, if you can swim.
Height
From 135 to 150 cm at the lowest, depending on the operator. Troll's own page gives two figures. See every limit, operator by operator.
Weight
45 kg at least on most tours, and 120 kg at most, up to 130 kg at Diving Island.
Age
From 12 on most tours. The upper age runs from 60 to 70 where a page gives one, and some ask for a doctor's clearance first.
Health
Pregnancy is ruled out everywhere we read a list. Most operators also rule out heart or lung problems and epilepsy, and ask for a signed medical statement.
What should you settle before booking?
Your limits, your clothes, and how you get there.
Your limits
Check height, weight and age for the operator you pick, not in general. They differ, and a guide can turn you away on the day.
Your clothes
Troll asks for warm socks, thermal leggings and a thermal shirt under the suit, and no jewellery. Regular glasses do not fit under the mask.
Your transport
Silfra is about 60 km from Reykjavik. With no car, book a tour with transport or a pickup option. With a car, you park at P5.
How cold is Silfra?
About 2 to 4 °C, according to the operators, and your head and hands feel it.
A dry suit keeps most of you dry, but Troll warns that small leaks can happen at the neck and wrists, so bring spare thermals.
If your hands are your worry, Diving Island is the one that says it gives dry gloves. Adventure Vikings also offers a 6 mm wetsuit, for those who choose to get wet.
Is snorkeling at Silfra worth it?
That's yours to weigh: from €117 for under an hour in very cold water, in a place operators advertise for its visibility of 100 m or more.
How much does Silfra snorkeling cost?
From €117 at Silfra and from €181 with transport from Reykjavik. Parking, if you drive, is 1,000 ISK.
Every tourDo you need to be able to swim?
On most tours, yes: several list non-swimmers as not suitable, and Troll asks that you are comfortable swimming against a mild current.
Every limitIs it safe?
Very cold water and a tight suit are not for everyone. The park says those who go in do so at their own risk. Read the health rules before you choose.
What we knowCan you snorkel Silfra on your own?
The park's rules cover individuals too: they register, sign a liability statement and pay a visitor fee, and the park supplies no gear.
Can you see Silfra without snorkeling?
You can visit the area without going in, but the underwater view is what the tours sell.
The fissureHow long does it take?
2 h 30 to 3 h at Silfra, and 4 h 30 to 6 h with transport from Reykjavik.
Can you combine it with the Golden Circle?
Yes: 3 tours here do both in a day, from €259. Þingvellir is also where those circuits stop.
Where to start?
Check the limits, then pick your tour.