Snorkeling Silfra
ENLanguage: English
All Silfra tours
Walkers on the path through the Almannagjá gorge at Þingvellir, June 2018.

Who can snorkel Silfra?

No single rule applies. Each operator sets its own limits, and some pages contradict themselves. Here they are side by side, as read on 5 November 2026.

All Silfra toursSee the limits

From
€117
Duration
2 h 30 to 3 h
Minimum height
135 to 150 cm
Tours compared
17

How tall and how heavy do you have to be?

On most tours, at least 145 or 150 cm and 45 kg, and at most 120 kg.

From each tour's page on GetYourGuide. “Not stated” means its page does not say, not that there is no limit: ask before you book.

HeightWeight
Troll, at Silfra135 cm in its list, 145 cm in its text, up to 200 cm45 to 120 kg
Troll, from Reykjavik135 to 200 cm40 to 120 kg
Troll, Golden Circle150 to 200 cm45 to 125 kg
Arctic Adventures150 to 200 cm45 to 120 kg
Dive.is150 to 200 cm45 to 120 kg
Adventure Vikings145 to 200 cm45 to 120 kg
Adventure Vikings, Golden Circle150 to 200 cm45 to 120 kg
Diving IslandNot statedUp to 130 kg
Freedive Iceland145 to 200 cm40 to 127 kg
Dive.is, scuba120 to 200 cm on its page45 to 120 kg
Arctic Adventures, scuba155 to 200 cm45 to 120 kg

How old do you have to be, and what about your health?

From 12 on most tours, with an upper age from 60 to 70 on some, and a medical statement on many.

The health column lists what each page rules out. A short list does not mean a tour is easier: its page may simply say less.

AgeSwimming and health
Troll, at SilfraUp to 69 in its text, 70 in its list; doctor's clearance from 60Must swim and be fit. No pregnancy.
Troll, from Reykjavik12 to 69; doctor's signature from 60No pregnancy or heart problems. Back problems not recommended.
Troll, Golden Circle12 to 70Must swim. No pregnancy.
Arctic AdventuresFrom 12Must swim. No pregnancy, claustrophobia, heart or lung problems, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure or recent surgery.
Dive.isFrom 12No pregnancy. Swimming not stated.
Adventure VikingsFrom 12Must swim. No pregnancy, heart or lung problems, epilepsy or limited mobility.
Diving Island12 to 60Must swim. No pregnancy, claustrophobia, heart or lung problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure or low fitness.
Freedive Iceland12 to 65Must swim. No pregnancy, back or heart problems.
Dive.is, scubaFrom 17No pregnancy. Certificate required.
Arctic Adventures, scubaFrom 18Must swim. Certificate and experience required, with a long list of health exclusions.

Why do the limits differ so much?

Each operator writes its own, and they sometimes differ within one company.

  • Within one page

    Troll's tour at Silfra lists “under 135 cm” and “over 70”, then says at least 145 cm and 69 at most. Its medical form asks for a doctor's clearance from 65, its page from 60.

  • Within one company

    Troll's weight limit is 120 kg on its tour at Silfra and 125 kg with the Golden Circle. Its lowest weight is 45 kg on one and 40 kg on another.

  • What to do

    If you are near a limit, write to the operator with your exact figures before you book. Until they answer, treat the stricter figure as the one that applies.

Which Silfra tour accepts you?

Under 145 cm, look at Troll. Over 120 kg, Diving Island takes up to 130 kg.

We earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Under 145 cm

Troll's lists say 135 cm. Ask first: one of its pages also says 145 cm.

Turquoise water over pale rock, just under the surface of the Silfra Lagoon, April 2022.
Most reviewed

Meets at Silfra

Troll, at Silfra

3 h

4.9on GetYourGuide (3,425 reviews)

For a first time: by far the most reviews, in a group of 6 at most, with photos included.

The rift at Almannagjá and the plain of Þingvellir with its river, August 2011.
All fees included

Leaves Reykjavik

Troll, from Reykjavik

6 h, Min. age 12 years

4.8on GetYourGuide (48 reviews)

For a small group by private transport, with photos and all fees included.

Over 120 kg

The highest limits we read.

Lake Þingvallavatn at dusk with snow on the hills, March 2017.
Dry gloves

Meets at Silfra

Diving Island, at Silfra with dry gloves

2 h 30, Min. age 12 years

5.0on GetYourGuide (152 reviews)

For warm hands: dry gloves, which it says no other operator here offers, and a place to change indoors.

The Gullfoss waterfall and its canyon, June 2024.
Most reviewed with the circuit

Leaves central Reykjavik

Troll, with the Golden Circle

10 h, Min. age 12 years

4.8on GetYourGuide (306 reviews)

For one full day: Silfra first, then Gullfoss and the hot springs, with photos included.

From 145 to 200 cm, up to 120 kg

The widest choice.

The Silfra canyon from above, with its pools and the lava field beyond, August 2014.
Lowest price

Meets at Silfra, or pickup

Arctic Adventures, at Silfra or with pickup

3 h, Min. age 12 years

4.7on GetYourGuide (2,453 reviews)

For the lowest price here, with the park fee and photos included, and pickup from Reykjavik as an option.

Blue-green water between broken rock walls under the surface of the Silfra fissure, April 2022.
Dry suit or wetsuit

Meets at Silfra

Adventure Vikings, at Silfra

3 h, Min. age 12 years

4.8on GetYourGuide (1,234 reviews)

For a choice of suit: a dry suit, or a wetsuit if you would rather feel the cold water.

A group of snorkelers in the water of the Silfra fissure, June 2014.
Heated van

Meets at Silfra, or pickup

Dive.is, at Silfra or with pickup

2 h 30, Min. age 12 years

4.8on GetYourGuide (1,000 reviews)

For somewhere warm to change: a heated van, with the 1,500 ISK entry fee included and one guide per group of 6.

Reykjavik at dusk, seen from Perlan, August 2014.
Most reviewed from Reykjavik

Leaves Reykjavik

Adventure Vikings, from Reykjavik

4 h 30, Min. age 12 years

4.8on GetYourGuide (649 reviews)

For no driving: the return trip included, with a choice of dry suit or 6 mm wetsuit.

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.

TourDurationStartsMin. ageRatingFromDates
Under 145 cm
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 included

Included

  • Certified PADI dive guide
  • Dry suit
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Parking fee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bring

  • Warm clothes
  • Medical statement

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users
3 hSilfra, plus code 7V4M+FCQ4.9on GetYourGuide (3,425 reviews)€126See dates: Troll, at Silfra
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 included

Included

  • Certified PADI dive guide
  • Dry suit
  • Warm undersuit
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Return transport from Reykjavik
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Lunch

Bring

  • Change of clothes
  • Socks
  • Thermal base layer
  • Medical statement

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
6 hReykjavik12 years4.8on GetYourGuide (48 reviews)€181See dates: Troll, from Reykjavik
Over 120 kg
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 included

Included

  • Dry suit
  • Warm undersuit
  • Dry gloves
  • Snorkeling gear
  • National park entry fee
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Transport to Silfra
  • Parking fee
  • Thermal base layer

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with claustrophobia
  • People with heart problems
  • Non-swimmers
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with epilepsy
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions
  • People with high blood pressure
  • People with a low level of fitness
2 h 30Silfra meeting point, Vallarvegur12 years5.0on GetYourGuide (152 reviews)€139See dates: Diving Island, at Silfra with dry gloves
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 included

Included

  • Certified PADI dive guide
  • Return transport from Reykjavik
  • Golden Circle stops
  • Dry suit
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bring

  • Warm clothes

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • Non-swimmers
10 hCentral Reykjavik12 years4.8on GetYourGuide (306 reviews)€259See dates: Troll, with the Golden Circle
From 145 to 200 cm, up to 120 kg
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 included

Included

  • Certified guide
  • Dry suit
  • Warm undersuit
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim
  • National park entry fee
  • Pickup from Reykjavik, if you choose it

Bring

  • Warm clothes
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Socks
  • Medical statement
  • Signed waiver

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with claustrophobia
  • People with heart problems
  • Non-swimmers
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with epilepsy
  • People with diabetes
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions
  • People with high blood pressure
  • People with recent surgeries
3 hSilfra car park12 years4.7on GetYourGuide (2,453 reviews)€117See 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 included

Included

  • Certified guide
  • Dry suit or wetsuit, your choice
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Warm clothes
  • Towel
  • Transport to Silfra

Bring

  • Warm clothes
  • Towel
  • Socks
  • Swimwear
  • Medical statement

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • Non-swimmers
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with epilepsy
3 hSilfra meeting point, Vallarvegur12 years4.8on GetYourGuide (1,234 reviews)€119See 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 included

Included

  • Certified PADI dive guide
  • Dry suit
  • Warm undersuit
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Heated van to change in
  • Hot drink after the swim
  • National park entry fee

Not included

  • Parking fee
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bring

  • Warm clothes

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
2 h 30Silfra Meeting Point, road 3612 years4.8on GetYourGuide (1,000 reviews)€122See dates: Dive.is, at Silfra or with pickup
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 included

Included

  • Certified guide
  • Dry suit or wetsuit, your choice
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Return transport from Reykjavik
  • Underwater photos
  • Hot drink after the swim

Not included

  • Warm clothes
  • Towel

Bring

  • Warm clothes
  • Socks
  • Swimwear
  • Medical statement

Not suitable with

  • Pregnant women
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • Non-swimmers
  • People with respiratory issues
  • People with epilepsy
4 h 30Reykjavik12 years4.8on GetYourGuide (649 reviews)€187See dates: Adventure Vikings, from Reykjavik

Every Silfra tour on GetYourGuide

What does the medical statement ask?

Troll publishes its form: some answers stop you going, others need a doctor.

  • You cannot go

    If you are pregnant, have heart or lung disease, epilepsy, or struggle to walk 1 km, says Troll's form.

  • You need a doctor's note

    From 65 to 69, with blood pressure problems, asthma set off by cold or exercise, a recent injury or cancer treatment.

  • Other operators

    Most tours here list a medical statement among what to bring. Arctic Adventures also asks for a signed waiver. Read the form of the operator you book.

What should you wear under the suit?

Warm thermal layers, and no jewellery.

Under a dry suit

  • Warm socks
  • Thermal leggings
  • A thermal shirt
  • Contact lenses, if you wear glasses

For before and after

  • Warm clothes
  • A hat and gloves, especially in winter
  • A change of clothes
  • A towel

Under a wetsuit

  • Swimwear, at Adventure Vikings
  • Your own towel

Have there been accidents at Silfra?

Yes. Serious accidents have been reported there, and we give no rate.

On 13 February 2017, Iceland Review, citing the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV, reported that a US visitor lost consciousness on the way back to the bank while snorkeling at Silfra, and was pronounced dead in hospital. The police said then that it was too early to tell whether it was an accident or a matter of health. The same report counts six other serious accidents at Silfra since 2010, three of them fatal.

That report is from 2017. We found no official count since, and no figure we could stand behind for how often this happens, so we give none. The park says those who dive there go at their own responsibility and risk, and that companies answer for those they guide.

What you can do is answer the medical form truthfully, tell your guide if something feels wrong, and stay within the limits above.

Can you snorkel Silfra if you can't swim?

Not on most tours: several list non-swimmers as not suitable, and Troll says you swim against a mild current near the end.

Can a child snorkel Silfra?

From 12 on most tours. Troll says under-18s must be with an adult on its tour from Reykjavik. We found no tour here for under-12s.

What is the weight limit?

120 kg on most tours, 125 kg at Troll with the Golden Circle, 127 kg for Freedive Iceland and 130 kg at Diving Island.

Is there a minimum weight?

Yes on most: 45 kg, or 40 kg at Troll from Reykjavik and at Freedive Iceland.

Can you go if you are pregnant?

No: every tour here whose page gives a list rules it out.

Can you wear glasses?

Not under the mask, says Troll: wear contact lenses or a prescription mask.

Is a wetsuit allowed?

For snorkeling, at Adventure Vikings. For scuba diving, no: the park does not allow it.

Where to next?

If your figures fit, compare what the tours include.