Take a break from the cold and float through warmer waters

Litlaá, meaning “Little River” in Icelandic, is located near the northern coast of Iceland, just south of the arctic circle. This is an unusual spot to find warm water, but thanks to a nearby geothermal active area, we get to enjoy snorkeling in water with a temperature of about 20°C, allowing us to explore its different parts in a very relaxed way. As it is a shallow river, we snorkel instead of dive.

The tour takes place in a lagoon called Brunnar, meaning "Wells." The water in this lagoon comes from two sources: hot water from a geothermal area nearby and freshwater from wells on the bottom of the lagoon. The lake's floor is full of mesmerizing dancing sands; it looks like something from a different planet. Some act like underwater eruptions, while others resemble underwater beaches. The cold water erupting from the bottom causes these beautiful designs described as the "Bubbling Sands" that you must see with your own eyes. It will make even the most experienced divers wonder if it is indeed possible to have nitrogen narcosis from only snorkeling!

Because of the warm water temperature, we also find fields of strange green algae, plants, multicolored sediments, and a countless number of snails.

In the shallow rocky area at the edges of the lagoon, we find countless numbers of sticklebacks traveling around in large groups. The majestic Brown Trout eats sticklebacks and is sometimes spotted by snorkelers.

Litlaá lagoon is located on the Diamond circle as well as Nesgjá fissure. Other locations on the Diamond Circle include Ásbyrgi canyon, Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls and Lake Mývatn.