North Iceland
Bubbling Sands Snorkeling Tour
River floating over bubbling sands, green algea fields and wildlife
Snorkeling in North Iceland
The Perfect Diamond Circle Selfdrive Tour
Litlaá, meaning "Little River," 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.
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.
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.
Before we end the tour, we will do a short river float before we get out. A bit below our exit point, the water mixes with Litlaá river, coming from Skjálftavatn lake. Where the two rivers meet is a very popular fishing spot with big Brown trouts, Sea trouts, Arctic char, and sometimes Arctic salmon.
This snorkeling spot is located right on the Diamond circle, just about 30 minutes from the whale-watching town of Húsavík and a short distance from Ásbyrgi canyon, making this the perfect Diamond Circle self-drive tour. Other destinations on the Diamond Circle include Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods), the infamous Dettifoss waterfall, and the beautiful Lake Mývatn as well Nesgjá fissure , another dive spot.
Snorkeling around bubbling sands was an amazing expirience!
Snorkeling in Litlaá was like exploring an alien world. The mix of hot and cold waters creates a fascinating ecosystem. The short river float at the end was a perfect finish to an already amazing tour. Arnar was really helpful for the whole tour, pointing out all the interesting places and made a lot cool photos.
Tour Details
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July and August
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Don't see a tour time that works for you, contact us at dive@dive.is and we will find the best time for you
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Approx. 2.5 hours at the site
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Maximum 8 snorkelers per snorkel guide
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Minimum 2 snorkelers. We will refund you in full if the minimum is not met
Included:
- Guided snorkeling trip
- All necessary snorkeling equipment
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip
Please bring:
- Long underwear
- Thick socks
- Suitable clothes for the weather of the day
- Contact lenses if you wear glasses
If you would like to add another activity to your day on the Diamond circle, check out our Double snorkeling tour in the North
Safety requirements
All snorkelers must:-
have read, signed, and followed directions on the online Snorkeling Medical Statement PDF
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have our Snorkeling Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older PDF
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sign our liability release form at the start of the snorkeling tour PDF
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be at minimum 150cm / maximum 200cm
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be at minimum 45kg / maximum 120kg
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fit within our dry suit size chart PDF
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be at least 12 years of age on the year and at least 45 kg / 99 lbs
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be comfortable in water and be able to swim
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be physically fit
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be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit
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be able to communicate in English
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not be pregnant
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eat well before the tour
Timeline of your tour
- When you arrive at Litlaá river you will meet the DIVE.IS guide who will give you a detailed briefing of the snorkeling tour and get you dressed into our top quality snorkeling dry suit and other gear.
- You will enter Litlaá river at the entry point and snorkel down the river and in the lagoon for about 30-45 minutes.
- Then, you will exit the river and walk back to the parking lot.
- After the snorkeling tour, we will warm you up with hot cocoa and cookies.
Experience the tour
Guides on this tour
You might be guided by one of these nice guys
