North Iceland
Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour in the North
Two geothermal activities in one selfdrive tour
Bubbling sands and geothermal sea baths in Húsavík
The perfect Diamond circle selfdrive combo
Your adventure begins with a snorkeling tour at Litlaá river.
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.
After your 30-40 minute snorkeling session in Litlaá river, you make your way to the town of Húsavík.
There you will experience a different type of geothermal activity, the geothermal sea baths of Geosea. The seawater is packed with minerals which will revitalize your skin. A visit to the steam rooms will make the experience even more relaxing and enjoyable.
If you plan to drive the Diamond circle, we suggest you start your day sightseeing Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss waterfall and the beautiful canyons of Ásbyrgi before starting the snorkeling tour. The last location is the whale watching capital of Húsavík where you can end your day soaking in the Geosea - Geothermal sea baths.
Bubbling Sands with Arnar
Snorking in the bubbling sands in the river Litlaá was our first time snorking experience in Iceland and with DIVE.is and Ican't recommend it enough. Our guide Arnar was very friendly. He explained everything beforehand and then it the water he was guiding us to all the interesting underwater sites. The photos and videos he made for us are very good quality and will serve as a good memory. Thank you!
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. 5 hours, 2.5 hours snorkeling tour, 30 min driving, 2 hours at spa
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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
- Entrance fee to Geoseo - Geothermal sea bath
Please bring:
- Long underwear
- Thick socks
- Suitable clothes for the weather of the day
- Contact lenses if you wear glasses
- Bathing suit and towel for your visit to Geosea
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 our 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.
- You will then drive to Húsavík and make your way to Geosea - geothermal sea baths where you can soak in the spa and take in the breathtaking view for as long as you want
Experience the tour
Guides on this tour
You might be guided by one of these nice guys
You will dive here
Address
Snorkeling site
Near Keldunes 85, 671 Ásbyrgi
Geosea - Geothermal sea baths
Vitaslóð 1
640 Húsavík
