North Iceland

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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” in Icelandic, is located near the northern coast of Iceland, just south of the arctic circle. This is an unusual place to find a 12-17°C river, but the geothermal activity keeps it a nice warm temperature.

This intriguing river was formed in 1976 following the volcanic eruptions of Krafla. The hot water comes from springs that are unusally warm. The river then mixes with colder water from the nearby Lake Skjálftavatn which makes it a very pleasant 12-17°C river to snorkel in.

The river is so shallow that it is almost like a lagoon. The current is very slow, allowing you to explore the different parts of the lagoon, making it perfect for snorkeling.

The river’s floor is full of mesmerising dancing volcanic sands and multicoloured sediments leaping from the bottom. The heated water erupts from below the bottom causing beautiful designs and ripples in the riverbed while you drift along the surface above. This has been described by the phrase "Bubbling sands" and is a sight best seen with own eyes.

Mixed in with the bubbling sands you will see beautiful fields of green algea which are mesmerising to look at. The underworld at it's best.

The lagoon has sometimes been called snail lagoon due to the number of snails living there. It is also one of Iceland's greatest trout rivers. So, you will most likely catch a glimpse of some wildlife during your snorkel.

This location is on the Diamond circle about 30 minutes from the whale-watching town of Húsavík and a short distance from Ásbyrgi canyon, making this the perfect Diamond circle selfdrive tour. Other destinations on the Diamond circle include Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods), the infamous Dettifoss waterfall and the beautiful Lake Mývatn.

Tour Details

  • July

  • 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

  • Approx. 2.5 hours at the site

  • Maximum 8 snorkelers per snorkel guide

  • Minimum 2 snorkelers. We will refund you in full if the minimum is not met

From ISK 20.990

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
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Safety requirements

  • have read, signed, and followed directions on the online Snorkeling Medical Statement (link provided in confirmation email) PDF

  • have our Snorkeling Medical form signed off by a doctor if they are age 60 or older PDF

  • sign our liability release form at the start of the snorkeling tour PDF

  • be at minimum 150cm / maximum 200cm

  • be at minimum 45kg / maximum 120kg

  • fit within our dry suit size chart PDF

  • be at least 12 years of age on the year and at least 45 kg / 99 lbs

  • be comfortable in water and be able to swim

  • be physically fit

  • be ready to wear a sometimes tight & constricting dry suit

  • be able to communicate in English

  • not be pregnant

Timeline of your tour

Experience the tour

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Guides on this tour

You might be guided by one of these nice guys

Near Keldunes 85, 671 Ásbyrgi

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