Snorkeling Adventure at Bubbling Sands
Snorkeling Adventure at Bubbling Sands
Discover the enchanting Litlaá, a hidden gem nestled near Iceland's northern coast, just shy of the Arctic Circle. Born from the aftermath of the 1976 volcanic eruptions of Krafla, this geothermally heated river offers a unique snorkeling experience. With temperatures ranging between a comfortable 12-17°C, thanks to a perfect blend of hot springs water and the cooler influx from Lake Skjálftavatn, it makes for an inviting aquatic adventure.
Dive into the shallow, lagoon-like waters of Litlaá and let the slow currents guide you through an underwater spectacle of dancing volcanic sands, multicoloured sediments, and the mesmerizing "Bubbling sands" phenomenon. The riverbed is alive with beautiful patterns, vibrant algae fields, and even local wildlife, including numerous snails and some of Iceland's finest trout.
Located on the Diamond Circle, a short drive from the whale-watching hub of Húsavík and the majestic Ásbyrgi canyon, Litlaá is a quintessential stop for any self-drive tour. The area is dotted with other must-see attractions like the Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, and the picturesque Lake Mývatn, ensuring your journey is filled with the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Iceland.
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Nestled near the northern shores of Iceland, just shy of the Arctic Circle, lies Litlaá, a captivating 'Little River' known for its unusually warm waters thanks to nearby geothermal activity. Here, adventurers can indulge in the unique experience of snorkeling in waters that reach a welcoming 20°C, offering a serene exploration of this aquatic wonderland.
Our journey unfolds in the enchanting lagoon of Brunnar, translated as 'Wells,' where the water is fed by a blend of hot geothermal sources and cool, fresh well water. This remarkable fusion creates a surreal underwater landscape, featuring the hypnotic 'Bubbling Sands'—a spectacle of dancing sands on the lagoon floor, showcasing natural phenomena that mimic underwater eruptions and beaches. These stunning formations are created by cold water jets from the bottom, crafting an otherworldly vista that demands to be experienced firsthand.
Amidst the warm embrace of these waters, we discover thriving fields of peculiar green algae, vibrant multicolored sediments, and a bustling community of snails, adding to the lagoon's biodiversity. The perimeter's shallow rocky areas serve as a home to numerous stickleback fish, moving in large schools, while the elusive Brown Trout, preying on these sticklebacks, offers a rare glimpse into the aquatic food chain, captivating snorkelers with its majestic presence.
Our adventure concludes with a serene river float, leading us towards a confluence where the Litlaá river, emerging from Skjálftavatn lake, merges with our waterway. This junction is renowned for its rich fishing grounds, home to hefty Brown trouts, Sea trouts, Arctic charr, and occasionally, Arctic salmon—an angler's paradise.
Situated along the Diamond Circle route, just a 30-minute drive from the whale-watching hub of Húsavík and a stone's throw from the Ásbyrgi canyon, this snorkeling spot is an ideal addition to any Diamond Circle self-drive tour. Nearby attractions include the majestic Goðafoss waterfall, the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall, and the picturesque Lake Mývatn, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.
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Itinerary
Litlaá Snorkeling Adventure
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 lakes 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.
Itinerary: Day 1
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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Guided snorkeling trip
- All necessary snorkeling equipment including a dry suit
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip
Exclusions
- Transport to and from the snorkeling location
- Personal expenses
- Meals other than those specified
Important Notes
Litlaá, meaning Little River, is located near the northern coast of Iceland, just south of the Arctic Circle. This unusual spot features warm water thanks to a nearby geothermal active area, allowing snorkeling in about 20°C water. The tour occurs in a lagoon called Brunnar, sourced from hot geothermal water and freshwater wells, offering views of mesmerizing dancing sands and underwater designs known as the Bubbling Sands. The area is rich in strange green algae, multicolored sediments, snails, and sticklebacks. Notably, majestic Brown Trout, preying on sticklebacks, are sometimes spotted. The experience concludes with a river float, merging with Litlaá river, a popular fishing site for Brown trouts, Sea trouts, Arctic char, and sometimes Arctic salmon. Located on the Diamond Circle, it's near Húsavík, Ásbyrgi canyon, Goðafoss, Dettifoss waterfall, and Lake Mývatn, making it an ideal self-drive tour destination. Participants must adhere to specific requirements including signing medical and liability forms, fitting within predetermined height and weight limits, meeting age and health conditions, and being comfortable in water and in a dry suit. Signing the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement and, if necessary, obtaining a physician’s approval are mandatory. Communication in English is required unless a translator is provided. Participants not meeting these conditions will not be allowed on the tour.
Themes
Adventure
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Wildlife