Swim in Iceland’s Hidden Treasure: The Bubbling Sands of Litlaá
Discover Litlaá, a geothermal river near Iceland's Arctic Circle, where warm waters and bubbling sands create a mesmerizing snorkeling experience.
Litlaá, or "Little River," is a geothermal marvel just south of the Arctic Circle, near Iceland’s northern coast. This unique river stays a balmy 12-17°C year-round, thanks to the area’s geothermal activity—making it a surprising yet perfect spot for snorkeling.
Formed in 1976 during the Krafla volcanic eruptions, Litlaá is fed by unusually warm springs, blending with cooler waters from nearby Lake Skjálftavatn. The result? A shallow, lagoon-like river with gentle currents that’s ideal for exploring at your own pace.
Beneath the surface, you’ll find nature’s artwork—dancing volcanic sands and vibrant sediments that ripple and shimmer as heated water bubbles up from below. Known as “bubbling sands,” this hypnotic sight is truly something to behold. Among these sands, lush green algae add a splash of color, creating a serene underwater paradise.
Litlaá is also known as "Snail Lagoon" due to the abundance of snails calling it home. It’s a hotspot for wildlife, including trout, so don’t be surprised if you spot a few locals during your snorkel!
Conveniently located on the Diamond Circle, Litlaá is just 30 minutes from Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, and close to stunning sites like Ásbyrgi Canyon. Make it part of your self-drive adventure, along with iconic stops like Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), Dettifoss, and the enchanting Lake Mývatn.
This hidden treasure is waiting to be explored—grab your snorkel and dive into Iceland’s magic!
- Availability
- Summer
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Minimum age
- 12
TourID: BST
Activity provider: Dive.is
Need to know
Participants are not allowed on tour without signing the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement and, if necessary, a physician’s approval which can be found on the second page of the Medical Statement document. Please read the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement prior to booking to make sure that you are eligible for the tour. Each participant must sign our liability release form at the start of the tour.
Please bring with you: long thermal underwear, thick socks, suitable clothes for the weather of the day, if you wear glasses, please bring contact lenses or your own prescription mask if you have one.
Requirements
- have read, signed, and followed directions on the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement
- sign our liability release form at the start of the tour
- be between 150cm and 200cm in height
- be between 45kg and 120kg in weight
- fit within our dry suit size chart
- be minimum 12 years of age on the year
- be comfortable in the water and be able to swim
- be physically fit
- be ready to wear a sometimes tight and constricting dry suit
- be able to communicate in English or have a translator available at all times during the tour
- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
Tour itinerary
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
See full equipment listIncluded
- Guided snorkeling trip
- All necessary snorkeling equipment including a dry suit
- Hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip
Not included
Food and drinks
Tour highlights
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
You can dive throughout the year in Iceland. The summer months are the most popular, but if you want to dive with fewer people around you might prefer to visit in the spring or autumn.
That said, any month you choose will offer you a very special experience.
The cost of dives will depend on where you dive, which tour options you choose, and any other experiences you add to your visit. For example, if you need transport from Reykjavík or want to enjoy multiple dives in a day, you can expect to pay more.
Explore the individual tour pages to see up to date prices.
Iceland has incredible opportunities for scuba diving. In fact, many people say it’s up there with some of the best diving in the world.
Silfra is the most popular dive site in Iceland. You’ll see some of the world’s clearest waters, swim between two continents, and witness some of the breathtaking rock formations beneath the surface.
Explore our tours to see more of the best diving tours in Iceland.
Yes, you can dive in Silfra in winter. Tours are available all year round. The water itself maintains a stable temperature throughout the year of around 2 – 4°C (35.6 – 39.2°F). That said, the air outside is much colder in the winter, so make sure you bring some warm clothes!
It is possible to dive in Silfra without a tour. But you’ll need to buy a permit from the Þingvellir National Park authority and prove that you have the required experience.
Unless you are highly experienced, we do recommend that you take a tour, however. It’s the safest way to enjoy your dive.
Similar tours
Snorkeling Silfra
Snorkel between the North American and Eurasian continental plates in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park is filled with glacial water that has been seeping through underground lava rocks for decades producing the clearest water on earth. The fissure allows for over 100 metres of visibility.