Bubbling Sands Snorkeling 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 pleasant warm temperature.

This intriguing river was formed in 1976 following the volcanic eruptions of Krafla. The hot water comes from unusually warm springs. The river then mixes with colder water from the nearby Lake Skjálftavatn, making it an enjoyable 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 mesmerizing dancing volcanic sands and multicolored 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 algae, which are mesmerizing. The underworld at its 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 glimpse 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 self-drive tour. Other destinations on the Diamond Circle include Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods), the infamous Dettifoss waterfall, and the beautiful Lake Mývatn.

Participants must:

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

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.

What do I need to bring?