Snorkeling in North Iceland feels like two different planets. This double tour strings together Nesgjá fissure (the northern cousin of Silfra vibes) and the Litlaá bubbling sands ecosystem, both guided and geared up for comfort. I especially like that you get two separate water worlds in one trip, and you’re not left guessing what you’re seeing. One thing to keep in mind: you snorkel in a dry suit, which can feel tight, and you do need to be comfortable in cold-water conditions.

What makes this combo work is the simple logistics: the sites are close—about 15 minutes apart—so you can fit it nicely into a Diamond Circle self-drive day plan. I also love the small-group feel (maximum 4 travelers), because you spend more time getting help and less time waiting around. The potential drawback is that you must meet the height/weight limits and fill out a medical form, plus you’ll need doctor approval if you’re over 60.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Two iconic North Iceland snorkeling stops within roughly 15 minutes of each other
• Huge Nesgjá visibility—the instructor notes you can see past 100 meters, depending on your mask
• Litlaá’s bubbling sands created by hot and cold water mixing (about 20°C river water)
• Dry suits and warm undersuits included, plus a briefing from a PADI instructor
• Small group (max 4) for more hands-on guidance
• Hot cocoa and cookies after both snorkels, plus photo time at the end

Two hotspots near Húsavík: Nesgjá and Litlaá in one day

This tour is built around a clever idea: hit two famous snorkeling environments that are close together. Nesgjá fissure is a fresh-water crack with clear water that Iceland is known for, but in a much more northern, fissure-style setting. It’s often compared to Silfra in the South because the look and clarity can feel similar, even though you’re far from the Silfra region.

Then you shift to Litlaá river and the mood changes fast. The river water is warm-ish for Iceland snorkeling at around 20°C, while cold water is still erupting up from below. That hot-cold mix is what creates those bubbling sand patterns—almost like the river is drawing with water and silt.

If you’re planning a self-drive loop that includes the Diamond Circle area, this is the kind of add-on that doesn’t waste your whole day moving between distant stops. The tour’s two locations are close enough that you can treat it like part of your travel day, not a second vacation inside the vacation.

The 10:00 start at Skúlagarður and a small-group setup

The day kicks off at 10:00 am at Skúlagarður Country Hotel & Restaurant (Skúlagarður, 671 Ásbyrgi). The tour runs about 6 hours total, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What I like about the setup is the group size. This is capped at 4 travelers, which matters a lot when you’re dealing with changing gear, getting fitted for dry suits, and learning how to move safely and comfortably in cold water. With a tiny group, the instructor can slow down for questions and keep an eye on how everyone’s doing.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which is low friction. Just make sure you have it handy at check-in, and plan to arrive on time so your dry suit fitting and briefing don’t get rushed.

Gear-up at DIVE.IS: warm dry suits and a PADI instructor briefing

The tour includes equipment, and that’s a big part of the value here. You don’t just get snorkeling gear—you’ll be dressed into a top-quality dry suit and a warm undersuit, plus the rest of the snorkeling kit you need.

Before you even touch the water, you get a detailed briefing from the guide (they’re a PADI instructor). The goal is simple: help you feel competent before you’re floating in a long fissure or watching bubbles form over sand.

A practical note: dry suits can feel tight and constricting. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—it just means you’ll want your base layer strategy to be solid. The operator recommends long thermal underwear and thick wool socks under the suit. That combination helps with warmth and comfort when the fit feels snug.

Also, don’t skip the paperwork. All participants need to fill out a medical form online. And if you’re over 60, the approval form must be signed by your doctor. Finally, you need to be able to communicate in English, and you should be comfortable in the water and able to swim.

Snorkeling Nesgjá fissure: crystal-clear northern Silfra vibes

Nesgjá is the star for people who love clean, clear water and big underwater views. This is a fresh-water fissure, and it’s known for crystal clarity. It’s also surprisingly shallow, which makes it feel approachable even when the water looks dramatic.

Here’s how the water time works. After the briefing and suit-up, you enter Nesgjá at the entry point and snorkel down the fissure and into the lagoon for about 30–45 minutes. That timing matters. You’re not rushed out after a short look—you get enough time to slow down, scan the water, and actually appreciate the scale.

Two details are worth putting on your radar:

• Visibility can go past 100 meters, but the instructor says it depends heavily on the quality of your mask. In other words: bring good mask sense and take a second at the start to get your fit right.
• Sometimes you may see arctic charr, a salmon-family fish that belongs in this specific kind of habitat.

The “how it feels” part is hard to fully describe without seeing it. But generally, fissure snorkeling like this has a calm, floating pace. Your best move is to stay relaxed, breathe steadily, and avoid frantic kicks. Clear water means you’ll notice details—sediment patterns, fissure walls, and the sense of depth—even when you’re not going far down.

Exiting Nesgjá, warming up fast, and heading to Litlaá

After your Nesgjá snorkeling session, you exit the fissure and walk back to the parking lot. Then you do something that sounds small but helps a lot: you warm up with hot cocoa and cookies.

This break isn’t just comfort theater. It helps you reset your body after cold exposure and gives you a moment to check how you’re feeling before the second site. If you’re planning a day in North Iceland, you’ll appreciate that the tour doesn’t leave you freezing between locations.

Then it’s off to the second stop. The two snorkeling areas are about 15 minutes apart, which makes the transition feel easy compared with tours that jump between far-flung spots.

Litlaá river Bubbling Sands: hot-cold water patterns in ~20°C water

Litlaá river is where the tour swaps clarity for weird-and-wonderful underwater textures. The water temperature is around 20°C, which is noticeably warmer than many Iceland snorkeling experiences. That warmth helps you focus on what’s happening underwater instead of just surviving the cold.

The magic is what’s coming up from below. Cold water erupts from the bottom and mixes with the warmer water above it. That interaction produces the signature underwater designs people come for: bubbling sands.

In practice, you’ll see an environment shaped by that constant mixing. The tour highlights a few living and non-living details you may notice while you snorkel:

• fields of green algae
• plants and multicolored sediments
• a countless number of snails

This is the kind of snorkeling that feels like exploring an ecosystem rather than just looking at geology. You’re not only seeing a feature—you’re seeing a habitat doing its thing.

The tour includes going through the same general process again: brief, suit up, snorkel the river section, then exit and remove gear. One review mentioned a short river float at the end as a nice finish, so you might expect a gentle, scenic segment after snorkeling proper.

Photos and chat time after your second snorkel

After the Litlaá snorkeling, you’ll have the chance to buy photos from your tour. That’s helpful if you want evidence of what you saw without messing with a camera underwater.

Then there’s time to chat with your guide about the area. This is where the experience can get more meaningful. When you ask questions—about what you’re seeing, why the water mixes, or why certain fish show up—your snorkel turns into a story, not just a view.

With the name Arnar coming up in guides associated with this tour, you may run into a guide known for being friendly, helpful, and calm. The best tours are the ones where the guide also makes you feel comfortable asking questions, especially if you’re a first-timer.

Price and value: what you get for $274 per person

At $274 per person for about 6 hours, the price can feel steep at first glance. But this tour includes the big-ticket items most people forget to price in:

• two guided snorkeling sessions
• all snorkeling equipment, including a dry suit and warm undersuit
• hot cocoa and cookies after the tours
• instruction from a PADI instructor
• a small group size (maximum 4 travelers), which usually means more attention per person

Also, you’re snorkeling in remote North Iceland conditions. That usually means it’s harder to DIY. Having a guide handle gear fitting, safety basics, and site-specific snorkeling know-how is part of what you’re paying for.

So the real value question is this: do you want two different underwater experiences with gear handled for you? If yes, this price starts to make sense fast.

If your goal is purely budget snorkeling, you may find cheaper options. But if your goal is a memorable, guided day at two signature sites, this is a clean way to spend your time.

Who should book, and who should think twice

This tour is best for people who:

• are comfortable in the water and can swim
• have moderate physical fitness
• want a guided experience with detailed briefings
• like small groups and clear instructions

There are also firm limits:

• Minimum age is 12 years
• Height/weight minimum: 150 cm / 45 kg (4 ft 11 in / 100 lbs)
• Maximum height/weight: 200 cm / 120 kg (6 ft 7 in / 264 lbs)

And dry suit comfort matters. If you already know you dislike tight, constricting clothing, you should take that seriously.

For anyone over 60, the doctor-signed approval requirement is a clear signal: plan ahead, and don’t wait until the last moment.

Finally, English communication is required, so if you’re not comfortable with English, this may be stressful.

Should you book this Double Snorkeling Adventure near Húsavík?

Book it if you want a day that feels like two different North Iceland stories: Nesgjá’s clear fissure world followed by Litlaá’s bubbling-sands ecosystem. The logistics are also a win. Two spots close together makes this an easier fit than many multi-stop tours.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you’re pairing it with a Diamond Circle self-drive day
• you want equipment and warm gear handled for you
• you want a guide who can help you read what you’re seeing underwater, not just float and hope

Skip or reconsider if:

• dry suits feel like a deal-breaker for you
• you’re not comfortable in cold-water snorkeling
• you can’t meet the age/height/weight or medical requirements

If you’re good with the cold-and-tight-suit reality, this is a smart, high-impact way to experience North Iceland under the surface.

FAQ

How long is the Double Snorkeling Adventure?

It lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and when?

It starts at Skúlagarður Country Hotel & Restaurant in Ásbyrgi, with a start time of 10:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

You get two guided snorkeling tours, all necessary snorkeling equipment (including a dry suit and warm undersuit), hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkels, and a live guide who is a PADI instructor.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Drysuits are worn over your own clothing. The operator recommends long thermal underwear and thick wool socks as a base layer. You’ll also want to be ready for cold-water conditions even with the warm undersuit.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Participants must be comfortable in water and able to swim.

What are the age and size requirements?

You must be at least 12 years old. Minimum height/weight is 150 cm and 45 kg, and maximum height/weight is 200 cm and 120 kg.

Is there a medical form or doctor approval needed?

Yes. Everyone must fill out a medical form (online). Participants over 60 must have the approval form signed by a doctor.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.