Husavik Ultimate Sea Expedition: Whale Watching and Sandoy Snorkeling Adventure

Explore the Diamond Circle: A Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Discover Húsavík and the Spring Lagoon

On this tour, you will go whale watching in Húsavík and snorkel in the Spring Lagoon. Both locations are on the Diamond Circle. This is a self-drive tour so you will check in with North Sailing in the town of Húsavík and then meet your guide at the Spring Lagoon.

The Whale Watching Tour

You will join the Original Whale Watching tour in the town of Húsavík, which has sometimes been called the whale watching capital of the world. The whale watching tour is approx. 3 hours during which you will sail out on Skjálfandi bay in search of some whales.

The Snorkeling Tour

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.

Detailed Itinerary

Whale Watching and Snorkeling Adventure

You will go on Húsavík's original whale watching tour with North Sailing. The tour is approx 3 hours.

• When you arrive at the Spring lagoon (Litlaá river) the guide 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

• Guided snorkeling trip in Litlaá river
• All necessary snorkeling equipment including a dry suit and a warm undersuit
• Hot chocolate and cookies after the snorkeling trip
• Guided whale watching tour with North Sailing in Húsavík on Skjálfandi Bay
• All necessary whale watching equipment

Exclusions

• Transportation to Húsavík and the Spring Lagoon
• Meals and beverages other than hot chocolate and cookies provided after snorkeling
• Admission fees to attractions on the Diamond Circle other than the snorkeling and whale watching tours

Embark on an unforgettable self-drive tour for an exhilarating whale watching adventure in Húsavík, the whale watching capital of the world, and snorkel in the mesmerizing Spring Lagoon in the heart of the Diamond Circle. Start at North Sailing in Húsavík for a 3-hour whale watching on Skjálfandi Bay, followed by a unique snorkeling experience in Brunnar Lagoon's warm waters, near the Arctic Circle, with a geothermal influence. Marvel at underwater landscapes featuring the Bubbling Sands, vibrant marine life, and conclude with a leisurely river float in Litlaá, rich with fish. This tour, conveniently located on the Diamond Circle, offers a blend of aquatic adventures and natural beauty, setting the stage for lasting memories.

• Read, sign, and follow the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement
• Sign the 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 the dry suit size chart
• Be minimum 12 years of age
• Be comfortable in water and able to swim
• Be physically fit
• Be ready to wear a sometimes tight dry suit
• Be able to communicate in English or have a translator
• Not be pregnant

It's mandatory to sign the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement and obtain physician’s approval if necessary before the tour. Participants not meeting the Medical Statement criteria will be prohibited from joining the tour.