Iceland Snorkeling Tour in Kleifarvatn Lake

Dive into a unique adventure with an Iceland snorkeling tour in Kleifarvatn Lake. This 2-hour journey in the Reykjanes Peninsula takes you beneath the surface of a geothermal lake where underwater hot springs bubble up through the volcanic earth.

Just a short drive from Reykjavik, it’s a rare chance to combine geology, adventure, and unforgettable scenery in one experience. 

You’ll begin by meeting your certified guide at the shore of Kleifarvatn Lake, where you might catch a whiff of sulfur from nearby hot springs. Here, you’ll be introduced to your dry suit and snorkeling gear, with clear instructions to make sure you feel confident before entering the water. 

Standing on the shores of Kleifarvatn is an experience in itself. Surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, jagged ridges, and steaming geothermal vents, the lake feels far removed from civilization despite being only 30 minutes from Reykjavik.

Covering more than 2240 acres (900 hectares) and plunging to depths of 318 feet (97 meters), it’s one of the largest and most mysterious lakes on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It has no visible inflow or outflow, and the water is solely from the underground springs. 

Once you enter the water, you’ll swim around 492 feet (150 meters) from the shore to reach the lake’s geothermal hot springs. The closer you get, the more alive the environment becomes. 

White and yellow sulfur deposits line the floor, while streams of gas escape in endless bubbles, catching the light as they rise around you. Many describe the feeling as “snorkeling in a glass of Champagne.” 

Combined with the knowledge that you’re floating inside an ancient volcanic caldera, it’s a truly extraordinary moment that few people on earth have experienced.

After your swim, you’ll warm up with hot chocolate and cookies on the shore, a small but welcome treat after exploring the cold waters. 

The adventure continues with a short walk to the nearby Seltun Geothermal Field, one of the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Here, you’ll stroll past boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and rainbow-colored mineral deposits that paint the ground in shades of red, yellow, and green. It’s a reminder of the immense natural forces that shape Iceland’s landscapes, both above and below the surface.

This Iceland snorkeling tour is much more than a dip in the water. It’s a rare chance to step into the country’s geothermal heart. From the silence of Kleifarvatn Lake to the otherworldly underwater hot springs and the steaming landscapes of Seltun, this experience is one you’ll remember long after you’ve left the Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Grab the rare chance of swimming in a caldera and seeing underwater hot springs on this Iceland snorkeling tour in Kleifarvatn Lake. Check availability now by choosing a date.