Litlaá | Akureyri’s Spring-Fed Freshwater Dive

Site Overview

Litlaá is a spring-fed freshwater lagoon near Akureyri where crystal-clear water wells up through gravel and supports thick green algae forests. The shallow site, usually under 10 metres, is home to Arctic char and brown trout and is excellent for macro photography and freediver training. Water is 3 to 8°C with a mild current from the spring flow, so a drysuit is mandatory and buoyancy must be controlled to avoid silting the clear water. Because it is gentle and accessible, Litlaá is a good introduction to Icelandic freshwater diving and a relaxing add-on to the region’s more demanding sites. For travellers in North Iceland wanting an easy, pretty freshwater dive with fish and algae, Litlaá is a charming, guide-friendly spot that complements Strytan and Nesgjá. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment. The site is a rewarding but demanding cold-water dive that rewards preparation, good buoyancy and respect for the Icelandic environment.