Snorkeling in Lofoten
A Hidden Underwater Playground Awaits
Discover it!
Snorkeling in Lofoten is a year-round adventure, with each season adding its own magic. From the crystal-clear Arctic waters of winter to the vibrant marine life of summer, every dive reveals something extraordinary. Imagine exploring waters so clear they feel otherworldly, with dramatic landscapes unfolding around you.
With minimal gear and no prior experience needed, snorkeling is the perfect way to step into this underwater paradise. Discover lush kelp forests, dazzling jellyfish, starfish, crabs, and even larger fish species. It’s safe, fun, and ideal for all ages and skill levels.
Our guided tours, departing from our RIB boat, offer an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves. Feel the fresh sea air as you explore Lofoten’s rich marine life, with chances to spot playful seals, majestic sea eagles, and other incredible wildlife along the way.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the waters remain surprisingly mild for an Arctic destination. Summer takes the adventure to new heights, with the warmest waters of the year—up to 15°C—and endless daylight beneath the Midnight Sun. The sea teems with life, creating the perfect opportunity to dive into vibrant marine ecosystems and breathtaking underwater landscapes.
Rain or shine, every moment promises discovery and wonder. With our local expertise, we bring you authentic, unforgettable experiences to make your holiday extraordinary.
Ready to write your own Arctic story? Lofoten’s waters are calling!
Choose Your Snorkeling Adventure
Winter Snorkeling
A True Arctic Experience!
1590 NOK
Summer Snorkeling
A Bucket List Adventure!
1590 NOK
Family Snorkeling
Fun for All Ages!
1290 NOK
Lofoten Freediving
Dive Deeper, Feel Freer!
1590 NOK
FAQs about snorkeling on the Lofoten Islands?
Are the suits very tight and uncomfortable?
If you’re sensitive to something tight, you might feel a bit uncomfortable at first. But don’t worry—that’s just part of staying warm and dry during your adventure! Our suits are always tested, serviced, and replaced to ensure they maintain the highest standards
Can I use my own snorkeling equipment?
Yes, you can bring your own equipment, but keep these tips in mind:
- Mask: Make sure your mask fits well and seals properly to avoid leaks.
- Fins: They must be open-heeled to fit over neopran boots or drysuit boots.
- Hood and Gloves: If you have neoprene hood and gloves, you can use them. We recommend 7mm hoods and three-finger gloves for warmth—anything thinner, like 5mm gloves, may not be enough
Can I wear glasses while snorkeling/ diving?
Snorkeling with glasses can be tricky, as regular glasses don’t fit under a snorkel mask. However, there are great solutions to help you see clearly underwater! We recommend using contact lenses or choosing a prescription snorkel mask
Can my family join the boat?
We have a limited number of spots on the boat, but your family is welcome to join! The standard price for joining the tour starts from 1590 NOK per person.
Can my friend snorkel while I’m diving?
Some of our snorkeling tours are combined with diving tours, meaning you’ll share the same boat, explore the same area, and enjoy the adventure together. However, snorkelers and divers will be in separate groups, each with their own dedicated guides to ensure a safe and personalized experience for everyone. This setup allows you to fully immerse yourself in your activity while still sharing the excitement of the journey with others
Do I need previous experience to snorkel?
No, you don’t need any previous experience to snorkel, but it is important that you can swim and that you are comfortable in the water.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, being able to swim and feeling comfortable in the water are essential requirements for joining the tour.
How long is the tour? How long are we in the water?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including a detailed briefing, preparation time, and the snorkeling experience itself. During the snorkeling session, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to explore the underwater world for about 50-60 minutes. The total duration may vary slightly depending on the group dynamics. In summer, the maximum tour time is 3.5 hours, while in winter, it extends to around 4 hours.
How far can you go under the surface with a dry suit?
Diving down while wearing a dry suit is extremely challenging because dry suits are naturally buoyant, keeping you floating on the surface. If diving below the surface is what you’re after, we recommend using a wetsuit or a freediving suit instead. These suits are made from 7mm neoprene, providing excellent insulation to keep you warm even in cold waters. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the best option for your adventure before the tour begins, ensuring both comfort and an unforgettable experience!
What equipment do you provide?
Our dive and snorkel equipment is carefully selected from the world’s leading manufacturers, specifically designed for cold water conditions to ensure your comfort and safety.
We provide undergarments and dry suits from BARE and URSUIT SOFTDURA, which are both flexible and comfortable to wear. The front zipper design allows you to put on the suit independently, while the Quick Neck system offers the flexibility to use different neck seal sizes for a perfect fit. Paired with Ursuit XTreme underwear, made from breathable material with double insulation, this setup ensures maximum thermal comfort even in the coldest waters.
For those who prefer wetsuits, we offer AQUALUNG 7mm full-length wetsuits combined with 5mm short suits for added warmth.
For freedivers, we provide the Frivannsliv Evo2 7mm wetsuit, which is perfect for year-round freediving adventures.
To further protect you from the cold, we include 7mm neoprene hoods and 7mm three-fingered neoprene wet gloves to keep your head and hands warm. Additionally: fins, a mask, and a snorkel, so you will have everything you need to fully enjoy your underwater exploration.
When is a best time to snorkel in Lofoten?
Each season in the Lofoten Islands offers a unique and unforgettable snorkeling experience, making it a year-round destination for underwater explorers. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the water remains surprisingly mild for an Arctic location, creating the perfect environment to discover a rich underwater world teeming with fascinating marine life and stunning landscapes. If you’re ready for an Arctic adventure, Lofoten’s waters are calling!
Spring (April-June):
Spring is ideal for those seeking peaceful dives away from the crowds. As water temperatures rise to around 10°C, the underwater world begins to awaken, providing incredible opportunities for macro enthusiasts. While visibility may not be at its clearest, this season allows for close encounters with flourishing marine life and vibrant kelp forests. Above the surface, the landscapes bloom with life, adding a breathtaking backdrop to your Lofoten adventure.
Summer (July-August):
Summer is the most popular season for snorkeling and diving—and for good reason! The water reaches its warmest temperatures, up to 15°C, with abundant marine life and generally excellent visibility. The Midnight Sun grants nearly endless daylight, giving you more time to dive and explore the stunning islands. Though summer is the busiest season, the lush landscapes and thriving marine life make it absolutely worth it. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot!
Autumn (September-October):
Autumn offers a quieter and more serene diving experience, with fewer crowds and landscapes glowing in golden hues. The water remains relatively warm, visibility stays clear, and the vast kelp forests are teeming with marine life. This season is considered the best time for advanced divers, with incredible wreck diving opportunities. However, keep in mind that weather can become unpredictable toward the end of October.
Winter (November-March):
Lofoten’s winter can be unpredictable, with clear, sunny days or wild storms bringing snow, rain, and wind all at once. But it’s also considered the best time for snorkeling and diving, offering incredible visibility of up to 40 meters and water temperatures ranging from 2-6°C. From early December to January, the region experiences the polar night, where the sun stays below the horizon. While it’s not completely dark, the lack of daylight means we’re unable to run tours during this period. Due to limited daylight and unpredictable weather, we are closed from December to mid-January.
No worries though—you can join us again in February when the weather stabilizes, and March still offers that magical, snowy winter vibe. Spring may take its time to arrive here, so enjoy the winter beauty while it lasts! 😊
What is a minimum age to snorkel in Lofoten?
Snorkeling in Lofoten is a safe and enjoyable activity for all skill levels, making it perfect for families and children eager to explore the underwater world. The minimum recommended age is 8 years old.
What is the water temperature?
The water temperature varies throughout the year, offering unique experiences in every season. During the summer months, particularly in July and August, the water typically warms up to 12-15°C. Spring and autumn bring cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from 6-10°C. In winter, the water temperature ranges from 2 to 6°C, offering a serene and unique environment for an unforgettable underwater experience. No matter the season our high-quality gear ensures you stay comfortable and fully enjoy the adventure!
What should I bring with me?
We provide all the necessary snorkeling equipment, but here is what you should bring to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
In the Summer:
- A standard swimsuit, such as a bikini or swim trunks, to wear under the wetsuit.
- A towel.
- Flip-flops.
- Contact lenses if you wear glasses.
- Clothing appropriate for the current weather conditions.
Winter:
- Warm clothing, including a thermal base layer made of wool or fleece.
- Warm socks made of wool or fleece (avoid cotton as it retains moisture).
- A towel.
- A spare set of clothes and socks in case you get wet after the activity.
- Contact lenses if you wear glasses.
- Clothing suitable for the current weather conditions.
Additionally, make sure to remove all jewelry before going underwater, including earrings, necklaces, watches, wristbands, and rings, to avoid losing it or damaging the equipment.
Will I feel cold in wet/ freediving suit?
We recommend wetsuits or freediving suits, especially during the summer and early autumn when the water temperature ranges from 10-15°C. Typically, no water will touch your skin, but if it does, your body will quickly warm it up. Keep in mind, diving and snorkeling in Lofoten’s waters aren’t quite like tropical destinations—but trust us, it’s all part of the adventure! It’s an epic, refreshing, and one-of-a-kind experience. That said, most people find the water perfectly comfortable with the right wetsuit!
How to find us
Lofoten Diving is located at Øyaveien 31, Ballstad, in the heart of the Lofoten Islands, just a short distance from Leknes
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About Lofoten Diving
+47 40051852
+47 40048554
booking@lofoten-diving.com
Øyaveien 31,
8373 Ballstad, Norway
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