Interested in seeing seals in Iceland? This guide covers the best locations, excursions, and wildlife photography opportunities to help you spot these fascinating creatures and other native wildlife in Iceland’s pristine landscapes.
Content:
- Can You See Seals in Iceland? Where and How to Spot These Majestic Creatures
- Can You See Seals in Iceland?
- Where to Find and Watch Seals in Iceland
- Vatnsnes Peninsula (Northwest Iceland)
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Southeast Iceland)
- Reykjanes Peninsula (Southwest Iceland)
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula (West Iceland)
- Excursions and Tours to See Seals
- Wildlife Photography Tours in Iceland
- What Other Animals and Birds Can You See in Iceland?
Can You See Seals in Iceland? Where and How to Spot These Majestic Creatures
Iceland is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, and its coastal waters are home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. Among the most beloved animals that visitors hope to see in Iceland are seals. Whether you're on a wildlife photography tour or simply exploring the coast, Iceland offers several prime locations to spot these adorable marine mammals. In this article, we’ll cover where you can find seals in Iceland, the best excursions to take, and what other animals and birds you can encounter in this stunning country.
Can You See Seals in Iceland?
Yes, Iceland is an excellent place to see seals in the wild. The waters around the island are home to two main species of seals: the Harbor Seal and the Gray Seal. These seals are often seen sunbathing on rocky outcrops or swimming in the colder waters of the North Atlantic. Although they are widespread throughout the country, certain locations offer better opportunities for observing these fascinating creatures up close. The most common seal sightings are found in the coastal regions, where these seals tend to haul out on sandbanks or rocky shores.
Seals can be spotted year-round in Iceland, but the best time to see them is during the summer months (from June to August), when the weather is milder and the seals are more active. During this period, you can often find them basking in the sun, and boat tours are available to take you to seal hotspots. While they are generally shy, seals are often quite curious and will sometimes swim closer to boats, providing an incredible opportunity for wildlife photographers.
Where to Find and Watch Seals in Iceland
There are several prime locations in Iceland where you can easily spot seals. Some of the best places to watch seals include:
Vatnsnes Peninsula (Northwest Iceland)
One of the best-known spots to see seals is on the Vatnsnes Peninsula in the north of Iceland. The area is home to large colonies of Harbor Seals, and you can often see them lounging on rocks along the shore. Hvammstangi, a small town on the peninsula, offers easy access to seal-watching locations. There are even designated viewing platforms along the coast where you can get a closer look at the seals without disturbing them.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Southeast Iceland)
Another fantastic location to spot seals is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning ice lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Seals are often seen swimming around the icebergs or resting on the lagoon’s shores. Diamond Beach, located just across the road from the lagoon, is another great place to spot seals as they often come up onto the beach to rest.
Reykjanes Peninsula (Southwest Iceland)
For visitors staying in Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is just a short drive away and is known for seal sightings. The coastline here, particularly around Keflavik, offers opportunities to see both Harbor and Gray Seals. You can visit Keflavik’s Seal Sanctuary to learn more about the local seal populations and their conservation efforts.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula (West Iceland)
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is another excellent location for seal watching, particularly around Ytri-Tunga Beach. This area is well-known for its large seal colony, and it’s one of the best places to see seals in a more tranquil and less touristy setting. The seals here are often seen sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the surrounding waters.
Excursions and Tours to See Seals
For those looking to get even closer to the seals, several seal-watching boat tours are available throughout Iceland. These excursions offer guided experiences where you can observe seals in their natural habitat. A popular location for these boat tours is Húsavík, often considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Many tours combine whale watching with seal watching, providing a great opportunity to see both species in one outing.
Another popular excursion is the Jökulsárlón boat tour, where you can take a zodiac boat ride through the glacier lagoon, which often brings you near seals swimming around the icebergs. These tours are highly recommended for anyone looking to combine adventure with wildlife photography opportunities.
If you're keen on a more relaxed experience, self-guided tours along the coast can also be highly rewarding, especially in locations like Vatnsnes Peninsula or Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you can spot seals from the shore or designated viewing platforms.
Wildlife Photography Tours in Iceland
For photography enthusiasts, Iceland offers many wildlife photography tours, where you can capture stunning shots of seals, as well as other native animals and birds. Many of these tours are led by experienced photographers who know the best locations and the optimal times for capturing high-quality wildlife images. A good time to visit for photography is during the summer months when the days are long, providing ample natural light.
In addition to seals, these tours often focus on other Icelandic wildlife, such as puffins, whales, and the elusive Arctic Fox. Iceland’s landscapes, with their dramatic coastlines, glaciers, and volcanic terrain, provide the perfect backdrop for capturing both wildlife and the stunning environment.
What Other Animals and Birds Can You See in Iceland?
While seals are a major highlight, Iceland offers plenty of other opportunities to see fascinating animals. Some of the most notable wildlife species in Iceland include:
- Whales: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching, with several species, including Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and Blue Whales often spotted in the summer months.
- Puffins: Iceland is home to one of the largest populations of Atlantic Puffins. You can find them nesting on cliffs along the coast, particularly during the summer months.
- Arctic Fox: The Arctic Fox is Iceland’s only native land mammal, and while sightings are rare, you may catch a glimpse of this elusive creature in remote areas like the Westfjords.
- Icelandic Horses: The Icelandic Horse is a unique breed that has been part of the country’s culture for over a thousand years. These small, sturdy horses are often seen grazing in the countryside.
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Conclusion
Iceland offers some of the best opportunities to see seals in the wild, whether you’re enjoying a scenic drive along the coast or embarking on a wildlife photography tour. From the Vatnsnes Peninsula in the north to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the southeast, there are numerous places where you can spot these magnificent creatures. In addition to seals, Iceland is home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including whales, puffins, and Arctic foxes, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and photographers. With the right tour or self-guided exploration, you’ll have the chance to experience the beauty of Iceland’s wildlife up close.
