Planning a trip to Iceland and want to see some amazing wildlife? If you’re heading to the southern parts of the country, you’ll have great opportunities to spot seals, whales, and puffins in their natural habitats. Whether you’re eager to see the cute, clumsy seals lounging on rocky shores or catch a glimpse of the massive, majestic tail of a humpback whale as it dives into the ocean, Iceland offers prime locations to fulfill your wildlife viewing dreams.
Additionally, let’s not overlook puffins with their colorful striped beaks. Along the southern coast, cliffs and islands serve as gathering spots for these charismatic birds, where they congregate by the thousands during nesting season.
This article will explore the ideal spots that offer the best chances to observe these incredible animals. We’ll also cover the top places to spot seals, whales, and puffins in southern Iceland.
You’ll find out the best times of year to visit these spots for optimal viewing and tips to follow for responsible wildlife watching. With the right location at the right time using responsible practices, you are almost guaranteed to have memorable encounters with some of Iceland’s most amazing animals. So read on to discover where you should go in southern Iceland to see playful seals, majestic whales, and colorful puffins in their natural habitats!
Top Viewing Spots for Whales, Seals and Puffins
Southern Iceland offers abundant opportunities for spotting some of the country’s most amazing animals, from playful seals to majestic whales. Exploring the southern coast of Iceland for wildlife encounters can be unpredictable without guidance.
While the region offers stunning views, spotting seals can be hit or miss without insider knowledge. However, several locations along the coast promise almost guaranteed seal sightings, making it easier to witness these majestic creatures. Seals often bask on the rocks or play in the waves, providing glimpses of their natural behavior.
For an immersive experience with wildlife such as seals, whales, or puffins, consider European vacation packages. To Experience a completely customized and flexible trip, go for travel packages, that offer convenience and expertise.
Ideal Spots for Watching Seals
Iceland’s rocky coastline provides the perfect haul-out spots for seals to soak up the sun and play in the waves. Several locations along the southern shores offer great opportunities to observe these semi-aquatic mammals in their natural habitat.
With a bit of patience, you’re likely to spot seals lounging on the rocks or swimming in the surging surf at these prime seal-watching destinations. Read on to find out the best places to see seals on your travels in southern Iceland.
Reynisfjara Beach
The black sand beach of Reynisfjara near Vík is a top spot for seeing seals. The offshore rock formations and caves provide haul-out spots where seals regularly rest. Approach slowly and keep your distance when watching seals here, as they can feel threatened if you get too close. Early morning and evening tend to offer the best sightings.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
At the famous glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, you could spot both harbor seals and gray seals. They often swim among the floating icebergs or lounge on the shoreline. Tour operators lead seal-watching excursions on the lagoon, increasing your chances of sightings. The nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the shore, is another potential place to see seals.
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
The Westman Islands off Iceland’s south coast boast significant populations of both common and gray seals. They breed on the islands and use the surrounding waters for feeding. Take a boat tour to see seals basking on the rocks or swimming near the islands. The best time to visit is during the pupping season from June to July.
Ideal Spots for Whale Watching
Several whale species feed in Iceland’s cold North Atlantic waters. Southern Iceland provides prime opportunities for spotting these magnificent marine mammals.
Húsavík
The town of Húsavík calls itself the whale-watching capital of Europe, and for good reason. Numerous tour operators based here offer trips into Skjálfandi Bay, where you stand an excellent chance of seeing minke, humpback, white-beaked dolphins, and even blue whales. The peak season is May to September when these species feed prolifically in the bay.
Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital makes a convenient base for whale-watching adventures into Faxaflói Bay. Harbor porpoises are commonly spotted here year-round. Other possible sightings include minke, humpback, orca, and even fin whales. Whale-watching tours depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor throughout the year.
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Spring and summer bring excellent whale-watching opportunities around the Westman Islands. Species such as humpback, minke, orca, pilot, and sperm whales are drawn to the feeding grounds near the islands. Local operators offer boat tours to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Where to See Puffins
With their brightly colored beaks, puffins are among Iceland’s most beloved birds. Several locations along the south coast offer a chance to get close views of these seabirds during nesting season.
Dyrhólaey
The cliffs near Dyrhólaey provide nesting spots for thousands of puffins from May to early August each year. A trail leads along the edge of the cliffs towards the lighthouse, giving you fantastic views down onto puffins gathered on ledges below. Early morning or evening tends to be best for puffin viewing.
Reynisfjara Beach
Along with seals, puffins also nest in the offshore rock formations at Reynisfjara Beach. They make for great photo opportunities as they take off from or return to their cliffside burrows with beaks full of fish. However, be cautious of sneaker waves along this beach.
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
With an estimated 1 to 2 million puffins nesting here, the Westman Islands have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Take a tour boat to circle the main puffin island of Heimaey and see these charismatic birds up close in their natural habitat from May to early August.
Tips for Responsible Viewing
When observing seals, whales, puffins, and other wildlife in Iceland, be sure to follow responsible viewing guidelines:
- Maintain a respectful distance and use binoculars or telephoto lenses to avoid disturbing the animals. Do not approach closely or block their access to the ocean.
- Follow instructions from your guide or tour operator. Do not stray from designated trails or viewing platforms.
- Keep noise to a minimum when near haul-out or nesting areas. Loud noises can cause seals and nesting seabirds to flush or abandon their sites.
- Be patient. Animals are wild and their movements are unpredictable. You may need to spend time scanning the horizon before a whale surfaces or wait quietly for puffins to emerge.
- Support responsible tourism operators who follow proper codes of conduct around wildlife. Look for tour companies certified by IceWhale, the Icelandic Seal Center, and other reputable organizations.
By adopting responsible practices, we can all enjoy Iceland’s amazing animals in their natural habitats. A bit of preparation and knowledge of the prime spots give you a great chance of creating lifelong memories observing these incredible creatures.
Iceland offers an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. With responsible practices, preparation, and knowledge of the prime spots, you stand an excellent chance of observing seals, whales, puffins, and other incredible animals on your travels in the land of fire and ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the best time of year to see whales?
The peak whale watching season is from April to September when whales are most actively feeding in Iceland’s waters. However, it’s possible to spot whales year-round on tours from Reykjavik.
-
What is the best time to see puffins?
The nesting season from mid-April to early August is when puffins gather in large numbers on sea cliffs and islands around Iceland. This is the optimal viewing period.
-
Where can I see seals year-round?
Some of the best places for year-round seal watching are Reynisfjara black sand beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Westman Islands. Seals haul out on shores and icebergs here throughout the year.
-
Is it possible to see whales and puffins in the same location?
Yes, the Westman Islands south of Iceland have both abundant puffin colonies and excellent whale watching from May to August each year. Boat tours offer opportunities to see both in one excursion.
-
Do I need to book a tour or can I see wildlife independently?
Guided boat tours are highly recommended for the best opportunities to spot whales and seabirds. DIY viewing from shore is possible for seals and some puffin colonies but does not guarantee sightings.
