Spot Wildlife in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know For Your Icelandic Safari!
Iceland is a beautiful country that is known for its amazing waterfalls, landscapes and the Northern lights, but did you know that you can also spot wildlife in Iceland? While travelling through Iceland, you are very likely to see Icelandic horses, sheep and mountain goats, but that’s not all. You can also spot seals, whales, dolphins, puffins and even Arctic foxes in Iceland. Learn how to spot wildlife in Iceland by using this guide and tips!
How to Spot Wildlife in Iceland?
A lot of animals in Iceland are very easy to spot while driving around the country, like the Icelandic horse, several bird species and sheep. Other animals require a little more effort, but are fairly easy to spot around the year too, like seals and dolphins. And then there are the rare sights, where you have to get lucky to see them, like the Arctic fox or the killer whale. There are also animals that are only present during a particular season, like the puffins that come to breed in Iceland once a year. Read more about travel in Iceland
How to Spot Seals in Iceland
Seals can be found in Iceland year round, but during winter you will have a higher chance of seeing them. One of the best places to find them is at the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon in the South of Iceland. They will either be swimming in the lake or relaxing on one of the icebergs from the tongue of the glacier. Jökulsárlón provides them with a safe haven to rest and socialize, and protects them from killer whales. Other places where you might find seals are the Vatnsnes Peninsula and Illugastadir. These are both located on the north-side of the island.
Can I Spot Seals By Myself?
Spotting seals is an activity that you can easily and safely do by yourself, and it’s one of the best free activities on the island! You do not need a tour to spot seals. The places where the seals swim and rest are very accessible year round and by foot. During winter it can get a little slippery here and there, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended. It is advised to keep your distance from curious seals, they might look cute, but they have razor sharp teeth.
Tip: If you’re driving up to the Vatnsnes Peninsula, a visit to the Icelandic Seal Center is a fun way to learn more about the seal species that live in Iceland. It’s a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to education, research and the conservation of seals in their natural habitat. There’s also a small museum that’s definitely worth a visit!
Spotting Whales In Iceland
Whale watching is some of the most popular activities in Iceland. It’s an incredible experience to see whales and other amazing sea creatures like orcas in their natural habitat and to learn more about them. It’s difficult to spot these animals by yourself, so I recommend booking a tour. During our last trip to Iceland we went on an ethical whale watching tour with Elding. They are located in the Reykjavik harbor, which is an ideal location for anyone flying to Iceland through Keflavik airport. You can book your tour here.
Tip: To make sure that you book an ethical tour, you can go to the website icewhale.is to see if your company is on the list of ethical operators.
Ethical Whale Watching Tour – Spot Wildlife In Iceland
Nowadays, there are more and more companies that specialize in tours that place animal welfare at the top of their list. They always keep to the code of conduct for responsible whale watching and are usually led by marine biologists. You can learn a lot about whales and other sea creatures during these tours. The marine biologists know all kinds of fun facts about the animals, and you can ask questions about them. They usually also provide you with protective clothing for the cold and medicine against seasickness, as the sea tends to get a bit wild sometimes.
Tip: Plan your whale watching tour for the first days of your trip. Whale sightings are, just like on safari, not a given thing. If you don’t see any whales during your tour, most operators give out complimentary tickets to try again. You might even be able to book another tour during your Iceland trip!
How To Spot Icelandic Horses In Iceland
These beautiful and friendly animals play an important part in Icelandic history and culture. The island is home to around 80.000 Icelandic horses, which is about 1 horse on every 4 people. You can find the photogenic Icelandic horses all over the island, so make sure to bring your camera. You don’t have to book a tour to spot Icelandic horses. Be aware of the fact that almost all of the Icelandic horses you will see during your trip belong to local farmers. Be respectful of your surroundings and the horses, so don’t cross fences or touch them without permission.
How To Spot Puffins In Iceland
Seeing the cute puffin is a dream of many, and Iceland is one of the most popular locations to do so. Puffins are only in Iceland for a short time each year. They can be seen in their breeding grounds from as early as late April to early September. To increase your chances of seeing the birds, I recommend visiting between May and the middle of August, which is the main puffin season in Iceland. You don’t have to book a tour to see puffins, but there are nature reserves that require you to book a tour.
Puffins are not scared of humans, so they will probably get quite close to you. Keep in mind that puffins have a protective layer on their feathers to deflect water, so make sure you don’t touch them to keep this layer in tact.
Spot Wildlife in Iceland: How To Spot Rare Animals?
There are a couple of animals that are rare to spot in Iceland. The killer whale, Arctic fox and gyrfalcon are all animals that you’re not likely to see. You really have to be lucky to spot them, but there are a couple of ways to increase your chances. Your chance at seeing an Arctic fox is much higher in the West-Fjords, which is also a wonderful part of the island to explore. Killer whale sightings are more frequent during winter and early spring, and seeing gyrfalcons can best be done in the Highlands and East-fjords.
When To Spot Wildlife In Iceland
You will definitely see a lot of animals during your trip to Iceland. Whether you travel during spring or summer to see puffins, or go whale watching during winter, there’s something for everyone. The chance of spotting one of the rare animals in Iceland depends on the season, area, and also on your luck! If you really want to see a particular animal, you can use the tips in this guide to plan the best time to visit and spot wildlife in Iceland.
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