Iceland Wildlife Tours
Say hi to puffins, whales, and other wildly fascinating Icelandic animals in their natural habitat.
Experience Iceland's wildlife tours that take you deep into untouched nature, brimming with rare, majestic, and charismatic creatures. Spot colorful puffins, graceful whales, playful seals, and other animals alongside expert local guides. Learn fascinating insights, take in volcanic views, and snap those documentary-worthy shots.
Guided wildlife watching trips provide safe, eco-friendly, and up-close encounters rooted in a deep respect for the country’s delicate flora and fauna. Suitable for all ages and every season, they promise a “did you see that?!” moment around every corner. Reserve your seat and let the adventure begin.
Feeling inspired?
of 04
Let's Talk Adventure
Questions, ideas, or just a need for adventure inspiration? We’ve got you covered. Let’s chat and get you on your way to something incredible.
Peek into the lives of animals in Iceland.
The Benefits of Expert-Guided Wildlife Experiences
Guided wildlife watching tours are designed to give you up-close encounters, always with one clear priority: respect for nature and its inhabitants. Knowledgeable local guides know the best ways to approach animals, ensuring the safety of visitors and our furry and feathered friends.
Besides, you have much higher chances of spotting wildlife compared to going on your own. Why? Our trusted partners have years of experience in bringing travelers eye-to-eye with whales, puffins, seals, reindeer, and more. Tours operate in small groups, which means a more personal exploration and far less disturbance to Icelandic wildlife than large crowds would cause.
You’ll journey through Iceland’s most stunning locations, like dramatic fjords and sheltered bays, lush valleys, and black sand beaches. These tours often combine wildlife watching with visits to top attractions, such as the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or Akureyri.
Meet Iceland’s Incredible Wildlife
Curious about the fascinating marine life? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to meet those comical, bright-beaked birds everyone in Iceland is obsessed with? Join a wildlife tour and spot Iceland’s wilderness celebrities, whether on land, by boat, or in the saddle.
Iceland is one of the world’s best places to watch whales. You have a great chance to see Blue whales, Minke whales, and Humpbacks, known for their spectacular breaches. As a bonus, you might also witness orcas, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. And don’t forget the seals! These lazy sunbathers lie peacefully on beaches or icebergs, looking like they don’t have a single care in the world. They’ll boost your mood even on the rainiest day.
On land, you’re likely to run into friendly Icelandic horses and sheep. So. Many. Sheep. Roaming peacefully across the open fields. But if you’re hoping to glimpse the shyer furry locals—like arctic foxes or reindeer—you’ll need a helping hand from expert guides who know all the secret hideouts.
Puffins—the true Icelandic showstoppers. They can’t go unnoticed, with their bright beaks, curious eyes, and signature waddle. Often nicknamed “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea“, they are intelligent and social birds who develop strong bonds and use sticks as tools for their daily routines. See their interesting personalities up close!
Where to Experience Wildlife in Iceland
Westfjords
This remote peninsula in Northwest Iceland is one of the country’s most untouched regions, thanks to its distance from the country’s main highway, the Ring Road. Such isolation makes the Westfjords a quiet heaven for wildlife in Iceland. You can easily spot puffins, guillemots, white-tailed eagles, and the only native land mammals in Iceland, Arctic foxes, roaming free across the wild landscape.
Húsavík & Akureyri
Iceland’s top whale-watching spots are found in the north, where nutrient-rich waters attract a wide range of marine life. The charming Húsavík and vibrant Akureyri towns are well known as the country’s whale watching capitals for good reason. Here, you have a great chance of spotting minke whales, humpbacks, and the world’s largest species—magnificent blue whales.
Ingólfshöfði
Often called a puffin paradise, Ingólfshöfði cape is a wonderful nature reserve on the South Coast, where you can spot thousands of these seabirds. Steep sea cliffs protect them from predators like foxes and mink, while the grassy slopes provide excellent nesting spots. Since the area is highly protected, it’s only accessible on guided tours, helping preserve both the fragile ecosystem and the puffins’ peace.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is so biologically diverse, it’s often called “Iceland in miniature.” Around 60 bird species nest here, including common eiders, fulmars, Arctic terns, guillemots, and gulls. It’s also a great place to spot seals, Arctic foxes, and iconic Icelandic horses, known for their thick, fluffy coats and smooth gaits. You can book a horseback riding tour and explore the area from the saddle.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a dreamlike glacial lagoon where seals love to lounge on drifting icebergs. A boat tour across the lagoon allows you to get close to these curious creatures. Sometimes you’ll see 30 or more in one trip! In the evenings, they become more active, making sounds and splashing as they head into the water to hunt.
Explore Iceland’s top wildlife destinations
Plan Your Tour Now!
Best Time to Experience Wildlife in Iceland
Summer in Iceland (May–September) is dedicated to puffin and whale watching adventures. These migratory animals return to the country in spring and stay until Autumn. Summer is nesting season for puffins—it’s an ideal time to observe their quirky behavior. With long days and the glow of the midnight sun, you can enjoy extended hours of wildlife watching.
Winter (October–April) turns the country into a snow-draped wonderland, as the skies glow with the Northern Lights. It’s the best time to see Arctic foxes in their fluffy white winter coats, perfectly camouflaged against the white expanses. Besides them you might also spot reindeer, sheep, and seals.
FAQ
