Wildlife Watching in Iceland
When humans first arrived in Iceland over 1100 years ago, it seemed desolate, serving primarily as a layover for migrating birds and home to the solitary Arctic fox, the only native land mammal. However, by expanding your exploration into the wild hills, dramatic cliffs, expansive glaciers, and captivating offshore islands, you can discover a wealth of wildlife in Iceland.
As you journey across fjords and venture into the North Atlantic to witness everything from adorable puffins to the largest animal on Earth, you’ll undoubtedly gather memorable stories to share. Below, we delve into Iceland’s premier locations for wildlife observation.
Ocean Giants: Humpbacks and Blue Whales
The picturesque village of Húsavík, overlooking the stunning Skjálfandi Bay, is recognized as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. During the summer months, when whales come to feed, boats depart for tours approximately every hour.
Among these, the acrobatic humpbacks are often the highlight of most excursions, with frequent sightings of white-beaked dolphins and minke whales. Enthusiastic adventurers might even have the rare chance to spot the elusive blue whale, with approximately 1 in 10 trips reporting such sightings. Húsavík is also home to a remarkable whale museum, housing a 25-meter-long skeleton of a blue whale stranded on a beach in North Iceland in 2010.
The three tour operators in Húsavík—Gentle Giants, North Sailing, and Salka—offer closely aligned tours lasting about three hours on renovated oak boats, often treating guests to hot chocolate and pastries post-tour. Notably, North Sailing’s newest environmentally friendly vessel, the Andvari, provides an enhanced experience, allowing for the serene sound of a whale’s blowhole without the interruption of a diesel engine.
For those considering alternatives, nearby Eyjafjörður offers different whale-watching experiences. Tours from Akureyri, Hjalteyri, and Dalvík provide opportunities that vary based on weather conditions. While Eyjafjörður’s long and narrow fjord provides a smoother sailing experience when gales occur, blue and fin whales are typically found in expansive bays like Skjálfandi.
Although humpbacks and minke whales can occasionally be sighted in Reykjavík’s Faxi Bay, this destination tends to yield less frequent sightings, making Húsavík or Eyjafjörður preferable for serious whale watchers.
Orcas in West Iceland
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are surprisingly prevalent in Icelandic waters, particularly around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, where they can be seen chasing herring. Interestingly, winter offers the best viewing opportunities for these magnificent predators.
From November to March, the tour boat Láki II operates daily from Grundarfjörður. Visitors should prepare for the cold, as standing on the bow in winter is akin to being atop a mountain. Fortunately, the crew provides warm overalls, but it’s wise to dress in layers.
As spring approaches, sightings off Snæfellsnes may become less predictable, suggesting it’s wise to inquire about other potential viewing locations during that time.
Puffins, Terns, and Plover on Love Island
The Atlantic Puffin considers Iceland a prime breeding ground. Each summer, millions arrive to nest, engage in intriguing courtship displays, and pose for countless photos. Conversely, while puffin populations were once uniformly distributed across the country, recent declines in sand eel availability along the southern coast have left northern and Westfjord colonies thriving while those in the south languish.
Látrabjarg Peninsula, renowned as one of Europe’s largest bird cliffs, stands as an exceptional location for observing puffins and various seabirds. The cliffs rise dramatically, reaching heights of up to 440 meters, and extend for approximately 14 km, creating perfect trails for day hikes.
While many puffin encounters require boat trips to locales like Drangey, originally referenced in The Sagas of the Icelanders, where a legendary figure swam more than 7 km to shore, modern visitors can enjoy guided boat tours and steep hikes to view puffins in their natural habitat.
Iceland hosts around 75 nesting bird species, with keen birdwatchers frequently visiting Lake Mývatn during summer months to encounter a variety of birds such as the Arctic tern, golden plover, common snipe, and oystercatcher.
Following the Arctic Fox to the Westfjords
While around 8000 Arctic Foxes inhabit Iceland, they are often regarded with disfavor by farmers, leading to a long history of hunting. In remote Hornstrandir, however, the foxes seem little burdened by this history, often approaching visitors in search of food.
To see these elusive creatures, one must access Hornstrandir by boat, as sightings diminish elsewhere due to extensive hunting. The Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík has begun raising orphaned cubs in tandem with an exhibition, providing a brief opportunity to observe these mammals.
Sheep, Horses, and Reindeer
The initial settlers brought livestock, leading to a situation where sheep have outnumbered humans. After spring lambing, about 800,000 sheep roam freely during the Icelandic summers, often proving troublesome for local motorists.
Additionally, the small and agile Icelandic horse is a common sight. While these horses are primarily kept in fields, numerous tour companies offer horseback riding experiences, with strict advising against mistakenly referring to them as ponies.
Reindeer, on the other hand, are exclusive to East Iceland, having been introduced from Norway. With a wild population of approximately 6000, these animals can be spotted along the Ring Road running between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir.
Polar Bears, Walruses, and a Changing Climate
Recent shifts in the ocean’s food web have led to notable changes in Iceland’s wildlife, with climate change often cited as a contributing factor. Ten years ago, whale-watching guides reported fewer sightings of humpback whales, as minke whales then dominated the tours. Simultaneously, puffins in southern Iceland are increasingly abandoning their burrows.
Notably, since 2008, several polar bears have traversed from Greenland to North Iceland and the Westfjords, typically during summer when diminishing sea ice pushes them in search of food. Unfortunately, government policy frequently mandates their removal due to perceived risks posed by their weakened state after lengthy swims.
In 2013, a live walrus captured media attention when it chose the black beach near the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon for a brief rest before continuing its journey into the sea. With sporadic sightings occurring every few years, walruses have begun to gain attention along Iceland’s coastlines.
Though the infamous Lagarfljót Worm has not been definitively spotted in Egilsstaðir’s lake area, locals maintain that, given current climate conditions, it may just be a matter of time…
