The Best Place to Go Seal Watching in Iceland

One of the best reasons to travel to Iceland is to spot the amazing wildlife. Go whale watching on a tour in Husavik, spot all of the adorable puffins on the Latrabjarg cliffs, and go seal watching in Iceland. For seal watching, head to Hvammstangi and the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

The Vatnsnes Peninsula is home to Iceland’s largest seal colony, and it’s the best place to go seal watching in the country. We loved incorporating a self-driving trip around the Vatnsnes Peninsula during our day in Hvammstangi for the opportunity to spot these beautiful creatures.

Hvammstangi is located just off Route 1 and it sits right between Akureyri (Iceland’s northern capital) and Reykjavik. It’s also a great stopping point between Akureyri and the Westfjords.

Why should you add Hvammstangi to your Icelandic bucket list? This region is famous for its seal colonies. In fact, it’s the best place in Iceland to observe and discover seals in their natural habitat. Seal watching in Iceland should be on any travel itinerary, especially if you go for 2 weeks like we did.

You don’t even have to take any kind of seal watching tour to see them. The seals are visible right from the shore. There’s nothing quite like viewing seals in their natural habitat.

Of course, it isn’t the only place where you can go seal watching in Iceland. We spotted seals floating on giant chunks of ice on our zodiac boat ride in the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It’s not really a guarantee that you’ll see seals in Jokulsarlon. On the Vatnsnes Peninsula, it’s more likely that you’ll spot them.

Visit the Icelandic Seal Center

Before you go seal watching, you’ll want to first check out the Icelandic Seal Center. It’s a research and exhibition center that investigates the lives of seals around the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

It opened back in 2006 with the rise in researching seals and watching seals in the wild. There’s also an educational exhibit here where you can learn more about them.

Justin and I met one of their friendly and helpful staff members. He gave us a brochure with a map of the seal watching sites, including the varieties of seals that we might see.

There are three seal watching locations, developed by locals and researchers: Svalbarð, Illugastaðir, and Hvítserkur. You can reach each of these sites by car, driving on Route 711. This road follows the perimeter of the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

The best seal watching times are two hours before and two hours after low tide. You can check this website for a daily tidal prediction graph.

We thought it was best if we went to the Icelandic Seal Center and ask where to go and when. As it turned out, it was just the right time to view seals at the nearest seal watching location to Hvammstangi, Svalbarð. So, we headed right there.

It was a very scenic drive from Hvammstangi to the seal watching site of Svalbarð. I’m sure this comes as no surprise as Iceland is stunning everywhere you look.

Seal Watching in Iceland

When we arrived at Svalbarð, there were only a few other people wandering around this seal watching location. Justin and I ventured towards the coast on the lookout for seals. At first, we didn’t spot any of them. So, we kept walking.

It didn’t take too long for us to spot a seal. And then another, and another! Once we knew what we were looking for, it became easier to see them.

The seals weren’t super close to us, but lounging on some rocks a little ways out in the water. They seemed quite comfortable, almost as though they were sunbathing without the sun. Bringing a pair of binoculars is a good idea, if you have them.

Although there are several varieties of seals that live at Vatnsnes Peninsula, we mostly saw the more common Harbour Seal. Other seals that live here include the Grey Seal, Harp Seal, Hooded Seal, Bearded Seal, Ringed Seal, and even walruses.

It was very peaceful to stare out to the sea and admire the seals. See if you can find the seals in our photographs! Though we thoroughly enjoyed seal watching from just one location, you could easily make a day of it and drive to all three.

Remember to Be a Responsible Tourist

There are just a few small reminders to make the experience a pleasant one for both you and the seals. First, keep a safe distance from the seals. These are wild animals and it’s best not to disturb them in their natural environment. Watch them from a respectful distance.

It should go without saying, but please do not throw anything at the seals or be noisy around them. Take only pictures from a safe distance away. Bring a good zoom lens for your camera or a pair of binoculars.

Do not fly drones over the seals. Seals are afraid of drones. You shouldn’t fly drones over wildlife or even around birds if you can help it. Flying through bird sanctuaries or wildlife habitats with a drone is a big no-no.

It’s really easy to be a responsible tourist. Use your common sense, leave areas as you found them (or better than you found them), and admire wildlife without disturbing them in any way.

Where to Stay in Hvammstangi

Conveniently located in Hvammstangi and only a short drive from the Vatnsnes peninsula, we loved staying at Hvammstangi Cottages. They’re self service cabins right in town.

The mountains and countryside serve as a spectacular backdrop. It’s the combination of the perfect location and having all the amenities you need for a comfortable and restful stay.

Each cottage has a kitchenette, bathroom, and bunk beds (which we discovered seems to be a common feature in Icelandic cottages!). Justin and I cooked our meals at Hvammstangi Cottages, which helped us save money on the cost of food. Book your stay here.

Getting There

Getting to the Vatnsnes peninsula is only really possible by car. We suggest renting a car when you travel to Iceland. The best places to go seal watching in Iceland are a bit remote, so you’ll need to drive yourself there.

Having a car rental in Iceland allows you the flexibility of going where you want, when you want. Earlier in the morning or later in the evening will help avoid the large bus tours and you might even have some attractions all to yourself.

We love comparing car rental prices with Discover Cars. They list all of the car hire agencies in one place, so you can compare what’s included, reviews, and prices. Find your rental car in Iceland here.