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Wildlife Locations

8 recommended locations. Please contact us for further suggestions.

Akureyri

Nestled at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and at the base of snow-capped mountains, is the town of Akureyri. Being close to the Arctic Circle, there are chances to see the magical Northern Lights and wildlife highlights include whale watching excursions searching for humpack and minke whales. Find Out More

  • Where: North Iceland
  • Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphin, Arctic tern
  • Excellent for: Whale watching, Dolphin watching ,

Grundarfjordur

Grundarfjordur lies on the north shore of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a two hour drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Set on the shore of a half-moon bay, the town is backed by beautiful mountains, including steeple-shaped Kirkjufell, and provides the perfect location for whales watching trips to observe orca. Find Out More

  • Where: Snaefellnes Peninsula
  • Ideal for viewing: orca, Atlantic puffin, eider duck, fulmar, purple sandpiper
  • Excellent for: Whale watching ,

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Covering over 550 square kilometres, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve stands on the most northerly peninsula on the Icelandic mainland at the northern end of the Westfjords. This peninsula has been protected as a nature reserve since 1975, allowing the native flora and fauna to thrive. Find Out More

  • Where: Westfjords, northwest Iceland
  • Ideal for viewing: Arctic fox, field mouse, Atlantic puffin, harlequin duck, golden plover
  • Excellent for: Wildlife photography

Husavik

Situated on the north coast of Iceland, on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, is the small fishing town of Husavik. Known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, the surrounding waters boast humpback, minke and sometimes even blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Find Out More

  • Where: Norðurþing Muncipality
  • Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise, fulmar
  • Excellent for: Whale watching , Self-drive

Mývatn

Mývatn is situated on a lake which was formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago. Today the area is known for the huge numbers of waterbirds that visit in the summer, including tufted duck and greater scaup, and for the fascinating volcanic features that surround the lake. Find Out More

  • Where: North Iceland
  • Ideal for viewing: tufted duck, harlequin duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, greater scaup
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching , Self-drive

Reykjavik

Iceland's capital and its largest city, Reykjavik sits on a coastline consisting of peninsulas, straits and islands. This colourful city lies on the southern shore of Faxa Bay, whose waters are often visited by humpback and minke whales, as well as puffins, Arctic tern and other seabirds. Find Out More

  • Where: South-west Iceland
  • Ideal for viewing: humpback whale, minke whale, Atlantic puffin, common eider, tufted duck
  • Excellent for: Whale watching , Self-drive

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a 90km stretch of coastline comprising a world of diversity and includes the Snaefellsnes National Park at its western most end. Friendly towns and villages, spectacular mountains, a multitude of bird species nesting on treacherous cliffs and superb whale watching opportunities. Find Out More

  • Where: Borgarfjörður
  • Ideal for viewing: orca, white-beaked dolphin, Arctic tern, kittiwake, rsven
  • Excellent for: Whale watching, Dolphin watching ,

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle consists of three natural attractions, namely Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. With erupting geysers, powerful waterfalls and the spot where continental tectonic plates meet, the Golden Circle can be enjoyed as a day excursion from Reykjavik or included in a self-drive itinerary. Find Out More

  • Where: South Iceland
  • Ideal for viewing: harlequin duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, Arctic tern, gyrfalcon
  • Excellent for: Self-drive

View trips to these locations

Wildlife trips

Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans merge, this island nation has the world’s northernmost capital city. The sparsely populated interior consists largely of a plateau covered by mountains and glaciers, with areas of intense volcanic activity, and the surrounding seas are rich in marine life.

6 recommended trips. Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

Orcas & Northern Lights

Join this short group trip to experience the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, heading out on boat trips for close up encounters with large groups of orca. Iceland's rugged beauty is complemented by excellent bird watching, and there are excellent chances to view the northern lights at night. Find out more about Orcas & Northern Lights

  • Price (exc. flights): 5 days from £1,530
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • F
    • M

Iceland’s Natural Wonders Self-drive

A self-drive itinerary combining Iceland's natural geological wonders with its rich marine life, travelling from the north, westwards along the coast, and ending in Reykjavik. Enjoy whale watching trips in search of humpback and minke whales, and explore peninsulas for seal colonies and pelagic birdlife. Find out more about Iceland’s Natural Wonders Self-drive

  • Price (inc. flights): 8 days from £2,395
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O

Arctic Fox Photography

Join wildlife photographer Sean Weekly on this 6-night trip which has been designed to maximise photographic opportunities of Arctic fox in the remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Iceland. The area is well known for its population of these endearing and charismatic mammals and northern lights activity. Find out more about Arctic Fox Photography

  • Price (inc. flights): 7 days from £4,150
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • N
    • D

Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland

Sailing amid awe-inspiring scenery of fjords and glaciers, this comprehensive itinerary starts in Spitsbergen, home to the world's highest population of polar bears. Continuing across the Greenland Sea, orcas and dolphins follow in your wake, and there are chances to see walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. Find out more about Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland

  • Price (exc. flights): 14-16 days from £8,230
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

Exclusive voyage

Join conservationist and broadcaster Mark Carwardine on the voyage of a lifetime as we sail from Scotland to the icy realms of Svalbard. During the voyage we’ll visit prime sites in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean as well as a host of remote islands, all of which are home to intriguing wildlife. Find out more about Z) North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

  • Price (exc. flights): 17 days from £7,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J

When to go

Although it may not seen an obvious time to visit Iceland, January and February are the months to see orcas off the Snaefjellsness Peninsula.

Seasons

  • Summer

    Jun to Aug: Endless days as the sun barely sets. The lowlands are carpeted with wild flowers. Peak season for outdoor activities.
  • Autumn

    Sep to Oct: Days remain long, temperatures start to drop
  • Winter

    Nov to Mar: Killer whales (orcas) come to the fjord off Grundarfjordur to feed on herring; prime time to see the aurora borealis.
  • Spring

    Apr to May: Migrant birds return; over 200 species nest, including puffins, so great birdwatching. Lakes and rivers full of fish.

Wildlife events

  • Aug to Apr: Aurora borealis visible.
  • Nov to Mar: Killer whales feed off herring in fjord off Grundarfjordur.