Iceland Wildlife Guide

Puffins

The Atlantic puffin is Iceland's most beloved bird and arguably its most recognisable animal. Each spring, an estimated 8 to 10 million puffins return to Iceland's coastal cliffs to breed, making the country home to roughly 60 percent of the world's entire Atlantic puffin population. They arrive in late April, spend the summer nesting in burrows dug into grassy clifftops, and depart again by mid-August to spend the winter far out at sea in the North Atlantic.

The largest and most accessible puffin colonies are found at Latrabjarg in the Westfjords, the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) off the South Coast, Borgarfjordur Eystri in the East, and the Dyrholaey promontory near Vik on the South Coast. Each location offers a different experience. Latrabjarg is Europe's largest sea cliff and home to millions of birds. Borgarfjordur Eystri has a purpose-built viewing platform where puffins nest at arm's length. Dyrholaey is the most convenient stop for anyone driving the South Coast.

The best time to see puffins is June and July, when they are most active at the colony -- flying in with beaks full of fish, feeding chicks, and socialising on the clifftops. By early August, the young pufflings begin to fledge, and the adults gradually leave. If you visit outside the June-July window, your chances of seeing puffins on land drop significantly.

Puffin viewing is free at most colonies. There is no need for a tour at Latrabjarg, Borgarfjordur Eystri, or Dyrholaey, though boat tours to the Westman Islands offer a different perspective from the water. Always stay behind fences and on marked paths near nesting areas -- puffin burrows are fragile and collapse easily underfoot, which can kill chicks inside.

Whales & Dolphins

Iceland's nutrient-rich waters attract over 20 species of cetacean, making it one of Europe's premier whale watching destinations. The undisputed capital of Icelandic whale watching is Husavik, a small fishing town on the north coast of Skjalfandi Bay. Husavik operators report sighting rates above 95 percent in peak season, with humpback whales being the most commonly encountered species. The town has built an entire identity around whale watching, including the excellent Husavik Whale Museum.

Species You Can See

Humpback whales are the stars of Icelandic whale watching -- breaching, tail-slapping, and feeding close to boats. Minke whales are also frequently spotted, often surfacing quietly near vessels. Blue whales, the largest animals ever to have lived, are occasionally seen in Skjalfandi Bay and off the north coast during summer months. White-beaked dolphins are common across Iceland and often ride the bow waves of whale watching boats, providing guaranteed entertainment even on quieter days.

Where to Watch

Orcas (killer whales) are most reliably seen around the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland, particularly during winter and spring when herring schools gather in the fjords. Sightings from shore are possible at Grundarfjordur. Whale watching tours also run from Reykjavik's Old Harbour and from Akureyri, the capital of the north. Reykjavik tours are convenient but generally see fewer species than Husavik.

When to Go

The main whale watching season runs from April to October, with June through August offering the longest days, calmest seas, and highest variety of species. However, winter whale watching is growing in popularity, particularly in Husavik and Akureyri, where humpbacks remain through the darker months and tours sometimes coincide with northern lights displays.

Seals

Two species of seal breed in Iceland: the harbour seal and the grey seal. Harbour seals are the more common of the two, with an estimated population of around 12,000 animals. They are found all around the coast but are most concentrated in the north and west. Grey seals are larger and less numerous, with a population of roughly 6,000, and tend to favour more exposed rocky coastlines.

Where to See Seals

The best place in Iceland to see seals is the Vatnsnes peninsula in northwest Iceland. The coast around Hvitserkur -- a dramatic 15-metre basalt sea stack that resembles a drinking dragon -- is home to large haul-out sites where dozens of seals rest on rocks and sandbars at low tide. The Icelandic Seal Centre in nearby Blonduos provides context on seal biology and conservation. Another reliable location is Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon on the South Coast, where harbour seals haul out on icebergs and can be watched from the shore.

Pupping Season and Viewing Tips

Pupping season for harbour seals runs from late May through July, with most pups born in June. This is a sensitive time and visitors should keep a distance of at least 50 metres from seals with pups. Grey seals pup later, from October to December. Seals are curious animals and may approach you in the water, but on land they are easily spooked -- stay low, move slowly, and use binoculars rather than trying to get closer.

Seal watching from shore is free and requires no tour. The Vatnsnes peninsula is accessible via Route 711, a partially unpaved road that loops around the peninsula. On the South Coast, seals at Jokulsarlon are visible from the car park area. Never approach seals on beaches where waves are present -- Iceland's coastal conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Arctic Fox

The Arctic fox is Iceland's only native land mammal. It arrived thousands of years ago, walking across the frozen sea ice during the last Ice Age, and has been here ever since. Every other land mammal in Iceland -- from mice to horses to reindeer -- was introduced by humans. The Icelandic Arctic fox population is estimated at around 10,000 animals, and they are found across the entire country, from coastal lowlands to highland plateaus.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Despite being widespread, Arctic foxes are shy and elusive in most of Iceland. The one exception is Hornstrandir, a remote and uninhabited nature reserve at the northern tip of the Westfjords. Because Hornstrandir has been free of human habitation since the 1950s and hunting is prohibited, the foxes there have lost their fear of people. Visitors to Hornstrandir regularly encounter foxes at close range, making it the single best place in the world to observe wild Arctic foxes behaving naturally.

For those who cannot make the journey to Hornstrandir, the Arctic Fox Centre in Sudavik (also in the Westfjords) is an excellent alternative. This small museum and research centre documents the biology and cultural history of the Arctic fox in Iceland and sometimes cares for orphaned fox cubs that can be seen up close. The centre also organises guided fox-watching excursions in the surrounding area.

Coat Morphs and Conservation

Icelandic Arctic foxes come in two colour morphs: white and blue. White morph foxes turn pure white in winter and brown in summer, while blue morph foxes remain dark brown or charcoal year-round, turning slightly lighter in winter. The blue morph is more common in Iceland's coastal areas. Conservation of the Arctic fox in Iceland is complicated -- they are still legally hunted in some areas to protect eider duck nesting colonies, though attitudes are gradually shifting toward protection.

Reindeer

Reindeer are not native to Iceland. They were introduced from Norway in the late 18th century with the intention of establishing a domestic herding industry similar to Scandinavia. The herding efforts failed, but the reindeer thrived in the wild. Today, an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 wild reindeer roam the highlands and lowlands of East Iceland -- and only East Iceland. Despite multiple attempts to establish herds elsewhere, reindeer have never taken hold outside the eastern quarter of the country.

In summer, the herds move to higher ground, grazing on lichen and moss across the eastern highlands. As autumn arrives and snow covers the high ground, they migrate down to the coastal lowlands around Egilsstadir, Fljotsdalsherad, and the Lagarfljot valley. This makes autumn and early winter the best time to see reindeer, as they gather in large groups on lower farmland where they are visible from roads.

The best area for reindeer sightings is along Route 1 between Egilsstadir and the Berufjordur pass, and on highland roads like Route 910 toward Snaefell in summer. Reindeer are wild and unpredictable -- they sometimes wander onto roads, so drivers in East Iceland should be vigilant, especially at dawn and dusk. They are not dangerous to people but should not be approached closely, as stress from human proximity can be harmful, particularly in winter when they need to conserve energy.

The Icelandic reindeer population is managed through an annual hunting season each autumn, with permits allocated to control herd size and prevent overgrazing. Reindeer are an important part of the East Iceland economy and culture, and venison is a prized local delicacy. For visitors, encountering a herd of wild reindeer against the backdrop of East Iceland's rugged mountains is one of the country's most unexpected and memorable wildlife experiences.

Birdwatching

Iceland has recorded over 330 bird species, a remarkable number for a subarctic island. While many are passage migrants, the country hosts large breeding populations of several species that draw birdwatchers from around the world. The combination of sea cliffs, wetlands, lakes, and highland desert creates a range of habitats packed into a relatively small area.

Notable Species

Arctic terns are ubiquitous in summer and famous for their aggressive defence of nesting sites. They will dive-bomb anyone who walks too close to their nests, striking heads with sharp beaks. This is not charming -- it draws blood. If you see warning signs about nesting terns, take them seriously and hold a stick or hat above your head as a decoy. Great skuas (bonxies) are equally territorial and considerably larger. Both species nest in open ground across lowland Iceland from May to August.

The golden plover is traditionally regarded as the herald of spring in Iceland, and its arrival in late March or April is celebrated as the first sign of warmer days ahead. Eider ducks are culturally significant -- farmers have harvested eiderdown for centuries, carefully collecting the soft breast feathers after chicks have fledged. This sustainable practice continues today and is part of the reason eider duck colonies are protected across Iceland.

Best Birding Locations

Lake Myvatn in North Iceland is one of Europe's richest birding areas, supporting the highest diversity of breeding duck species in the world. Barrow's goldeneye, harlequin duck, and the great northern diver all breed here. The Latrabjarg sea cliffs in the Westfjords host millions of nesting seabirds including razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars alongside the famous puffins. Gannets can be observed at colonies near Vik.

Birdwatching in Iceland requires no permits and most sites are freely accessible, though binoculars and a good field guide are essential equipment. The best birding months are May through August when breeding species are most active and visible.

Best Wildlife Seasons

Timing is everything when it comes to Icelandic wildlife. The country's extreme seasonality means that the animals you can see change dramatically depending on when you visit. Understanding the seasonal calendar is essential for planning a wildlife-focused trip.

Seasonal Calendar

• April: Puffins arrive at breeding colonies. Whale watching tours resume. Migratory birds return. Golden plovers herald spring
• May: Puffin colonies become busy. Whale sightings increase. Harbour seal pupping begins. Arctic terns arrive and start nesting
• June-July: Peak wildlife viewing. Puffins feeding chicks. Humpback and minke whales abundant. Seal pups on beaches. Birdlife at maximum intensity
• August: Puffins begin leaving colonies by mid-month. Some migratory birds head south. Whale watching still excellent
• September-October: Whale watching remains good. Reindeer descend from highlands in East Iceland. Seal watching along Vatnsnes peninsula
• November-March: Arctic foxes in full winter coats. Seals on rocks and beaches. Winter whale watching with northern lights. Reindeer on lowland farmland

Peak Summer (June-July)

June and July represent the absolute peak for wildlife in Iceland. Every major species is present and active. Puffins are feeding chicks at cliff colonies, humpback whales are breaching in northern bays, seal pups are learning to swim, and the midnight sun provides 24 hours of light for viewing. This is the best window for a dedicated wildlife trip, though it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Winter Wildlife

The winter months from November to March offer a different but rewarding wildlife experience. Arctic foxes are in their full winter coats and are active across the country. Seals continue to haul out on rocks and beaches. Winter whale watching tours in Husavik and Akureyri provide the unique combination of humpback whale sightings with potential northern lights displays. While the total variety of species is lower in winter, the dramatic landscapes and lighting conditions make for a completely different experience.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Iceland's wildlife is remarkably accessible, but that accessibility comes with responsibility. The animals that make Iceland special are wild creatures living in a harsh environment, and human disturbance can have serious consequences for their survival and breeding success.

The most important rule is to keep your distance. At puffin colonies, stay behind fences and on marked paths. Puffin burrows are hidden beneath grass and collapse when stepped on, crushing eggs or chicks inside. At seal haul-out sites, maintain at least 50 metres distance -- closer approaches cause seals to flee into the water, wasting energy they need for nursing pups or surviving winter. Never chase or corner any animal to get a photograph. A picture taken with binoculars or a telephoto lens from a respectful distance is always better than a close-up obtained by stressing the animal.

Cliff safety is a serious concern at puffin viewing sites. Latrabjarg, Dyrholaey, and other clifftop colonies have sheer drops of hundreds of metres. Wind gusts can be sudden and powerful. Stay well back from cliff edges, supervise children at all times, and never lean over edges for a better view. Several people have died falling from cliffs at Icelandic seabird colonies.

Never feed wildlife. Human food is harmful to wild animals and creates dangerous habituation. Do not leave food scraps at campsites or viewpoints. Follow marked trails to avoid trampling nesting habitat. If you are on a whale watching tour, choose operators certified by IceWhale, the Icelandic Whale Watching Association, which sets standards for responsible boat behaviour around cetaceans. Responsible wildlife viewing ensures that future visitors can enjoy the same extraordinary encounters that make Iceland one of Europe's great wildlife destinations.