Seals are among Iceland’s most charming wild residents, and the west and Westfjords regions are some of the best places in the country to see them in their natural habitat. Whether you’re staying near Borgarnes, exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or venturing into the dramatic fjords of the northwest, you’ll find excellent opportunities for seal and wildlife viewing—often just a short drive from Ourhotels.is locations.
Below are practical tips to help you enjoy seal and wildlife encounters safely and respectfully, along with suggestions on where to base yourself: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn.
Seals in West Iceland: What to Expect
Harbour seals and grey seals are the most commonly seen species along Iceland’s coasts. You’ll often spot them:
– Resting on rocks or sandy spits at low tide
– Popping their heads up in calm bays and fjords
– Basking near river mouths where fish are plentiful
They’re naturally curious but easily disturbed, so a calm, patient approach is essential.
Best Areas for Seal Watching Near Ourhotels.is
1. From Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður & West Coast
Staying at Hvítá Inn places you within easy reach of the west coast and its rich birdlife and marine life. After exploring the waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields of Borgarfjörður, head toward the shoreline and estuaries where seals sometimes rest and feed.
Tips from this base:
– Combine a scenic coastal drive with short stops at viewpoints and small harbours.
– Bring binoculars to scan offshore rocks and sandbanks.
– Visit in the early morning or late evening for quieter conditions and softer light for photography.
2. From Stykkishólmur Inn – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur is one of Iceland’s classic wildlife hubs. From Stykkishólmur Inn, you’re perfectly placed for:
– Boat tours in Breiðafjörður Bay, known for seals, seabirds, and sometimes whales
– Coastal walks where you can watch for seals resting on skerries and islets
– Bird cliffs and islands teeming with puffins (in season), kittiwakes, and other seabirds
For many guests of Ourhotels.is, a seal-spotting boat tour from Stykkishólmur is a highlight of their trip, combining wildlife viewing with stunning views of the islands and Snæfellsjökull glacier on clear days.
3. From Ísafjörður Inn – Westfjords Wilderness
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s wildest regions, and Ísafjörður Inn is an ideal base for exploring remote fjords and quiet coves where wildlife thrives. Here you can:
– Join guided boat trips to search for seals, whales, and porpoises
– Drive along narrow fjords and scan the shoreline for seals hauled out on rocks
– Combine seal watching with visits to famous bird cliffs and remote beaches
The relative remoteness of the Westfjords means fewer crowds and a higher chance of peaceful, unhurried wildlife encounters.
Wildlife Viewing Tips: How to Watch Responsibly
1. Keep a Safe Distance
– Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of walking closer.
– If a seal lifts its head, shuffles away, or repeatedly looks at you, you’re too close.
– Never stand between a seal and the water; it must always have a clear escape route.
2. Stay Quiet and Move Slowly
– Speak softly and avoid sudden movements.
– Sit or kneel rather than looming over animals.
– Turn off camera flashes; they can startle wildlife and ruin your photos.
3. Respect Nesting Birds and Other Wildlife
Seals share their habitat with many bird species and other animals.
– Keep to marked paths where possible, especially near cliffs and nesting areas.
– Avoid walking through seaweed-covered rocks and dunes where birds may nest.
– Never attempt to touch or feed any wild animal.
4. Be Extra Careful Around Pups
Seal pups may rest alone on beaches or rocks while their mothers feed offshore.
– Do not approach or touch pups, even if they look “abandoned.”
– Keep dogs on a leash and well away from wildlife.
– If you’re concerned about an injured animal, ask local staff at your Ourhotels.is accommodation for advice on who to contact.
5. Dress for the Conditions
Coastal and fjord weather can change quickly. For a comfortable wildlife outing:
– Wear warm, windproof layers and a waterproof outer shell.
– Choose sturdy, non-slip footwear for wet rocks and uneven ground.
– Pack gloves, a hat, and a dry bag for your camera or phone.
6. Time Your Visit
– Low tide often reveals more rocks and sandbanks where seals like to rest.
– Early morning and late evening can be quieter and more atmospheric.
– Summer brings long daylight hours and abundant birdlife; spring and autumn can be excellent for fewer crowds and dramatic light.
Planning Your Stay with Ourhotels.is
Choosing the right base can make wildlife watching easier and more rewarding:
– Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður: Ideal if you want to combine seal spotting with waterfalls, hot springs, and historic sites in West Iceland.
– Stykkishólmur Inn: Perfect for boat tours in Breiðafjörður, island hopping, and exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s rich marine life.
– Ísafjörður Inn: Best for those seeking remote fjords, rugged landscapes, and some of Iceland’s most untouched wildlife habitats.
At each Ourhotels.is location, staff can help you:
– Find local tour operators focused on responsible wildlife viewing
– Check weather and tide conditions
– Get up-to-date tips on where seals and other wildlife have recently been spotted
By combining thoughtful planning, respectful behavior, and comfortable bases like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll give yourself the best chance of unforgettable seal and wildlife encounters in West Iceland and the Westfjords—while helping to keep these wild places truly wild for future visitors.
