Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/wildlife/seals Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Harbor & Grey Seals in Iceland: Where to Watch Two seal species call Iceland home year-round, hauling out on beaches and rocky shores from the Westfjords to the glacier lagoons of the south. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Location Coastal areas Vatnsnes, Jökulsárlón, Snæfellsnes ## Quick Answer See harbor and grey seals from Iceland’s coast. Compare viewing places, keep appropriate distances and understand the dated population estimates. Iceland's coastline is home to two breeding seal species: the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), known as "landselur" in Icelandic, and the larger grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), called "útselur." Harbor seals are the more numerous, with an estimated 10,319 in the 2020 survey; the grey seal estimate was 6,697 in 2022. Both species haul out on beaches, sandbars, and rocky shores to rest, regulate body temperature, and nurse their young. Seals are found along the entire Icelandic coast, but several locations offer reliable, easy viewing. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Icelandic Seal Center]() - [Marine and Freshwater Research Institute]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Harbor Seals 10,319 (2020) Found around the entire coastline, pupping June–July Grey Seals 6,697 (2022) Prefer exposed rocky coasts, pupping Oct–Dec Top Spot Vatnsnes Peninsula Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi and Illugastaðir hide ## What to Expect ### Two surveys, different years The harbor seal estimate refers to 2020 and the grey seal estimate to 2022. Adding them does not produce a measured population total for 2026. ### Best viewing: summer (harbor seals) June-August offers warmest conditions and harbor seal pupping season (June-July). Low tide is best for haul-out viewing; check tide tables for your location before visiting. ### Vatnsnes Peninsula (top location) Illugastaðir farm has a purpose-built hide overlooking a haul-out site, a short walk from parking. The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi (Route 1, 3 hours north of Reykjavík) offers guided tours. ### Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon Seals swim among the icebergs at the glacier lagoon (Route 1, 330 km east of Reykjavík). Year-round viewing from the shore. ### Ytri Tunga beach (Snæfellsnes) A reliable harbor seal colony on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Short walk from the parking area off Route 54. Best at low tide when seals haul out on rocks. ### Grey seal pupping: October-December Grey seal pups are born with white lanugo coats from October to December. Maintain 50m+ distance; mothers may abandon pups if disturbed. Best observed with binoculars from hides. ## Where to See Them Vatnsnes Peninsula: The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi is on Route 1, approximately 200 km (3 hours) north of Reykjavík. From Hvammstangi, drive Route 711 around the peninsula to Illugastaðir farm (15 km, gravel road, no 4WD required). A short 500m walk leads to the purpose-built viewing hide. Jökulsárlón: Directly on Route 1, 330 km east of Reykjavík; seals visible from the shore and bridge year-round. Ytri Tunga (Snæfellsnes): Route 54 along the south coast of the peninsula, signed parking area with a 200m walk to the beach; harbor seals haul out on rocks at low tide. Hvílft near Blönduós: Route 1, 240 km north of Reykjavík; roadside viewing of grey seal haul-outs. The Strandir coast in the Westfjords also has reliable sightings. No 4WD required for any of these locations. ## Best Time to Visit Seals are present year-round. June-July: Harbor seal pupping season, the best time to see mothers and newborns at Vatnsnes and Ytri Tunga; warmest conditions (10-15°C); longest daylight. August-September: Harbor seal pups growing and becoming more independent; grey seals beginning to congregate at pupping sites. October-December: Grey seal pupping season, with white-coated pups visible at exposed rocky coasts; maintain extra distance. January-March: Both species hauling out on calm days; winter visits to Jökulsárlón mean seals among the icebergs with few other visitors. April-May: Spring activity increasing; seals more visible at traditional haul-out sites. Low tide is always the best time for haul-out viewing; check tide tables (vedur.is) before visiting any location. ## What the population numbers mean Iceland’s [2025 national report to NAMMCO]() gives 10,319 harbor seals for 2020, with a 95% confidence interval of 6,733–13,906. It describes partial surveys planned for 2026; a plan is not a new census result. The [grey seal assessment published in August 2024]() estimates 6,697 animals in 2022, with a 95% interval of 5,576–7,841. Although higher than 2017, the researchers found no statistically significant population trend over 2005–2022. Keep those years and uncertainty ranges alongside the numbers. For shore watching, use the [Seal Center’s code of conduct](). Low tide can expose resting places, but check that your own return route will remain above the incoming water. Planning help ## Seal Watching FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What seal species live in Iceland?** Two species breed in Iceland: the harbor seal (landselur) and the grey seal (útselur). Harbor seals are the more common of the two and are found around the entire coastline. Grey seals are larger, with males reaching up to 300 kg, and tend to prefer more exposed rocky coasts. Both species can be seen year-round. **Where is the best place to see seals in Iceland?** The Vatnsnes peninsula in Northwest Iceland is one of the best seal-watching spots, particularly the Hvítserkur sea stack area and Illugastaðir seal-watching hide. The Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi provides information and guided tours. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon often has curious seals swimming among icebergs, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula also has reliable sightings. **How close can I get to seals?** The Icelandic Seal Center’s code asks shore visitors to keep at least 50 metres from resting seals, increasing to 100 metres during pupping, weaning and moulting. Move farther away if seals become alert or start shifting toward the water. Keep their route to the sea clear; a viewing hide is not permission to approach. **When is pupping season for seals in Iceland?** Harbor seal pups are born in June and July and can swim almost immediately. Grey seal pups are born from October to December and have a white coat (lanugo) for the first few weeks. The pupping seasons are the most sensitive times for disturbance, so extra care should be taken to maintain distance during these periods. [Back to Wildlife]() For more context on Iceland’s people and rural life, explore our [Iceland statistics]().