Beluga Whale Sanctuary & Puffin Rescue Admission in the Westman Islands

Visit rescued puffins, see beluga whales, and explore Icelandic conservation with your admission to the Beluga Sanctuary in Heimaey. Anyone interested in wildlife and the environment will find their visit to this incredible location unforgettable. 

The sanctuary is located on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago. It’s easy to reach via regular ferries from South Iceland, and the island is small enough to explore comfortably on foot. Upon arrival, you can visit the sanctuary at your own pace and take in its educational and interactive exhibits.

Inside the visitor center, you’ll learn about the sanctuary’s mission, the rehabilitation process, and the stories behind its residents. Exhibits explain the vital work of the care team and highlight the importance of protecting marine life.

Depending on the season and environmental conditions, you may spot the sanctuary’s two resident belugas. Little Grey and Little White can be seen either in their open-water cove or their indoor habitat.

Little Grey is the more confident and vocal of the pair, while Little White is more reserved and tends to rely on her sister. Both whales are thriving in their new home, especially after being rescued from a small, unsanitary tank in a Shanghai amusement park.

Beluga whales are large, intelligent animals, each weighing over 2,425 pounds (1,100 kilograms) and measuring around 13 feet (four meters) in length. Their skin is a striking milky white, and their movements are graceful to watch. They are nicknamed “the canaries of the sea” due to their wide range of vocalizations.

Animal lovers can take comfort knowing that their admission fee directly supports the care and protection of these remarkable creatures. This ensures their wellbeing in a safe, natural environment rather than contributing to their exploitation.

You’ll also discover the charming puffins that call this facility home. Many are here for rehabilitation or long-term care after being found injured or orphaned.

In summer, you might even see young pufflings who left their nests too soon and are receiving help before being released. Informational displays help you understand puffin behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face in the wild.

Even if the belugas are not in view during your visit, the sanctuary’s aquarium features a variety of fascinating sea creatures. You might spot wolffish with their toothy grins, colorful Atlantic cod, and delicate sea anemones. 

These displays showcase species native to Icelandic waters and offer a deeper look into the marine ecosystem surrounding the Westman Islands. They help visitors understand the importance of ocean conservation and the need to protect vulnerable marine life.

At the end of your visit, you can also browse the gift shop for books, toys, and other memorabilia that support the sanctuary’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Discover the amazing animals at the Beluga Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue and learn about their biology and rehabilitation. Check availability now by choosing a date.