Best Wildlife Tours in Iceland
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Immersive Wildlife Tours in Iceland
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Iceland's untamed wilderness through wildlife tours that unveil the country's unique animals in their natural habitats. Iceland's diverse landscapes serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, from the fertile surrounding ocean to the flourishing wetlands, valleys, and remote areas.
One of the best wildlife experiences in Iceland is whale watching. The country's waters are home to numerous species of whales and dolphins, including humpback whales, orcas, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.
Whale watching tours in Iceland, often departing from coastal towns like Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik, take participants on boat excursions to witness these majestic creatures breaching and feeding in the North Atlantic Ocean. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the whales' behavior and biology during these memorable outings.
Puffin watching is another popular wildlife tour in Iceland. The country hosts one of the world's largest puffin colonies, with millions of these charismatic seabirds nesting on cliffs and islands along the coast. Tours, often available from locations like the Westman Islands and Dyrholaey, offer the chance to get up close to puffin colonies during the breeding season.
Arctic foxes, Iceland's only native land mammal, inhabit the remote and rugged regions of the country. Specialized wildlife tours take participants to areas like Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords, where the chance of spotting these elusive creatures is higher.
Other thrilling wildlife tours in Iceland are seal watching, horseback riding, reindeer safari, and seabird watching.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wildlife tour in Iceland?
On these guided wildlife tours, experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you to the best places to view wild animals.
What are the top three wildlife tours in Iceland?
Another top-rated wildlife tour in Iceland is a traditional whale-watching boat tour from Husavik, with an average of 4.5 stars by over 200 travelers. This tour costs approximately 82 USD.
This whale-watching excursion from Akureyri, meanwhile, is rated 4.5 by more than 90 nature lovers. This boat trip is around 99 USD.
What is the cheapest wildlife tour in Iceland?
This cheap wildlife tour in Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula allows you to see marine mammals on the fertile waters of the Breidafjordur bay. It costs less than 100 USD and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by over 50 adventurers.
Are wildlife tours in Iceland worth it?
Are wildlife tours in Iceland guided?
Will I learn about the animals on my wildlife tour in Iceland?
Can I take pictures during wildlife tours in Iceland?
Can I get very close to the wildlife during these tours in Iceland?
Do wildlife tours operate year-round in Iceland?
For example, puffin and seabird watching are only primarily available during summer, from May to August.
Are there age restrictions for specific wildlife tours?
Do I need to bring any specific equipment or clothing for wildlife tours in Iceland?
Additionally, if you have specific wildlife-watching equipment, such as high-quality binoculars or cameras, bringing them along can enhance your wildlife-watching experience. It's always a good idea to check with the tour operator for any specific equipment recommendations based on your booked tour.
Will I see an arctic fox on a wildlife tour in Iceland?
However, if you join a dedicated Arctic fox watching tour in Iceland, you can maximize your chance to see these shy animals. These tours are only available in remote locations such as the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords region.
Do wildlife tours in Iceland offer hotel pick-up?
This scenic eight-hour horse riding and whale watching day tour includes hotel pick-up. Other wildlife tours offer pick-up from well-known pick-up points in popular cities and towns like Reykjavik or Akureyri.
Meanwhile, other wildlife tours have meet-on-location starting points. Fortunately, these locations, such as Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, are easy to locate.
Do I get dropped off at my hotel after my wildlife tour?
If you choose a wildlife day tour that starts early in the morning and finishes late in the evening, then hotel pick-up can be a very convenient option. It will save you time as you do not need to travel to another pick-up point.
Hotel pick-up/drop-off can also be added to many wildlife tours if not included in the original fee. Hotel drop-off can be added to the lava tunnel and whale watching tour, for example. Please note that there will be an additional charge for this.
Is lunch usually included in wildlife tours?
If lunch is not included in the wildlife tour, then you will be able to bring a packed lunch. You may also have the opportunity to buy lunch from a local cafe or restaurant. On some tours, there will be lunch stops and coffee breaks where you can get a hot drink.
Are there any ethical considerations for wildlife tours in Iceland?
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