When you’re out on the waters of Skjálfandi Bay, searching the horizon for whales, don’t be surprised if you spot a sleek head popping up nearby ,it might just be one of our resident grey seals coming to say hello! While our tours focus on whales, many of our guests are just as enchanted by the grey seals we sometimes spot along the way, specially around “Fish rock” and for good reason! These marine mammals are full of personality and play a vital role in our local marine ecosystem.


•Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) meaning “hook-nosed sea pig” in Latin, are the largest seal species in the North Atlantic. Males can grow up to 2.3 meters long and weigh over 300kg , while females are smaller, usually maxing out around 1,90meters.
•This animals are perfectly at home in the cold, rich waters off Iceland’s coast. Skjálfandi Bay provides them with ideal conditions: rocky islets for resting, abundant fish for feeding, and relatively undisturbed shores for raising their pups.
•Don’t let their lazy sunbathing fool you, grey seals are powerful swimmers and deep divers, often plunging over 300 meters in search of fish, squid, and crustaceans.


•They can be seen year-round in Skjálfandi Bay, but during late autumn and early winter, lucky guests may even spot seal pups along the shorelines.


•Each grey seal has a unique pattern of spots on its fur (like a fingerprint) which scientists use to track individuals over time.

Whether they’re gliding beside the boat or basking on coastal rocks near Húsavík, grey seals are a treasured part of every wildlife tour in Skjálfandi Bay. Their presence reminds us of the bay’s rich biodiversity and the importance of protecting it!