Reykjavik adventures to satisfy the animal lover

Between its mighty glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and erupting geysers, southern Iceland deserves every bit of the hype it receives for its dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes, but its thriving fauna should also be added to its impressive list of natural wonders. If your ideal vacation always includes seeking out the local critters, this post has your name all over it. Read on to discover our favorite animal-related things to do in Reykjavik, both on land and sea.

1. Seek out a whale of an adventure.

Every year, a variety of migrating whales embark on a journey to the North Atlantic, making Reykjavik’s chilly waters a world-class destination for cetacean sightings, especially in the summer. Venture out with the expert guides at Reykjavik Sightseeing for a whale-watching excursion to the teeming Faxa Bay, where you’re likely to spy majestic humpbacks, minke whales, playful white-beaked dolphins, and small harbor porpoises in the icy surf. As you roam the seas in search of the best spots for whale activity, your small, rigid-inflatable boat allows you to get close to the incredible mammals, and also zips through narrow ocean inlets and shallows that aren’t accessible to larger vessels.

2. Ride your way through the Golden Circle.

No trip to Reykjavik would be complete without discovering the magnificent valleys and geothermal hotspots on the legendary Golden Circle route. If you’re an avid equestrian, pass up the standard bus tours in favor of an outing with the guides at Gray Line Iceland and conquer a stretch of this world-famous loop on the back of a majestic Icelandic horse. As you get acquainted with your trusty steed, whose ancestors have roamed this subarctic wilderness for centuries, chart a course across rugged terrain filled with spectacular and often completely uninhabited landscapes. After spending the morning riding, continue your adventure on 4 wheels to the Golden Circle’s 3 biggest destinations—Thingvellir National Park, the Gulfoss waterfall, and geyser-filled area of Haukadalur.

3. Scout the waters for puffins and seabird

The rocky islands and outcroppings of Reykjavik’s coast are a bird-watching paradise for avian aficionados, and the guides at Reyjavik Sightseeing know just the places to find lots of feathered friends. Grab your best pair of binoculars and head out on an action-packed cruise to the tiny islands of Akurey and Lundey, the preferred nesting grounds of adorable and plucky Atlantic puffins. Once you get up close to the lively colonies, your skipper kills the engine, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture amazing shots of these brilliant-beaked birds without disturbing them. Throughout the adventure, keep an eye out for a wide range of other native seabird species, too, which include black guillemots, terns, cormorants, and gannets.

4. Chase the perfect catch in Faxaflói Bay.

Cruise out of Reykjavik’s harbor and take to the open seas on a fishing expedition in Faxaflói Bay, whose waters brim with schools of fish. Put your angling skills to the test as local fisherman partnering with Special Tours lead you to their favorite fishing grounds, in which North Atlantic species like halibut, cod, catfish, haddock, and pollock are likely to bite. After reeling in your fresh catch, hand it off to the on-board chef, who tosses it right onto the barbecue so you can feast on the rewards of your efforts. Not a seasoned angler? No problem—the friendly crew members welcome all ability levels, and the views of the coastline alone make the trip more than worth it.

With so much wildlife to seek out around Reykjavik, what animal-filled outing will you choose?