Naturalists will rejoice at the stunning biodiversity that can be found here in Iceland. The animals that have adapted to life at this northern latitude are impressive survivors that you can see up close as they battle the elements. Some of the most popular animals are the seabirds, small land mammals and the majestic marine mammals.
Avian life
While more than 300 species of birds have been recorded throughout Iceland, the most popular are undeniably the puffins, which populate the coastlines. They can be seen best from April to September. Golden plovers, ravens, and snipes can also be found here. The beloved Arctic Tern can be spotted soaring above the frigid northern waters, and the ptarmigan is considered quite a delicacy. This short list is far from exhaustive – there are many species of gulls, skuas, waders, stilts, shearwaters, petrels, and others.
Marine mammals
Many explorers visit the north Atlantic for its wealth of marine mammals, and Iceland is no exception, with visitors like whales, dolphins, and seals that can all be spotted soaring gracefully through the water before coming up for air. The whale & porpoise species you are likely to see here are humpback whales, Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
All of these mammals survive because of one very important part of the marine ecosystem – the endless supply of fish (over 300 species to be exact) – which thrive in the nutrient rich cold water around this island nation.
Land mammals
It’s actually not unheard of to come across a polar bear that has drifted to Iceland on a floating piece of ice from neighboring Greenland, but that’s certainly not the norm. Iceland’s native land mammals are much smaller than the mighty polar bear and include the Arctic fox, reindeer, rabbits, mice, and mink.
Domesticated animals
While these aren’t the most fascinating species to see on a trip to Iceland, you will still probably come across the domesticated animals that have lived here for centuries: sheep, horses, cattle, goats, and the Icelandic sheepdog.
Avian life
While more than 300 species of birds have been recorded throughout Iceland, the most popular are undeniably the puffins, which populate the coastlines. They can be seen best from April to September. Golden plovers, ravens, and snipes can also be found here. The beloved Arctic Tern can be spotted soaring above the frigid northern waters, and the ptarmigan is considered quite a delicacy. This short list is far from exhaustive – there are many species of gulls, skuas, waders, stilts, shearwaters, petrels, and others.
Marine mammals
Many explorers visit the north Atlantic for its wealth of marine mammals, and Iceland is no exception, with visitors like whales, dolphins, and seals that can all be spotted soaring gracefully through the water before coming up for air. The whale & porpoise species you are likely to see here are humpback whales, Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
All of these mammals survive because of one very important part of the marine ecosystem – the endless supply of fish (over 300 species to be exact) – which thrive in the nutrient rich cold water around this island nation.
Land mammals
It’s actually not unheard of to come across a polar bear that has drifted to Iceland on a floating piece of ice from neighboring Greenland, but that’s certainly not the norm. Iceland’s native land mammals are much smaller than the mighty polar bear and include the Arctic fox, reindeer, rabbits, mice, and mink.
Domesticated animals
While these aren’t the most fascinating species to see on a trip to Iceland, you will still probably come across the domesticated animals that have lived here for centuries: sheep, horses, cattle, goats, and the Icelandic sheepdog.
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
4 days ago
Rapid response.
4 days ago
Jess and her non pushy salesmanship!!!!!
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