Sæheimar Aquarium Vestmannaeyjar
A sanctuary for rescued beluga whales and puffins, Sæheimar Aquarium focuses on conservation and animal welfare.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See active puffins and whales
Sæheimar Aquarium Vestmannaeyjar
Best Time
See active puffins and whales
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued beluga whales and puffins, Sæheimar Aquarium focuses on conservation and animal welfare.
"The beluga whales were the highlight of my whole trip. Unforgettable experience."
Support Conservation Efforts
Your ticket price directly funds animal care and conservation projects. :heart:
Check Feeding Schedules
Ask staff for feeding times to see the puffins and whales at their most active. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Beluga Whales
Beluga Exhibit
Witness two rescued beluga whales, a highlight for many visitors. They interact with guests through a viewing window.
Puffin Viewing Area
Puffin Exhibit
Observe injured puffins that cannot be released, with feeding times offering active viewing opportunities.
Conservation Exhibits
Aquarium Tanks
Explore smaller exhibits featuring various rescued sea life, with a focus on their conservation stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beluga Whales: A Rescue Story
Puffin & Sea Life Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Conservation Efforts
Your ticket price directly funds animal care and conservation projects. :heart:
Check Feeding Schedules
Ask staff for feeding times to see the puffins and whales at their most active. :clock1:
Day trip to Vestmannaeyjar / Heimaey Island- tour advice?
Westman island
Manage Expectations
It's a small sanctuary, not a large zoo. Focus on the rescue stories. :pray:
Car Recommended for Islands
Bring your car to explore the Westman Islands fully, including Sæheimar. :car:
Westman Islands Worth It? (And Other Questions)
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Conservation Efforts
Your ticket price directly funds animal care and conservation projects. :heart:
Check Feeding Schedules
Ask staff for feeding times to see the puffins and whales at their most active. :clock1:
Manage Expectations
It's a small sanctuary, not a large zoo. Focus on the rescue stories. :pray:
Car Recommended for Islands
Bring your car to explore the Westman Islands fully, including Sæheimar. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sæheimar Aquarium is praised for its dedication to rescuing and caring for beluga whales and puffins, with many visitors finding the beluga exhibit a highlight. While some note its small size and the current beluga enclosure, the conservation efforts and the opportunity to support rescued animals are highly valued.
"This was a fantastic expeirence and definitely a highlight for the Westman Islands. I am a vegan and all about animal ethics. I did extensive research ahead of time and felt very comfortable and assured with the conditions and care the animals receive. The beluga whales have been rescued from a water park in China and while they cannot be released due to living in captivity, they are no longer used for entertainment. They are actively working on rereading them to a bigger bay in the islands, that can still be monitored. We got to see both of then coming up to the window while there.
We saw the 6 puffins and 1 other bird. We went around 3pm and saw them feed and swim! It was very cool we got to see all the action happen. These puffins have certain injuries, so they cannot be released, but we're very well taken care of.
The rest of the area is an aquarium with other sea life. I asked about this and they said they had taken over the space that was previously an aquarium, so they care for all the animals that were there before.
You may question the price, but the proceeds go to support the conservation and care of the animals, so it's all worth it! Highly recommend!"
Michelle Solomon
"Sea life trust is not a sea life where animals are used to amuse humans. The two beluga whales have been rescued and this is there home. You won't see them everytime, we were lucky. The puffins which are there are also rescued. Don't expect something like a zoo. You support something good."
Sofi Grüneisen
"The Beluga whales were the highlight of my whole trip. The sanctuary is quite small with a few interesting exhibitions (fish, star fish, puffens), but I was all about the whales. Spent a few hours just watching and even playing with them. They seem to love people and to show off. We had a chat with a staff member who told us lots of interesting facts about them and allowed us to pop out for lunch and come back again. Unforgettable experience. I can't wait to see updates in the future."
kelly Reeve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sæheimar Aquarium is located on the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). You'll need to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn on the mainland to the islands. Bringing your car on the ferry is recommended for exploring the island, including the aquarium.
Many visitors find the Westman Islands, including Sæheimar Aquarium, to be a highlight of their trip. An overnight stay is also highly recommended to fully experience the islands' beauty and attractions.
Having a car on the island is the most convenient way to explore at your own pace, allowing easy access to Sæheimar Aquarium and other sights like Eldfell volcano.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is around £20 per person. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support the conservation and care of the rescued animals.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the stated price is for charity, making it a worthwhile contribution to animal welfare.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly. Afternoon visits are often recommended for feeding times.
Yes, staff have indicated that you can leave for lunch and return on the same day, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see two rescued beluga whales, injured puffins, and various other rescued sea life in smaller aquarium exhibits.
The beluga whales are rescued and cannot be released. While they are in a pool with a viewing window, the aquarium is working towards moving them to a larger, monitored bay.
Yes, many visitors focused on animal ethics feel comfortable here, as the focus is on rescue and conservation rather than entertainment.
The aquarium is described as quite small, with a few interesting exhibitions. The main draw for many are the beluga whales.
While direct interaction is limited, the beluga whales are known to come up to the window and seem to enjoy showing off, offering a unique viewing experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of flash use, especially around the animals. Capturing the beluga whales through the viewing window is a popular photo opportunity.
The viewing window for the beluga whales offers a prime spot for photos. The puffin area can also provide engaging shots, especially during feeding times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to manage expectations by explaining that this is a sanctuary focused on rescue, not a large amusement park. This can help children appreciate the conservation aspect. Bringing a car to the Westman Islands is recommended for easy access to the aquarium and other family-friendly activities on the island.
🌍 Ethical Travelers
While some may note the aquarium's small size or the current enclosure for the belugas, the overarching commitment to rehabilitation and providing a safe haven aligns with ethical travel principles. It's an opportunity to support a cause that prioritizes animal well-being over entertainment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Beluga Whale Sanctuary
It's important to understand that Sæheimar is a sanctuary, not a typical aquarium focused on entertainment. The staff are dedicated to the welfare of these animals and are often happy to share information about their rescue stories and conservation efforts. The proceeds from ticket sales directly contribute to the ongoing care and future plans for the belugas, making a visit a way to support a worthy cause.
While the beluga exhibit is the main attraction for many, some reviews mention that the tank size for the whales has been a point of discussion, with hopes for their permanent relocation to the larger bay. The aquarium is actively working on this transition, and updates on their progress are often shared.
Puffins and Other Rescued Sea Life
The aquarium also houses a variety of other fish and marine life, many of whom were already present when Sæheimar took over the facility. The focus remains on providing a comfortable and enriching environment for all the animals under their care. While the aquarium itself is described as small, the dedication to conservation and the unique stories of each rescued inhabitant make it a meaningful visit.
For those interested in the natural world and conservation, Sæheimar offers a chance to learn about the challenges faced by marine animals and the efforts being made to help them. It's a place that encourages reflection on our impact on wildlife and the importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit