YTRI TUNGA – A BEACH IN ICELAND WHERE YOU CAN SEE SEALS
- Roman Pech
- 30. 10. 2025
- Minut čtení: 2
If you travel to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, you should not miss Ytri Tunga beach. Unlike most Icelandic beaches, which are covered in black volcanic sand, Ytri Tunga is golden and sandy. But its biggest attraction is not the colour of the sand — Ytri Tunga is best known as one of the top places in Iceland to observe seals.
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Why Ytri Tunga?
Seals like to rest on rocks that emerge from the sea during low tide. Ytri Tunga offers ideal conditions for this — a calm bay with many rocky outcrops where seals can safely rest while staying close to the water, ready to return at any moment. This makes the location a natural and long-term habitat for them.
When is the best time to see seals?
The best chance of spotting seals is during low tide, when the rocky islets are exposed.
In summer, seals are most often seen in the afternoon.
If you visit in winter, it is best to check tide tables online in advance.
The most commonly seen species are the harbour seal and the grey seal, both of which are widespread in Iceland.
How to behave around seals
It is important to remember that Ytri Tunga is their home. Visitors should follow a few simple rules:
Do not approach too closely. Seals are sensitive to noise and movement, so observe them from at least 50 metres away.
Use binoculars or a zoom lens. You will see them clearly without disturbing them.
Stay on marked paths. This protects both the seals and the fragile natural environment.
Do not shout or speak loudly.
Tourists and experience
Thanks to its easy access (just a few minutes from the main road around Snæfellsnes), Ytri Tunga is a popular stop for travellers. However, it is usually not as crowded as more famous attractions. The parking area typically holds only a few cars, and the wide beach allows everyone to find a quiet place for observation.
If you are lucky, the seals may surprise you with their curiosity — sometimes they swim closer to the shore and watch humans with the same curiosity we watch them.
Practical tips
Check weather forecasts and tide tables — low tide is essential.
Bring warm clothing — ocean winds are cold even in summer.
A pair of binoculars or a camera with a long lens will greatly enhance the experience.
Final thoughts
Ytri Tunga is one of those places in Iceland where you can experience truly authentic contact with nature. It is not a zoo or a staged attraction — it is wild life in its natural environment. And that is exactly what makes a visit to this beach so special.
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