The Icelandic Seal Center was formally opened on the 25^th of June 2006. The center is a private stock company with 89 shareholders; individuals, companies and organizations.

One of the Icelandic Seal Center’s goals is to conduce towards comprehensive education about seals around Iceland. At the Seal Center’s exhibition guest can learn about:

• Seals and their closest environment.
• Perquisite, sealery and the utilisation of seal products in a historical contest.
• Folktales evolving seals.
• Reverent Sigurđur Norland from Hindisvík, who was a pioneer in the preservation of seals around Vatnsnes peninsula.

In Vatnsnes peninsula tourists have a unique opportunity to watch both harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in their natural habitats, although the harbour seals are more common.

The Icelandic Seal Center and the Icelandic Tourist board have joined hands in making seal colonies in Vatnsnes safe and accessible for guests, with the ideology of sustainability and environmental protection as guidance. The main goal is to control the tourist traffic around the areas and thereby limit the disruption of their sensitive ecological system. The Icelandic Seal Center gives information about these locations and how to approach them with care.

Áki nature tours also sail from the harbour just outside the center. More information about the tours can be provided through e-mail or phone.

Read more about out goals and projects at our webcite HVAMMSTANGI NORTH ICELAND