Things to see and do Vestmannaeyjar

Still under development, this 32,000^m2 open-water sanctuary has been home to two belugas from a Chinese aquarium since 2020, and can accommodate a further 8. It is dedicated to enabling cetaceans that have always known an enclosed environment to regain semi-liberty.

On site at the harbor, you can visit the visitor center, which features Iceland's only puffin rescue center, an aquarium of local species and educational exhibits on belugas and the sanctuary. Here, you can also take part in boat trips from the Visitor Center to Klettsvik Bay to see beluga whales from afar.

Before you visit, it's important to bear in mind that this is not a tourist aquarium, but a rehabilitation center for wild animals that have lived in a closed environment all their lives. These animals are still adapting, and if anything goes wrong, they can sometimes be returned to the tank for their own good.

So, if you're thinking of opting for a cruise in the bay, it's important to find out about the presence of belugas in the bay, and to bear in mind that this is first and foremost an educational visit, not a tourist attraction. This visit comes at a price, which helps support the site's activities, and it's important to understand what to expect to avoid disappointment.