SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary

SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary At the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary, we are pioneering new ways to care for beluga whales. Support conservation!

Discover our Visitor Centre, Puffin Rescue Centre, and aquarium showcasing Iceland's unique marine life. The Sanctuary is operated by the SEA LIFE Trust, a charity registered in England and Wales and CAF America approved. All money raised from ticket sales helps us to provide the best possible care for Little White and Little Grey, as well as the other animals we look after here at the Sanctuary.

Our Visitor Centre is open daily in summer season from April to October and on select dates in winter. The Centre includes Iceland´s only Puffin Rescue Centre and a native species aquarium. Puffin Rescue Centre – See our resident puffins, learn all about these amazing birds that inhabit the Vestmannaeyjar islands and hear about how we, along with the islanders, are helping to protect them. Our native species aquarium showcases some of the beautiful animals that share the belugas’ new home. Klettsvik Bay

Klettsvik Bay is across the harbour from our Visitor Centre and will be the new home for our resident belugas. When the belugas are in bay we run carefully managed boat trips to visit them from Vestmannaeyjar Harbour which allows you to view the belugas home from a discreet distance.

Today we’re sharing an update on the next stage of Little White and Little Grey’s journey to Klettsvík Bay.We remain ful...
30/07/2026

Today we’re sharing an update on the next stage of Little White and Little Grey’s journey to Klettsvík Bay.

We remain fully committed to moving the whales into the bay. However, after careful assessment, and following advice from our expert advisory team, we’ve decided not to proceed with the move during the remainder of this summer so we can complete the final stages of preparation needed to give Little White and Little Grey the best possible chance of a safe, successful and lasting transition.

We’ve made significant progress in developing the infrastructure, facilities and specialist systems needed to support the move. As the world’s first open-water sanctuary for beluga whales, this pioneering project has no blueprint, and every step requires careful testing, training and preparation.

It’s a journey that simply can’t be rushed.
Our focus is now on completing this important work so we’re ready to move the whales at the earliest appropriate opportunity in summer 2027.

As always, every decision we make is guided by one principle above all else: the welfare of Little White and Little Grey comes first.

Read our full update via the link in our bio.

The pufflings are coming!  And the staff here at Beluga Whale Sanctuary have been working hard to make sure our rescue c...
20/07/2026

The pufflings are coming! And the staff here at Beluga Whale Sanctuary have been working hard to make sure our rescue centre is ready to go. We've already been busy with Eider ducklings and baby Kittiwakes so we expect the pufflings to follow very soon!

If you're planning to join us in the search for wandering baby puffins here in Vestmannaeyjar, here's what you need to know to get started...

Did you know that bread is basically junk food for ducks and other water birds? It doesn't have the vitamins and nutrien...
17/07/2026

Did you know that bread is basically junk food for ducks and other water birds? It doesn't have the vitamins and nutrients that birds need and makes them fill up faster so then they don't eat the things that do, causing nutritional deficiency and other health related problems.

Uneaten and soggy bread can also grow harmful molds or create a toxic algae bloom that pollutes ponds and kills the fish living in them.

If you really want to feed the birds safely, try healthier options that are full of good nutrients and mimic natural foraging behaviours

Cracked corn, frozen peas, oats, chopped romaine lettuce, and seeds are all good choices!

Everyone, meet Emily! One of our Senior Animal Care Specialists here at Beluga Whale Sanctuary who’s been with us since ...
16/07/2026

Everyone, meet Emily! One of our Senior Animal Care Specialists here at Beluga Whale Sanctuary who’s been with us since 2022…

What’s your role at the sanctuary, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am one of the Senior Animal Care Specialists, working primarily with Little White and Little Grey, while also helping with our puffin rescue program. Most mornings start by preparing diets for the residents, followed by training a variety of behaviors, coaching the team, and fitting in plenty of cleaning in between. There is never quite a ‘typical’ day, which is one of my favorite parts of the job...but it is almost always guaranteed that I will be smelling like fish by the end of the day!

What’s it actually like living and working on a remote island in Iceland? – describe your commute to work

Living and working in Vestmannaeyjar is incredibly special. Being able to walk to work, the grocery store, and the swimming pool in less than 10 minutes is refreshing, though I might change my tune when the wind is blowing sideways during the winter. I never tire of seeing the mountains, the ocean, and the wildlife. The community has been so welcoming, and I feel very lucky to call this little island home.

How do you switch off after an emotionally full day at work?

I rotate between spending time with friends, making art, exercising, and rewatching old comfort shows from The CW. I’d call it a pretty balanced routine of socializing, creativity, endorphins, and reminding myself that The Vampire Diaries can solve almost anything.

Make a difference for puffins in Iceland this summer...Unique Volunteer Opportunity…Please Share…Every year, injured, oi...
15/07/2026

Make a difference for puffins in Iceland this summer...Unique Volunteer Opportunity…Please Share…

Every year, injured, oiled and vulnerable puffins arrive at our Puffin Rescue Centre in Vestmannaeyjar in need of specialist care. We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to help our team give these incredible birds the best possible chance of returning to the wild.

From supporting daily rehabilitation to helping release recovered birds back into their natural habitat, you’ll play an important role in protecting one of Iceland’s most iconic species.

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and ready for a rewarding challenge this summer, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply today - https://belugasanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/puffin-rescue/volunteer-with-our-puffin-team/

Everyone, meet Evangelos! He has been with BWS since 2025 and currently one of our Animal Care Specialists but will be s...
08/07/2026

Everyone, meet Evangelos! He has been with BWS since 2025 and currently one of our Animal Care Specialists but will be starting his new role as Aquarium and Birds Supervisor in August.

…….
What drew you to working at an animal sanctuary specifically?

I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that puts animal welfare first. Being able to care for animals while also contributing to conservation and education is what makes this work so meaningful to me. Every day is a chance to make a positive difference, whether it’s with a puffin, a fish, or one of our belugas.

What’s it actually like living and working on a remote island in Iceland?

Living on Heimaey is an adventure in itself. My commute to work is only about five minutes, with incredible views of the ocean, dramatic cliffs, and seabirds along the way. Living somewhere so remote has given me the chance to reconnect with nature, slow down, and reflect. The warm, close-knit community has also made me feel welcome and like I truly belong here.

Which sanctuary resident has stolen your heart?

If I had to choose just one, I’d say Teddy, our Atlantic wolfish. She’s incredibly interactive, surprisingly intelligent, and playful in her own wild way. Building a connection with such a unique and often misunderstood species has been one of the most rewarding parts of working at the sanctuary.

We've had lots of baby birds here in Vestmannaeyjar this week 🐣and with Puffling season fast approaching, we thought we ...
07/07/2026

We've had lots of baby birds here in Vestmannaeyjar this week 🐣and with Puffling season fast approaching, we thought we would share what to do if you find a baby bird!

Is this a land bird? if so, and it has feathers (fledgling) and does not appear injured, its always best to leave them alone. Mama bird is often nearby watching, that's how babies learn.

If the baby bird does not have feathers and their eyes are closed (nestling) or if they have injuries, resources are limited. Fuglavernd BirdLife Iceland may be able to provide information on local resources in your area. Unfortunately, we at Beluga Whale Sanctuary, do not have the resources to care for land birds and will not be able to adequately care for those that are brought in.

If you have found a fledgling seabird, Beluga Whale Sanctuary can assist you! We are open 10:00 to 16:00 every day where our trained animal care team can evaluate the bird, and either admit them to our hospital, or direct you on next steps.

We always recommend limited human interaction for all species of birds and don't forget to wear your gloves if you have to handle them.

If you have any non-emergent bird questions, please email us at [email protected].

Address

Ægisgata 2
Vestmannaeyjar
900

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+3546202724

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary:

Share