Plan Your Visit

Visitor Centre Hours:

COVID Update Regarding Opening Hours:  

The Visitor Centre is open with limited capacity due to the latest guidance from the Icelandic Directorate of Health, which was updated March 25, 2021 and is in effect until April 15, 2021:

The maximum number of people allowed in the same location is 10 persons, with certain restrictions, both in public and private locations. This limit, however, does not apply to persons in the same household.

The full information and updates can be found on the official Directorate of Health Website for COVID Updates.

Current Opening Days and Hours are:

April 17 10:00 to 16:00

April 18 13:00 to 16:00

April 22-24: 10:00 to 16:00

April 30: 10:00 to 16:00

Due to the gathering restrictions, 9 guests will be allowed entry at a time, masks are required and unaccompanied children will not be admitted. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The Visitor Centre is open seasonally from April until October.

Standard Visitor Centre Hours are Monday- Saturday 10:00 to 16:00 and Sunday 13:00 to 16:00.

Groups interested in visiting during the winter season can call to book private opening times at +354 620 2724.

*COVID restrictions may impact hours and guest capacity

Bay Trips

Bay Trips by boat to see the Sea Sanctuary are offered seasonally. Booking dates for 2021 are now open.

These tours begin at 13:00 daily and are subject to weather and minimum participation requirements.

The boat trips last approximately 30 minutes and are guided by a member of the Beluga Sanctuary Care Team.

You can book your visit here.

Getting Here:

Our Sanctuary is located on the beautiful island of Heimaey in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago off the south coast of Iceland.

You can learn more about all there is to see and do in Vestmannaeyjar, including where to stay and how to get here at the Visit Vestmannaeyjar Website.

Direct flights from Reykjavik through Air Iceland Connect. Journey time approx. 20 minutes

Herjolfur Ferry for people and/or vehicles from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar. Journey time approx. 35 minutes

Public transport to the ferry's harbors is available, with buses departing from Mjódd in Reykjavík on this schedule. For additional information please call 540-2700 or visit their website at www.straeto.is.  

For those arriving via Cruise ship, our Visitor Centre is a 5-10 minute walk from the harbour terminal on level ground.

Contact the Sanctuary