the world's first Beluga Whale Sanctuary!
SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary
It’s ridiculous to come all the way to Vestmannaeyjar and not visit the long-awaited beluga whales. Come on.
Our Sanctuary’s first residents, Little White and Little Grey, traveled 6,000 miles from their previous home in a Shanghai water park via air, land and sea to the Sanctuary, located in a large, natural bay on Vestmannaeyjar, an island just off the south coast of Iceland.
About the sea life trust
The SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary was created with the aim of providing beluga whales with a safe and more natural home, advancing knowledge through research and education, and supporting protection of wild belugas.
By leading the way and demonstrating an alternative way of caring for these beautiful animals we want to encourage others to consider sanctuaries as a viable alternative. This change could potentially transform the lives of not only beluga whales but over 3,000 other whales and dolphins currently housed in traditional facilities under human care or performing in shows around the world.
Puffin Rescue
The Beluga Whale Sanctuary is home to Iceland´s only Puffin Rescue Centre, which takes in pufflings (baby puffins) and puffins found in Vestmannaeyjar which need some extra care. Most of these birds are rescued by the local Puffling Patrol, which works in cooperation with the Sanctuary. Some are brought in by local residents for review, treatment and possibly release if they are fit and ready. Admission to our visitor centre and donation help support the care of injured puffins, as well as those which cannot be released.
