When you dream of visiting Iceland, do you picture an ancient landscapes with volcanic black sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, glaciers, northern lights, and of course, the incredible wildlife? Whales surfacing off visible from the coast and puffins nesting on sea cliffs maybe? The natural wonders are what makes this island so extraordinary and we want to be part of the reason they stay that way.
To truly experience Iceland at its best, we have to treat its wild creatures with care and leave the country as wild as we found it. That’s why we signed the For the Love of Iceland pledge to protect whales and puffins created by the people behind Hvalavinir and organisation who campaign to end whaling in Iceland.
Here’s what we pledged, why it matters:
1. Don’t Eat Whale or Puffin
Most Icelanders don’t eat whale or puffin. In fact, demand largely comes from tourists who think they’re trying something “authentic.” But choosing not to order these dishes makes a real difference. Both puffins and whales face mounting pressures from climate change, habitat loss, and industrial activity. Opting out of eating them supports their survival and helps shift the market away from unnecessary hunting.
2. Observe from a Distance
A puffin in flight or a whale breaking the surface of the ocean is magical and best experienced without getting too close. Approaching too near can disturb feeding, nesting, or migration patterns. That’s why ethical whale-watching tours keep a respectful distance, ensuring the animals’ well-being while still offering unforgettable encounters.
3. Support Ethical Businesses
Every krona we spend as visitors has an impact. By supporting tour operators, restaurants, and shops that put nature first, we help protect the very wonders we came to see. Whale watching, for example, creates far more jobs and income than whaling ever could while giving travelers the chance to see these giants alive, where they belong.
Busting the Myths Around Whaling
Despite declining support, whaling is often defended with myths and half-truths. Let’s set the record straight:
Myth 1: “It’s part of Icelandic heritage.”
While whales were hunted in Icelandic waters, it was mostly foreign fleets doing the killing. Icelanders were actually among the first to ban whaling, back in 1886. The modern whaling industry here has foreign roots — not deep cultural ones.
Myth 2: “It’s important for the economy.”
Not anymore. Hvalur hf., the only fin whaling company, has lost billions over the past decade. Their profits come from unrelated investments, not whaling. Meanwhile, whale watching brings in hundreds of jobs and far greater revenue. Even a small dip in tourism would cost Iceland far more than whaling ever makes.
Myth 3: “Whales eat our fish.”
Science says otherwise. Whales actually boost fish populations by circulating nutrients that feed plankton, the base of the marine food chain. Each whale also stores as much carbon as 1,500 trees, making them allies in the fight against climate change.
Myth 4: “Yes, they suffer, but so do other animals we kill.”
The reality is grim: whaling methods are uniquely cruel. Harpoons with grenades cause prolonged suffering, with some whales taking hours to die. Nearly a quarter of hunted whales are shot more than once. This would be illegal if done to farm animals, yet it remains standard practice in whaling.
Choosing a Better Future
Whales and puffins are not souvenirs or authentic local delicacies; they are vital parts of Iceland’s wild, living heritage.
By signing the pledge, we choose to be a respectful guest. We choose to support the businesses and communities working to keep Iceland’s nature thriving.
We invite you to do the same. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of travelers and Icelanders can continue to look out to sea and spot a whale surfacing against the horizon, or watch puffins return to their nesting cliffs in spring.
For the love of Iceland keep it wild!
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