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Quick facts

Length1.4–2 m
Weight60–170 kg
Lifespan25–35 years
Typical dive depth20 m
Maximum dive depth500 m
Typical dive5 minutes
Maximum dive30 minutes
Gestation10–11 months
Offspring1 young
Common around IcelandYes
Whale watchingNo
Best timeYear-round; easiest to observe at established haul-out sites.

About Harbour Seal

The harbour seal is one of two seal species that breed regularly in Iceland. It frequents coastlines, estuaries, skerries and sandbanks and is one of Iceland's easiest marine mammals to observe from land.

Habitat

Coasts, estuaries, sandbanks and skerries.

Diet

Fish, squid and crustaceans.

Water-depth habitat

Shallow coastal waters, estuaries, sandbanks and skerries.

Distribution around Iceland

Present around Iceland year-round, with important haul-out sites around the coast.
SourceLast verified: 08/09/2026