Ytri Tunga Beach is a charming spot located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Unlike many of Iceland's black sand beaches, Ytri Tunga is known for its golden sands. This makes it quite unique in the area. One of the biggest attractions at Ytri Tunga is its seal colony. Visitors often come to watch seals lounging on the rocks or swimming in the ocean, especially during the summer months. The beach is easy to reach and offers a pleasant place for a stroll. Its surroundings include scenic views of mountains and open sea, making it a great spot for photography. The landscape around Ytri Tunga gives visitors a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. Though the beach has calmer waters compared to other Icelandic beaches, it's important to note that swimming is not recommended due to cold temperatures. Instead, people enjoy the peaceful environment and observing wildlife. The area has basic parking facilities, but there are no shops or restaurants nearby, so it's best to come prepared with any necessities you might need during your visit.
https://lukkutangi.is/
Pay kiosk right next to the pathway to the beach. Just follow crowds of people. Please be quiet at the beach- seal pups are afraid of loud sounds. We saw a lot of seal, many pups- some were jumping in the water. Some were lounging on the rocks! Bring binoculars if you have them, and be patient—they blend in with the rocks. Peaceful place with wide-open views, soft wind, and curious seals.
The car park was in a good location right by the beach for seeing some seals. There were many spaces available due to its large size but was slightly on the expensive side of car parks, however, it was the only one nearby.
Fun experience! Apparently this area is know for having tons of seals in the area. We saw about 5-8 seals! In order to get a better view of the seals, you’ll need to climb over large rocks as well as puddles of water but it is definitely worth it as the seals are very fascinating. However, be prepared to watch seals just sit on a rock as the seals do not move a lot, they typically only move to roll over.
Ytri Tunga Beach is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, famous for its unique golden sands and vibrant wildlife.
Unlike most Icelandic beaches known for their black sands, Ytri Tunga Beach features golden sand, making it a standout location along with its renowned seal colony.
The best time to visit Ytri Tunga Beach to observe seals is during the summer months from June to August when they are most active and visible on the rocks near the shore.
Ytri Tunga Beach has limited facilities; there are no restrooms or cafes directly on-site, so it's advisable to plan accordingly before visiting.
While technically possible, swimming at Ytri Tunga Beach is not recommended due to cold water temperatures and strong currents typical of Icelandic coastal areas.