Seals on Fanø
The seals are one of the main attractions on Fanø. Here, we can experience the harbour seal and the grey seal in their natural environment.
Seal safari in the Wadden Sea
Photo: Vadehavskysten
Nowhere can you experience Denmark's largest predator, the seal, up close as in the Wadden Sea. Here are in abundance the sandbanks that the seal seeks to rest and breed. The seal is today protected, and it is estimated that approx. 5000 seals live in the Danish part of the Wadden Sea.
At Koresand south of Mandø or at Langjord at Sønderho on Fanø you can walk close to a seal bank, but otherwise the Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg is a good place to get to know the seals better. In the museum's sealarium, you can follow the feeding twice a day, hear about the seals' lives and watch them frolic in the water.
When going on Seal Safari
The Wadden Sea is not only a larder for seals, but also where they rest and give birth to their young. The seals constant presence makes the National Park a great place to experience Denmark’s largest predators.
The best way to experience our seals is with a local guide. They know where and when the best times for observing seals is, know the Wadden Sea well and ensure that wildlife is not disturbed during your trip.
- Seals and porpoises are best admired from a distance - 50 metres away if on a boat and 150 metres on foot.
- We avoid all interaction with the seals. Feeding wildlife is not permitted in Denmark.
- If the seals show signs of disturbance, we leave the area immediately and quietly. If a seal is stressed its behaviour can become unpredictable and aggressive.
- We restrict the amount of time we spend with the seals, and never longer than 30 minutes. If there is more than one boat in the same location this period of time should be further reduced.
- We leave seal pups in peace. Mother seals will leave their pups on beaches and sandbanks while they hunt for food. We always leave the area where the pup is quietly and calmly so as to not frighten away the mother.
- We never take selfies with seals. Even though seals are adorable, they are the largest predators here and have extremely strong jaws and a healthy set of teeth!
- We pick up any rubbish we find, even if it is not our own.
- We are guests in nature and strive to avoid disturbing birds and seals, who use up essential energy when taking flight or hauling out.
- We understand and respect that the Wadden Sea is ruled by wind and water, and therefore always ensure we have checked the weather conditions before setting out.