Wildlife & Animal Welfare Policy

At Your Friend in Reykjavík, we are deeply committed to responsible wildlife tourism and the highest standards of animal welfare. Whether observing whales in the wild, visiting Icelandic horse farms, or exploring puffin colonies, we ensure all experiences respect the well-being of animals and their natural habitats. We only partner with ethical operators who share our values, promoting education, conservation, and kindness toward all creatures that call Iceland home.

Your Friend In Reykjavik is committed to offering ethical, respectful, and environmentally responsible wildlife experiences that prioritize animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and meaningful guest education. This policy ensures all wildlife-related tours comply with international standards, Icelandic laws, and conservation ethics.

Applies to:

• All wildlife-related experiences (e.g., puffin watching, whale watching, seal tours)
• Collaborations with third-party wildlife tour operators
• Any setting or premises involving live animals (including partner sites)

All tours with animal encounters or wildlife viewing strictly follow recognized codes of conduct:

• Whale Watching: Our whale-watching tours comply with the IceWhale Codes of Conduct, ensuring responsible and non-invasive observation of marine mammals.

• General Wildlife Viewing: We adhere to the Icelandic Environment Agency’s Wildlife Watching Guidelines and international best practices from the World Cetacean Alliance and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Any captive animals owned or hosted by our company or partners are:

• • Acquired fully in compliance with CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

  • Housed only by authorized and properly equipped caretakers to ensure humane treatment.

  • Never harvested, consumed, displayed, sold, or traded through our tours unless it is part of a legally regulated activity that promotes sustainability and conservation.

Our tours prioritize education and conservation by avoiding activities that disrupt wildlife or threaten their survival. We collaborate exclusively with operators who actively limit tourism’s impact on ecosystems and species. Additionally, we foster guest awareness of wildlife protection and Iceland’s environmental values to support long-term preservation.

• Our tours are designed to educate guests, minimize environmental disturbance, and support conservation efforts through avoiding any activity that alters wildlife behavior or threatens viability
• Partnering only with operators who limit the cumulative impacts of tourism on species and ecosystems
• Encouraging guest awareness of wildlife protection and Icelandic environmental values

• All wildlife interactions are non-invasive and take place at a safe, regulated distance.
• Tour routes are carefully planned to avoid sensitive habitats and protect natural ecosystems.
• Any environmental impact from wildlife tours is offset through contributions to local conservation efforts.

Before and during wildlife tours, guests receive a briefing on:

• • How to observe animals respectfully

  • Behaviors that are prohibited, such as feeding, touching, or making loud noises

  • Proper photography etiquette and drone usage restrictions

• All wildlife experiences are regularly reviewed in collaboration with guides and partners.
• Feedback from guests and conservation bodies is used to refine protocols.
• This policy is updated annually to reflect new research and evolving best practices.