As a passionate animal lover, a seal safari topped my wishlist for our family holiday in Denmark. After an exciting day at Wowpark Denmark, we made the scenic drive to Jyllandsakvariet in Thyborøn—a perfect blend of adventure and discovery.
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At Jyllandsakvariet, families can embark on an unforgettable seal safari and explore an engaging aquarium featuring North Sea marine life. Highlights include touching crabs, petting sharks, and observing rays—interactive experiences that captivate all ages.
Our daughter Lotte voiced her shark-petting nerves throughout the 1-hour-45-minute drive from Landal Seawest. Denmark's roads, mostly limited to 80 km/h with few highways, made the journey leisurely—ideal for vacation pacing.
Our packed itinerary included the shell house (Sneglehuset), bunkers, lighthouse, and sand sculptures en route, enhancing this west coast adventure.
We began in the aquarium, immersing ourselves in North Sea wonders. From a welcoming souvenir shop, the rustic wooden interior—adorned with authentic fishing gear—leads to exhibits of rays, sharks, crabs, and unique local fish.
While not as vibrant as tropical displays, the hands-on interactions steal the show. Pet smooth sharks and rays in shallow tanks—Lotte overcame her fears for a triumphant moment. Rays playfully nudge for attention, and visitors can witness baby sharks and rays developing in eggs—a mesmerizing sight.
A craft room offers workshops for creative fun.
Book the seal safari separately from aquarium entry. Opting for the week's best weather, we walked 10 minutes to the harbor for an intimate boat trip (max 10 guests), skippered by owner Michael Madsen.
Life jackets ensured safety before boarding. Seals appeared even in the harbor, setting an exciting tone.
Soon, dozens lounged on Ringkøbing Fjord sandbanks, tails waving in the sun, while others curiously approached the boat.
Michael shared expert insights: Ringkøbing Fjord hosts common seals and hefty gray seals (males up to 300 kg). They swim 30-40 km daily to the North Sea for fish, returning safely to bask.
The proximity felt magical—seals gazed curiously, unafraid. After 30 minutes amid the colony, we returned via Thyborøn harbor, Denmark's key west coast port with a renowned fish auction supplying even the Netherlands. A educational, seal-guaranteed highlight!
The aquarium operates daily 10am-4pm, extending to 6pm in July and August.
JyllandsAkvariet, Vesterhavsgade 16, 7680 Thyborøn
Free for children under 2; approx. €10 for ages 3-12; €12 for adults.
The 1-hour boat trip costs approx. €26 per person for close-up seal viewing.
This experience was part of our hosted Landal Denmark press trip. Visit the Jyllandsakvariet website for more details.
