The Westman Islands, "The Pearls in The Ocean", is an archipelago of 15 islands and about 20 cliffs. The southernmost island, Surtsey, is the latest addition to the archipelago, created during the longest historic eruption of the country in 1963-1967. The Home Island, Heimaey, the only inhabited one, was struck by an unexpected eruption in 1973 and all the inhabitants had to be evacuated immediately.

Their number was about 5200 prior to the eruption and almost five months later, when the eruption came to an end, fewer returned. The number of inhabitants now is about 4100 (2007). Only one casualty occurred indirectly connected with the catastrophe. The archipelago is one of nature's wonders and the visitors there need a few days to enjoy all of them. If not, they can skim the surface in one day.

It is a must to participate in a sightseeing tour of the Home Island to see among other things the new lava field, the new volcano Eldfell, the southernmost point Storhofdi, the valley Herjolfsdalur, the harbour mountain Heimaklettur etc. A boat trip around the Home Island and the neighbouring islands is unforgettable.

The most famous Killer Whale, Siggi (Keiko; Free Willy), was brought to the outer harbour of the Home Island in 1998, where it occupies a specially built pen. Its keepers claim to be "detraining" the animal for the purpose of releasing it to its natural habitat later on. Keiko ended his live in cost of Norwey when he depart Iceland as free Willy.