Our iceland whale watching tour with north sailing was called whales, puffins and sails. Sailing out from the old harbor in reykjavik this whale watching tour gives you the chance to observe whales, dolphins and variety of other marine wildlife in its natural environment. Winter whale watching from akureyri icelandic times. The author travelled with iceland specialist discover the world, which offers a wide range of independent and escorted trips.
Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime. Book your online tour with us and support local businesses book your tour here. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5. Whale watching in iceland is a responsible and highly profitable alternative to the whaling industry, and is growing in popularity as people visit. If you need it warm and cozy during winter, just follow the gray whales and go to.
Whale watchers to iceland can expect to see orcas, humpbacks, minkes and blue whales, while cruising past glaciers and snowcapped mountains with harbor porpoises, seals and puffins for company. Whale watching and northern lights in iceland artisan travel. Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. Whale watching is a popular, cheap and fun activity to do in iceland.
It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Oct 16, 2014 winter whale watching from akureyri north sailings traditional oak fishing boats sail to the whales starting this winter, north sailing goes whale watching right from the centre of the town of akureyri. The guides will give a short presentation on the species of whale that can be seen on the trip. Discover the magnificent nature of skjalfandi bay observing whales, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Two nights spent in reykjavik will also give you the chance to get a taste of icelandic culture, take an additional whale watching trip, or even explore the nearby.
Whale watching tours are a fun activity that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and group sizes. It turns out that iceland is a great place to see whales, one of the best destinations in europe in fact. Whaling in iceland began with speardrift hunting as early as the 12th century, and continued in a vestigial form until the late 19th century, when other countries introduced modern commercial practices. Aside from them, the main species that can be spotted on a winter whale watching tour in iceland are the toothed whales such as whitebeaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and orcas. Starting in reykjaviks old harbour, your whale watching adventure is located right in the city centre. The lowlying sun is something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the snowcapped mountains surrounding the. There are two types of boat trips offered, the classic whale watching tour or express rib boat tour. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. Winter wildlife and northern lights self drive in iceland. A final advantage of whale watching in summer is that you can partake in a smaller vessel such as a rib for a much closer, more personal encounter.
During winter a single departure is common, shortly before or after noon. Featured are 23 lifesize models of the species found in icelandic waters. Aug 22, 2017 this is a part of our journey to iceland contains shots from the whale watching tour organized by arctic sea tours from dalvik. Winter whale watching is a unique experience and a whole other adventure compared to our summer tours.
As a disclaimer i havent been there myself but i guess it should be ok because its off route 1 which gets plowed year round. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Oct 11, 2017 by far the best time of year for whale watching in iceland is during the summer months, from april through september, when over 20 species of cetaceaincluding the orca, minke, humpback, and blue whalecan be seen in the north atlantic and arctic oceans on either side of the island. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Vacation whale watching activities in iceland expedia.
Winter tours in iceland, summer tours in iceland, we have all the activities you may need on your travel to iceland. Of the 23 different species of whale found in icelands waters, eight are frequently spotted on whale watching excursions. Nowadays, every so often news reports will carry stories about a beached whale. These range from one of the smallest marine mammals, the harbour porpoise, all the way up to the gigantic blue whale. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. Iceland orca whale watching on snaefellsnes killer whales west. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where. Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. Winter in northern iceland is the time to spot large pods of orcas feeding close to shore. But with the daylight lasting just three hours and the. We are staying for 2nights in akureyri after a hectic journey in iceland, i would rather not like to drive to husavik, so would you recommend me to join a whale watching tour from.
Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. Of the 23 different species of whale found in iceland s waters, eight are frequently spotted on whale watching excursions. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. Seeing those beasts in all their glory is a magnificent experience. Whale watching iceland winter snaefellsnes winter whale. A beached whale was, in hard times, and there were often hard times in iceland, equivalent to a major lottery win. Whale watching tours are available from reykjaviks old harbour every day.
The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. In the winter time, you can also enjoy the low lying sun which casts a warm glow over the mountains that surround the bay. Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. The winter season has proven to provide an exciting and adventurous whale watching experience. Each year continues to surprise us with the wildlife it offers. From may 1st august 20th, visitors will be able to see both whales and puffins. Iceland whale watching tour with north sailing husavik. Our tours have a 98% success rate for whale sightings thanks to the favorable icelandic waters whales populate the area yearround due to the unique sea conditions. The old harbor is conveniently located in the city center, with various cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. We are thinking of visting iceland the end of december. The winter low lying sun is also something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the whitecapped mountains surrounding the bay and to breathe in the winters fresh yet crisp.
Not all areas in iceland are suitable for winter whale watching so we recommend choosing your whale watching location wisely. Usually it only takes us a couple of minutes to sail to the whales because they are just in front of our little village in north iceland. The most common sightings include dolphins, humpback whales and on rare occasions, minke whale and killer whales. Enjoy the smooth, safe sailing of a traditional icelandic oak boat with a cup of hot cocoa and a cinnamon bun. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. Whale watching around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others.
During winter, whitebeaked dolphins are also regular guests in this area. At least one of the reykjavik whalewatching operators publishes their trip diary on the web, so you can read their trip diary for last september and see just what it was like, how many trips were cancelled due to rough seas, how many whales they saw and of what kind. Orcas in iceland orca whale watching iceland killer. Iceland, dalvik watching crazy humpback whale from the rhib. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. The lowlying sun is something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the snowcapped mountains surrounding the bay, often. By far the best time of year for whale watching in iceland is during the summer months, from april through september, when over 20 species of cetaceaincluding the orca, minke, humpback, and blue whalecan be seen in the north atlantic and arctic oceans on either side of the island. The most recent icelandic hvalreki event happened on 26 november 2015, when a beached whale appeared at seltjarnarnes, a lovely peninsula on the. They feed on herring and capelin, which are more abundant around iceland in winter. View gallery download holiday overview download trip notes. Whale watching hauganes is located on the west side in the middle of eyjafjordur bay, only 25 min drive from akureyri and 12 minutes from dalvik, where the ferry goes to grimsey island. This is the original whale watching tour from reykjavik and one of the most popular attractions in iceland. During this season, the wildlife varies from year to year with each year bringing different sightings. Whereas agriculture is the mainstay of rural areas, the towns depend upon fishing, industry, trade and a range of services, with each village having its own characteristics though they all prove hospitable hosts.
The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Winter whale watching from akureyri north sailings traditional oak fishing boats sail to the whales starting this winter, north sailing goes whale watching right from the centre of the town of akureyri. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5 tons approx. The ocean around iceland is cold during winter time and thats when the whales go south to warmer waters, to the caribbean wouldnt we all. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object clarification needed to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling commission in. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling. Winter whale watching is different from summer whale watching not only because you see other species, but also because the weather can be quite.
Around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others. Winter in north iceland is the true icelandic winter visit. On this whale watching excursion you will be able to get up close to some of icelands amazing wildlife. This option is available in reykjavik and the north. Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. Mar 03, 2016 the ocean around iceland is cold during winter time and thats when the whales go south to warmer waters, to the caribbean wouldnt we all. The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures. Here below are good websites to use when travelling in iceland in winter. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Winter in north iceland is the true icelandic winter.
This applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance. Winter whale watching also opens up the opportunity to see some of the many seabirds that call iceland home, including fulmars, guillemots, gannets, cormorants and eider ducks. Mar 01, 2018 a beached whale was, in hard times, and there were often hard times in iceland, equivalent to a major lottery win. Here below are good websites to use when traveling in iceland in winter. Whale tours can best be taken starting at husavik or the snaefellsnes peninsula, but tours are also offered starting from the capital reykjavik or from akureyri close to husavik. Please could you tell me, do the watch watching tours still run this time of year. This trip ensures you experience everything iceland has to offer, from the natural. The second is an activity that is essential when visiting reykjavik in winter a northern. With this trip you will have the entrance to the whales of iceland exhibition, where you will check, in real, how big are these mammals, as they are real scale handmade models that will make you feel that you are swimming in the ocean with them, listening them singing under the water, and also you will see how do their filters and different parts of their bodies like. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale. Whales populate the area yearround due to the unique sea conditions.
Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. Does anyone know how good the whale watching is out of reykjavik at that time of year. The most common sightings include dolphins, humpback whales and. The lowlying sun is something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the snowcapped mountains surrounding the bay, often painting the sky bright orange or pink. Join us for a chance to encounter the incredible whales and dolphins of faxafloi bay. The most common whales during winter season are whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, humpback whales and killer whales. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching.
To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and. Winter whale watching is a whole other experience and adventure compared to our summer tours. Iceland, dalvik watching crazy humpback whale from the. The success rate of the summer tours is over 95%, in the north, this is even higher at 98%. Every whale watching tour in iceland has very knowledgeable guides onboard to answer questions. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. During summer, chances to see orcas are good as well but not as regularly as during. Apr 05, 2019 this applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance. Were the oldest whale watching company in iceland, since 1993. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Jul 05, 2018 whale watching in iceland is a responsible and highly profitable alternative to the whaling industry, and is growing in popularity as people visit iceland to see these majestic marine mammals. Whale watching in reykjavik iceland on the go tours us. While tours are less frequent in winter, they do offer the chance to experience the incredible spectacle of the northern lights from the water. All the year around youll be able to see a variety of whales by the coast, from the minke, humpback and killer whales to whitebeaked dolphins and harbor porpoises.
Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. Its really special experience to head out to see a whale move greacefully through gentle fjord waters or out across a bay, relatively close to the shore. What is recommended, to do whale watching from akureyri or husavik. The focus is naturally on the giants of the sea and we hope to see minke and humpback whales. Interestingly enough, they are the first company to offer scheduled trips from akureyrijust as they were the first to offer them from husavik. Since iceland resumed whaling in 2003 first under the guise of scientific whaling, later as commercial whaling greenpeace has worked to stop whaling in iceland, shares norman. Iceland whale watching from reykjavik reykjavik, iceland. Therefore many travelers use the opportunity to go on a whale watching trip during their holidays in iceland. Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. It was a four hour journey at sea, from the husavik harbor to a region just below the arctic circle. More than 20 different species live in the waters surrounding iceland, 8 of which can frequently be seen on whale watching tours. On a whale watching tour from reykjavik with special tours wildlife adventures you will be able to experience some of icelands rich and thriving bird life, as well as visit our large variety of sealife, including minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and whitebeaked dolphins among other whale species.
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