At least one of the reykjavik whale watching 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. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Arctic adventures northern whale watching tours have a 98% success rate when it comes to whalesightings. Elding tour operator offers whale whatching tours from reykjavik iceland. Whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate. Whale watching and northern lights in iceland artisan travel. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching.
Yet another excellent summer for whale watching in husavik. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Winter whale watching is a whole other experience and adventure compared to our summer tours. Vacation whale watching activities in iceland expedia. 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.
The migration of humpback whales in the north atlantic ocean is poorly understood. Hop aboard and sail out on faxafloi bay to meet the largest inhabitants of iceland, the whales. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. 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. 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. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. This tour combines some of the most popular attractions in iceland in winter time a classic whale watching in the afternoon and a northern lights cruise in the. No wonder people say that husavik is the whale watching capital of iceland. The reason is that the whales are busy far away in the caribbean, relaxing and taking care of their newly born offspring. The catalogue has been sent to researchers and whale watching companies in. Featured are 23 lifesize models of the species found in icelandic waters. I have read that iceland only gets 4 to 5 hours of day light this time of year. Whale watching tours in the north of iceland dalvik if youre based in the north of the country, a whale watching trip from dalvik is the ideal option for you.
Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Whale watching season whale watching iceland tours. These range from one of the smallest marine mammals, the harbour porpoise, all the way up to the gigantic blue whale. The lowlying sun is something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the snowcapped mountains surrounding the bay, often. There are advantages to whale watching in summer over winter, and visaversa, that you should consider before booking your trip. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Whales and dolphins are at their greatest numbers during the summer months between april and october when the marine beasts come to feed on the plankton that thrives on the nutrientrich deposits of iceland s bays. Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. Companies follow a protocol so as not to disturb them any more than than necessary, turning off their motors. That would be the answer to many of the questions we have had. When you think of whale watching in iceland, what place comes to mind. This trip ensures you experience everything iceland has to offer, from the natural.
Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. 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. The lowlying sun is something not to be missed, as it casts a warm glow over the snowcapped mountains surrounding the. Whale watching iceland winter 2020 when looking for the best season for whale watching in iceland you will most probably find the information that summer is the best time. Thanks to the gulf stream its only half as cold here with temperatures between 10 to. The second is an activity that is essential when visiting reykjavik in winter a northern. Whitebeaked dolphins and minke whales are common and occasionally other species such as humpback whale and orca can also be seen along with puffins, fulmars, gannets. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Please could you tell me, do the watch watching tours still run this time of year. The much anticipated 2016 whale watching season commences in may 15th, just short of two weeks from today. Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. 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. Aug 20, 2016 whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families.
They feed on herring and capelin, which are more abundant around iceland in winter. Whales and dolphins are at their greatest numbers during the summer months between april and october when the marine beasts come to feed on the plankton that thrives on the nutrientrich deposits of icelands bays. The catalogue is divided into summer, winter, and spring sightings, as we have. What is the best season for whale watching in ice land. Whale watching tours can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the season in which you embark on one will entirely shape your experience. Many species of whales, dolphins and even seals are to be found in these waters. Mar 01, 2018 when people think about whales in iceland their thoughts usually go to images of majestic leaping whales not surprising when iceland offers the best whale watching in europe. Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland. Were the oldest whale watching company in iceland, since 1993. Blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, migrate into icelandic waters. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. Yes, if you dont see a whale, you get a second trip for free. But its rare that you would have the time or energy for another trip during your vacation. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline.
Seeing those beasts in all their glory is a magnificent experience. Iceland on the web can plan you a very friendly and inexpensive package for whale watching in reykjavik. Rib express whale wathing this is a once in a lifetime boat experience. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. 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 1986, and that still. Whale watching in september iceland lonely planet forum. Iceland joined cites in 2000, and immediately took reservations to the listing of several species of whales, including fin and minke whales, on appendix i. If you need it warm and cozy during winter, just follow the gray whales and go to.
Whale watching iceland winter snaefellsnes winter whale. To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. Each year continues to surprise us with the wildlife it offers. Orcas in iceland orca whale watching iceland killer. Below you can download the catalogue and read about our icelandic orca. Extended summer daylight hours and shallow, nutrientrich waters make the region a haven for feeding whales and one of the worlds great destinations for whale watching. 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. By clicking the buttons below you can learn more about our whale watching tours from grundarfjordur winter and olafsvik summer. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik.
Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale. The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures. 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. 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. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species.
View gallery download holiday overview download trip notes. Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. Team of iceland unlimited recommends all travelers and especially families to visit this spectacular museum iceland unlimited team visited whales of iceland museum in reykjavik, the largest whale exhibition in europe. 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. Winter tours in iceland, summer tours in iceland, we have all the activities you may need on your travel to iceland. I want to go on a whale watching trip late december. Many migrate to warmer waters in the winter when food is harder to get in the colder ecosystems. Icelands pristine waters are a paradise for whales. Whale watching is a popular, cheap and fun activity to do in iceland. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. A comprehensive guide to winter activities in iceland during the winter.
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. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Weve been preparing our two boats, niels jonsson and sandvikin, the last couple of weeks after the now finished winter fishing season. We hope we were able to answer all your questions about seeing orcas in iceland. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. When you go whale watching in iceland, rest assured that the whale watching companies iceland conduct their activities with respect for the gentle giants. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. Visiting iceland in winter can be a wonderful experience as there are fewer people, beautiful winter landscapes, and chances to see the northern lights. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales.
Why are there hardly any whale watching tours in iceland during winter. Iceland is home to a variety of whale species, although many only spend the summer months. Apr 05, 2019 this applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance. Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. Mar 03, 2016 that would be the answer to many of the questions we have had. Katla whale watching experience the amazing wild life katla whale watching is the perfect way to experience the amazing wild life found in faxa bay, on whose southern shore the capital reykjavik is located. Experience the gentle giants of husavik the whale capital of iceland. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Winter in north iceland is the true icelandic winter. Whale watching in winter iceland forum tripadvisor.
Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. We are thinking of visting iceland the end of december. 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. Does anyone know how good the whale watching is out of reykjavik at that time of year. Breaching humpback whales, playful dolphins, the mighty blue whales and even killer whales. 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. You also dont want to be on a trip with just a single whale. Whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in europe. Winter whale watching is a unique experience and a whole other adventure compared to our summer tours. 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. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. Whale watching in iceland ultimate guide extreme iceland.
Each summer, some 11 species of whales are drawn here, to where the warm north atlantic and cold arctic currents mix. Indeed, many humpback whales do not leave iceland at all during the winter, instead choosing to stay and feed in the rich, nutrientrich waters around the country. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. With the warmer temperatures, the long daylight, and the calmer winds this information is definitely correct. Faxafloi bay is the home to many different species of whale throughout the year, and they are more than willing to say hello to you. Commercial trade in parts and products from species listed on appendix i is prohibited. The whale watching season in iceland is really on year round although trips in the winter are more likely to be delayed or cancelled due to bad.
Whales of iceland uses cookies to give you the best experience when you visit our website, whalesoficeland. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around icelands coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Iceland resumed largescale trade in whale products under reservation to japan in 2008. However, the most numerous whale species are most common in the cold temperate zone where cold and warm currents meet. The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer.
The cookies used on our website do not collect any personal information about you. In fact iceland lies where the cold and warm oceanic currents meet and consequently icelandic waters are very rich in whales. 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. 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. Most of the whale watching tours sail out from the old harbour in reykjavik as well as neighbouring areas in reykjanesb. Book your online tour with us and support local businesses book your tour here. Elding tour operator offers whale whatching tours from reykjavik iceland, one of many family friendly things to do. This applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance. Feeding humpback whale in faxafloi bay but whales come in all sizes. Whale watching in december iceland forum tripadvisor. When people think about whales in iceland their thoughts usually go to images of majestic leaping whales not surprising when iceland offers the best whale watching in europe.