Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. I traveled there in august 2016 to conduct research for my masters thesis i wanted to interview husavik locals to better understand the dynamics of the community and uncover their perceptions of the role whale ecotourism plays for iceland and its whales. Whale watching in reykjavik northern lights iceland. We offer various shore excursions and our lecturers on board will present interesting topics on the northern lights and whales.
Classic whale watching operates yearround and has an educational and interactive focus on board. That is why akureyri whale watching tours are particularly suitable for families with smaller children, elderlies and people who tend to get seasick. A full screening of the awardwinning film sonic sea. The most common whales in the winter have been dolphins, humpback whales and killer whales, hardly any minke whales have been seen from november through march.
Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations. In the winter months, and even as early as september, the most magical displays of auroras will often appear in the skies of iceland. The chance to see the giants of the sea during the voyage is therefore very high. The orca killer whale orcas are the ultimate predators of the oceans.
And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. When do we recommend you go to see northern lights and whales. 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. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Whales iceland stock photos download 276 royalty free photos. Arctic adventures offers a variety of whale watching tours, both from reykjavik and dalvik in the north of iceland.
One summer day off the coast of iceland, on a calm sea, a whaling crew towing freshly killed fin whales. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. Midatlantic offers a great platform for travel industry professionals from around the world to meet, work together and exchange ideas, in iceland a hub between europe and. Whale watching holidays discover the world call us today. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, migrate into icelandic waters. Dalvik village in north iceland is the best place for whale watching. Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime.
Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience. Iceland whale watching holidays discover the world. Learn about iceland s native marine life through a multimedia show on board, and spot sea creature splashing around during a 2. All you need to know about whale watching in iceland. However more sightings are reported between april and september. Gentle giants offers whale watching tours and other exciting seafaring adventures from the famous whale watching town husavik by skjalfandi bay, in the north of iceland. The countrys stunning waterfalls like seljalandsfoss and many other natural wonders are another.
Spot whales and see the worlds greatest light show on this unforgettable iceland super saver from reykjavik. 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. The whales of husavik, iceland voices for biodiversity. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. There is never a guarantee of spotting the northern lights, but northern lights forecast by vedur. Winter whale watching is scheduled daily from october 1st to march 31st at. 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. At the spectacular whales of iceland exhibition in reykjavik you will get to learn everything you need to know about every whale that has been found in icelandic waters throughout the history. We guide and operate whale watching tours in north iceland, from the sea side town of akureyri, on the magnificent eyjafjord.
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. You can find the exhibition in reykjavik, icelands capital city. Northern lights by boat with a backup plan called auroras at. Northern lights and whales in iceland on your aurora trip. The arctic north is absolutely superb in the wintertime and there is plenty to see and do for people of all ages. Whale watching akureyri operates from the floating pier at hof cutural and concert hall in the heart of down town akureyri. Splash out on an iceland whale watching holiday and interact with whales such as minke, humpbacks and blue whales in their natural surroundings.
Whale watching and northern lights exploring in the north of iceland is an incredible combo tour offering you the absolute best of the north. Whale watching boat tours depart mostly from reykjavik south west and akureyri or husavik in the north. Most likely whales december if you like it more crisp and winterly, norway and iceland are the perfect options. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. Its a truly spectacular destination for encountering these majestic, captivating creatures. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in iceland.
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 iceland city break iceland holidays. Whale watching, travel, wildlife, photography concepts an ancient whaler sailing in skjalfandi bay in northern iceland near to husavik looking for whales. Afterward, youll have a few hours to prepare for our northern lights minibus tour. The official northern lights season in iceland is from october till march. The first fin whale of the 20 whaling season is brought in to hvalfjord, iceland, just outside of reykjavik. Iceland is known for incredible northern lights and excellent whale watching but did you know that you can join for both these experiences right from downtown reykjavik. The 15 best things to do in north iceland 2020 with. 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. Best whale watching spots in iceland guide to iceland. On this escorted tour of iceland start and end in reykjavik, and witness these natural wonders while enjoying fun and unique experiences. Our whale watching grounds include minke whales, whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and the great humpback whale.
Location gentle giants whale watching husavik, iceland. On each tour, passengers can expect to examine whale teeth, baleen plates and bones. Driving in the northern capital of iceland in winter, there are two things you cant miss being on board of a whale watching boat from dalvik village to see the majestic marine creatures swimming freely close to you, and going out under the starry northern sky for the mysterious, dancing aurora borealis. Get to know the island of fire and ice in autumn on this special journey that gives the opportunity to witness northern lights and different species of whales.
In north iceland, youll find everything you need for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. Exhibition whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in. You can also see specimens straight from the ocean with the onboard microscope with your guide. The more activity the more likely it is that you will see the northern lights but that is not all. Follow whales slapping their flukes in the beautiful eyjafjordur fjord, then try your hand at sea angling local fish and bbq up your catch. Northern lights and whales in iceland with nordic saga tours. You can prepare yourself before visiting exhibition by downloading whales of iceland audio guided app to your phone or just on site as we do offer free wifi. Our qualified guides will keep you entertained with fun facts about icelandic marine life. Special tours offers amazing sea adventures from reykjavik, iceland. Our goal was to see the majestic humpback whale, and perhaps a dolphin or two, and we would travel on a specially modified rib boat to do so. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen.
The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer. During the summer months in particular, the shores become a veritable feeding ground for multiple species of large marine mammals, giving visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Dalvik is an old fishing village and a commercial port for fisheries and goods in the area. This article provides everything you need to know about whale watching in ice land, plus some fun facts about whales in iceland. Our tour selection combines of whale watching, northern lights by boat, puffin, rib and sea angling tours among other exciting adventures. Whale watching is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers. Auroras at whales of iceland is a northern lights themed visit to the spectacular whales of. Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you need.
Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. Reykjavik, iceland it was a whale sighting, but not the kind the visitors expected. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive. Whale watching from reykjavik whale watching iceland.
Once night falls, hop on a minibus from akureyri to join our aurora experts for the northern lights hunt. Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. We have toured with travelers on whale watching since 1993. The sea creatures we usually see on our tours are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. This holiday offer includes flights, accommodation and a half day whale watching tour with local specialists elding. The most commonly spotted whales are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. See the humpback whales, white beaked dolphins and minke whales.
Most of the whale watching tours sail out from the old harbour in reykjavik as well as neighbouring areas in reykjanesb. Whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland elding. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. Were the oldest whale watching company in iceland, since 1993. Just 10 minutes north of hauganes is the scenic village of dalvik, at the mouth of svarfa. You can do whale watching in dalvik, husavik the whale watching capital of iceland, hauganes and.
Dont miss your chance to spot iceland s marine giants off the coast of dalvik, one of the worlds best places for whale watching. Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. Orcas are quite common in the area and so are dolphins and porpoises. Choose which days and in what order you wish to take the tours, then wrap up in the protection of provided coveralls and prepare to be amazed. Simply meet us at the old harbour for a 3hour whale watching adventure with amazing views of the capital and watch the whales play in. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. Whale watching dalvik northern lights extreme iceland. When coming to iceland, there certain things that should be on every travelers bucket list. Irrespective of how lengthy you have got within the nation, listed below are among the the explanation why iceland needs to be your subsequent mustvisit vacation spot. As in all other whale watching spots in northern iceland, the main species seen in akureyri are humpback whales, though minke whale, dolphins and harbour porpoise can be spotted sometimes.
Later the boat was used for trawling, net and line fishing all the way up to 1990 when it was decommissioned. Whale watching and aurora borealis extreme iceland. Join our day tours and experience the famous eyjafjord humpback whales in their natural habitat. Short tour enjoy the unspoiled nature and wildlife of iceland on a brand new and fast whale watching boat, one of its kind in iceland.
Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling. Iceland whale watching holidays were proud to have pioneered whale watching in iceland back in 1993, when we became the first company to operate a whale watching boat trip. This tiny town, population 2,8, borders the skjalfandi bay, home to the greatest diversity of whales perhaps in europe. 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 weather.
But one of iceland s most spectacular natural sights lurks. Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. Nattfari whale watching boat was built in stykkisholmur west iceland in 1965 and is typical of icelandic herring boats used in the 1960s and 70s. Northern lights by boat tours from reykjavik, iceland. Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by. The annual icelandair midatlantic tradeshow was held in reykjavik last week and gentle giants took an active part as usual. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Our whale watching boat, rosin the rose, offers an absolute innovation in whale watching adventures in iceland, it is fast and a luxurious whale watching boat, one of its kind in iceland, providing security and luxury for all. North iceland top 10 destination according to lonely planet, travel, nature, vacation, volcano, hotel, northern lights, whale watching, dettifoss.
There is also the midatlantic ridge, which runs right through iceland and gives iceland its volcanic landcape. Northern iceland is globally recognized as the best location to experience whales in the world. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and iceland. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Imagine if mother nature herself would shoot fireworks and lighten up the sky, a moment so beautiful it leaves you out of speech, almost out of breath. Good chances to see orcas and humpbacks and northern lights as well. Look forward to a 3daycruise with shore excursions and interesting lectures, before an exciting bus tour along the northwest coast and back to reykjavik follows.
The whales of iceland exhibition located in reykjavik, iceland. Simply meet us at the old harbour for a 3hour whale watching adventure with amazing views of the capital and watch the whales play in the natural habitat. Theres also some places for opportunistic whale watching while doing a regular nature tour, i. Imagine finding yourself so close to the arctic circle that the northern lights shine brighter and the whale watching tours offer many different types of whales. Should youre in search of the very best place on the planet to view the northern lights, iceland is. Nattfari whale watching husavik iceland north sailing. Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. Followed by northern lights evening tour 2100 hours.
Pictures taken on every tour, available to download free of charge. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Please be aware that due to environmental reasons during certain times of the year our trips may be delivered on a shared boat with one of our partners. Lots of different whale species spend september along the shores of northern iceland. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. If you dont see a whale, you have the option to take the tour again for free. Whales of iceland partners with several whale watching companies around iceland. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching. Whilst whale watching has traditionally been a summer activity in iceland, the last 2 winters have proven that the incidence of sightings in the winter is very good too at about 70%, so now you can see whales and the northern lights at the same time. The whales most frequently seen on our trips are minke and humpback whales, and we sometimes see dolphins, porpoises, and other species too.
Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. 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. We bring you to the best places to watch whales in iceland. A live guided tour of whales of iceland is offered daily at 10. Top 10 apps for travelling in iceland guide to iceland. There are two different types of whale watching tours that you can choose from to best suit your needs.
Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Best time to visit iceland in 2020 northern lights. Whale watching hauganes is extremely proud of being the oldest whale watching iceland company. Skjalfandi itself actually translates to trembling in. The presence of whales in iceland goes back centuries. 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. There is a small town in northern iceland that describes itself as europes best whalewatching destination. Marine biologists have cataloged around 400 unique individuals in iceland s waters, although it is possible that many more migrate during the warmer season. A small boat is taking tourists on a trip to spot some whales tourists on a boat at whale watching in reykjavik. With 23 life size whale models and a lot of indepth information about whales, interactive experiences, underwater footage of whales you are in for a big. Northern lights and whales tour 1 2020 iceland procruises. So the best time for whale watching is usually from march september simply because of the weather. Setting out in search of the northern lights on a cruise, watch the night sky for signs of the mesmerizing natural wonder and hear the. We often see other beautiful marine creatures such as.