Join our day tours and experience the famous eyjafjord humpback whales in their natural habitat. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. Its a truly spectacular destination for encountering these majestic, captivating creatures. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in north iceland, iceland on tripadvisor. 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. The first fin whale of the 20 whaling season is brought in to hvalfjord, iceland, just outside of reykjavik. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. You can do whale watching in dalvik, husavik the whale watching capital of iceland, hauganes and.
Orcas are quite common in the area and so are dolphins and porpoises. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching. Best whale watching spots in iceland guide to iceland. The more activity the more likely it is that you will see the northern lights but that is not all. Classic whale watching operates yearround and has an educational and interactive focus on board. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and iceland. Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. North iceland top 10 destination according to lonely planet, travel, nature, vacation, volcano, hotel, northern lights, whale watching, dettifoss. 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. A live guided tour of whales of iceland is offered daily at 10. 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 never a guarantee of spotting the northern lights, but northern lights forecast by vedur.
Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you need. A small boat is taking tourists on a trip to spot some whales tourists on a boat at whale watching in 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. 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. Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations. 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. Pictures taken on every tour, available to download free of charge. You can also see specimens straight from the ocean with the onboard microscope with your guide. Whale watching holidays discover the world call us today. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. We bring you to the best places to watch whales in iceland. Discover the best mobile apps to download before your trip to iceland. There are two different types of whale watching tours that you can choose from to best suit your needs. The official northern lights season in iceland is from october till march.
Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime. 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. 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. Northern iceland is globally recognized as the best location to experience whales in the world. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. Learn about iceland s native marine life through a multimedia show on board, and spot sea creature splashing around during a 2. 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. 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.
All you need to know about whale watching in iceland. 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. Location gentle giants whale watching husavik, iceland. Whale watching and aurora borealis extreme iceland. One summer day off the coast of iceland, on a calm sea, a whaling crew towing freshly killed fin whales. 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 whales of iceland exhibition located in reykjavik, iceland. Followed by northern lights evening tour 2100 hours. The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer. We guide and operate whale watching tours in north iceland, from the sea side town of akureyri, on the magnificent eyjafjord.
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. However more sightings are reported between april and september. Blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, migrate into icelandic waters. Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders. Were the oldest whale watching company in iceland, since 1993. There is also the midatlantic ridge, which runs right through iceland and gives iceland its volcanic landcape. The annual icelandair midatlantic tradeshow was held in reykjavik last week and gentle giants took an active part as usual.
In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. 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. You can find the exhibition in reykjavik, icelands capital city. Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. 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. Northern lights and whales in iceland with nordic saga tours. But one of iceland s most spectacular natural sights lurks. This article provides everything you need to know about whale watching in ice land, plus some fun facts about whales in iceland. Whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate.
The 15 best things to do in north iceland 2020 with. 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. Iceland whale watching holidays discover the world. Whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland elding. 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. Auroras at whales of iceland is a northern lights themed visit to the spectacular whales of. Later the boat was used for trawling, net and line fishing all the way up to 1990 when it was decommissioned. Lots of different whale species spend september along the shores of northern iceland.
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. 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. Whale watching iceland city break iceland holidays. Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. That is why akureyri whale watching tours are particularly suitable for families with smaller children, elderlies and people who tend to get seasick. Whether as part of an independent touring holiday in new zealand, a cruise into the pristine wilderness of antarctica and arctic regions, while paddling a kayak off the coasts of canada or alaska, or combined with your search for the northern lights in iceland and norway, we have cetacean encounters to tempt firsttimers or dedicated whale. Dont miss your chance to spot iceland s marine giants off the coast of dalvik, one of the worlds best places for whale watching. Nattfari whale watching husavik iceland north sailing. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. Dalvik village in north iceland is the best place for whale watching. 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. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. The countrys stunning waterfalls like seljalandsfoss and many other natural wonders are another.
Reykjavik, iceland it was a whale sighting, but not the kind the visitors expected. The sea creatures we usually see on our tours are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. In north iceland, youll find everything you need for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Exhibition whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in. Spot whales and see the worlds greatest light show on this unforgettable iceland super saver from reykjavik. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience.
We have toured with travelers on whale watching since 1993. 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. We offer various shore excursions and our lecturers on board will present interesting topics on the 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. 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. Still, even with the app, there is no telling for sure when the northern lights will. Most of the whale watching tours sail out from the old harbour in reykjavik as well as neighbouring areas in reykjanesb. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Follow whales slapping their flukes in the beautiful eyjafjordur fjord, then try your hand at sea angling local fish and bbq up your catch. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive. Unsurprisingly, there are mystical creatures that still dwell along the frigid coast of iceland whales.
How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. 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. Special tours offers amazing sea adventures from reykjavik, iceland. A full screening of the awardwinning film sonic sea. In the winter months, and even as early as september, the most magical displays of auroras will often appear in the skies of iceland. Best time to visit iceland in 2020 northern lights. Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland. 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. Northern lights and whales in iceland on your aurora trip. Whales iceland stock photos download 276 royalty free photos. Marine biologists have cataloged around 400 unique individuals in iceland s waters, although it is possible that many more migrate during the warmer season. 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. Genetic material from a large whale killed off the coast of iceland has confirmed the creature was a rare hybrid. Whale watching in reykjavik northern lights iceland.
Theres also some places for opportunistic whale watching while doing a regular nature tour, i. Skjalfandi itself actually translates to trembling in. Winter whale watching is scheduled daily from october 1st to march 31st at. The whales of husavik, iceland voices for biodiversity. When do we recommend you go to see northern lights and whales. Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. So the best time for whale watching is usually from march september simply because of the weather. Whales of iceland partners with several whale watching companies around iceland. 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.
Whale watching hauganes is extremely proud of being the oldest whale watching iceland company. 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. Most likely whales december if you like it more crisp and winterly, norway and iceland are the perfect options. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. Whale watching dalvik northern lights extreme iceland. 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 knew that it was getting serious when they brought out the waterproof boiler suits. When coming to iceland, there certain things that should be on every travelers bucket list. Our tour selection combines of whale watching, northern lights by boat, puffin, rib and sea angling tours among other exciting adventures. The whales most frequently seen on our trips are minke and humpback whales, and we sometimes see dolphins, porpoises, and other species too.
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. Good chances to see orcas and humpbacks and northern lights as well. The orca killer whale orcas are the ultimate predators of the oceans. They have been known to attack other whales, which is why they are commonly referred to as killer whales. Whale watching and northern lights exploring in the north of iceland is an incredible combo tour offering you the absolute best of the north. 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. Northern lights by boat tours from reykjavik, iceland. Northern lights and whales tour 1 2020 iceland procruises. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. We often see other beautiful marine creatures such as. Whale watching, travel, wildlife, photography concepts an ancient whaler sailing in skjalfandi bay in northern iceland near to husavik looking for whales. On this escorted tour of iceland start and end in reykjavik, and witness these natural wonders while enjoying fun and unique experiences. Dalvik is an old fishing village and a commercial port for fisheries and goods in the area.
See the humpback whales, white beaked dolphins and minke whales. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. 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. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Arctic adventures offers a variety of whale watching tours, both from reykjavik and dalvik in the north of iceland. The chance to see the giants of the sea during the voyage is therefore very high. 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 is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers. 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. 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. When and where to see whales in iceland iceland rovers. This is why one of the best places to go whale watching in iceland is the northern icelandic town of husavik.
Our whale watching grounds include minke whales, whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and the great humpback whale. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. On each tour, passengers can expect to examine whale teeth, baleen plates and bones. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober.
Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. 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. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in 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. Whale watching boat tours depart mostly from reykjavik south west and akureyri or husavik in the north. Northern lights by boat with a backup plan called auroras at. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Visit our website for bookings and further information. The most commonly spotted whales are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling. This holiday offer includes flights, accommodation and a half day whale watching tour with local specialists elding. Once night falls, hop on a minibus from akureyri to join our aurora experts for the northern lights hunt. Whale watching from reykjavik whale watching iceland.
If you dont see a whale, you have the option to take the tour again for free. 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. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Just 10 minutes north of hauganes is the scenic village of dalvik, at the mouth of svarfa. This tiny town, population 2,8, borders the skjalfandi bay, home to the greatest diversity of whales perhaps in europe. Top 10 apps for travelling in iceland guide to iceland. There is a small town in northern iceland that describes itself as europes best whalewatching destination. Afterward, youll have a few hours to prepare for our northern lights minibus tour. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. Should youre in search of the very best place on the planet to view the northern lights, iceland is.