The Best Places for Whale Watching in Iceland
When it comes to whale watching in Iceland, several locations offer prime opportunities to witness these marine giants up close:
Húsavík: Known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík, a charming town in the north, boasts a remarkable variety of whales in Skjálfandi Bay. From humpbacks to blue whales, minke whales to harbor porpoises, and even the occasional sperm whale, Húsavík is a haven for whale enthusiasts.
Dalvík: Nestled in the picturesque Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland, Dalvík provides an intimate whale watching experience. Here, you may encounter humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and harbor porpoises, all against a backdrop of stunning fjord scenery.
Reykjavík: Iceland's vibrant capital city also offers year-round whale watching opportunities. Departing from the Old Harbor, you can spot white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales, with humpback whales making frequent summer appearances. The surrounding landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes add to the allure.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords: Breiðafjörður, just north of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is rich in herring, attracting toothed whales in winter. Here, you may witness orcas, sperm whales, minke whales, and more. Tours also operate from villages like Ólafsvík and Grundarfjordur.
Whale Species of Icelandic Waters
Iceland's nutrient-rich seas are home to an impressive array of whale species. While there are twenty-three cetacean species in Icelandic waters, eight are commonly seen during whale watching tours. Here are some of the most frequently spotted species:
Humpback Whales: Playful and lively, humpbacks are a staple of Icelandic whale watching. They exhibit various surface behaviors, making them entertaining to observe. With a high probability of sightings, encountering a humpback is almost guaranteed.
Minke Whales: These curious creatures frequently approach boats, sometimes diving under them and spy-hopping—raising their heads out of the water to observe their surroundings.
Orcas (Killer Whales): Known for their social behavior and hunting prowess, orcas are a captivating sight. They travel in family groups and may be seen on tours in West Iceland.
Porpoises and dolphins, including harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins, also frequent Icelandic waters, often adding to the magic of a whale watching excursion.
The Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Iceland
The peak whale watching season in Iceland is during the summer months of June, July, and August, coinciding with the highest wildlife activity. Success rates during this time often exceed 95%, and in the north, they can reach an impressive 99%.
However, whales can be spotted year-round in Iceland. Many species, such as dolphins and orcas, remain in Icelandic waters throughout the year. Winter tours boast success rates of around 90%, and sightings of humpbacks and minke whales are still common.
Whale-Watching Boats in Iceland
Whale-watching boats in Iceland are not just vessels; they are your gateways to experiencing the majesty of the ocean's giants up close. These boats are specially designed to provide passengers with the best vantage points for spotting and observing whales and dolphins in their natural environment. Here's a closer look at the types of whale-watching boats you can expect to encounter:
Larger Comfortable Boats: These boats are equipped with heated indoor areas and refreshment bars, offering shelter from unpredictable Icelandic weather. While they may be slower in approaching the whale watching areas, they provide a comfortable and cozy atmosphere for passengers to enjoy the experience. Highly recommended for families and those with accessibility challenges. These boast commonly depart from Reykjavík,
Smaller Open Boats: For those seeking a more immersive experience, smaller boats with no indoor cabin are a fantastic option. These boats are faster and can get much closer to the surface of the water, providing an exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair adventure.
Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs): RIB boats are the fastest of them all, ensuring that you waste no time in reaching the best whale-watching spots. They offer an adrenaline-pumping ride that's ideal for thrill-seekers and photography enthusiasts. RIB boat tours have a higher age limit and are not recommended for those who are prone to motion sickness and not suitable for pregnant women.
Combined Tours: Many operators in Iceland offer combined tours during the summer months. These tours often include puffin watching, sea angling, and even seafood barbecues, making for a full day of adventure. The puffin sightings are virtually guaranteed during the summer, as are the fish catches.
Remember to choose the type of boat that best suits your preferences, whether you prefer the comfort of an indoor cabin, the excitement of a smaller boat, or the speed of a RIB.
Responsible Whale Watching in Iceland
With the rising popularity of whale-watching tours, Iceland has taken measures to ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures and their marine environment. Responsible whale watching is a core principle for all operators, and they adhere to certain guidelines to minimize disturbances to the whales and maintain the integrity of the natural ecosystem. Here are some key aspects of responsible whale watching in Iceland:
IceWhale Code of Conduct: In 2015, local whale-watching tour operators, with the guidance of international experts, established the IceWhale Code of Conduct. This code ensures that the best practices are followed during whale-watching tours, providing an exceptional experience while prioritizing the welfare of the whales.
Minimizing Disturbance: Operators turn off their engines when approaching whales and never approach them from the front. This minimizes any potential disturbance and ensures that the whales can continue their natural behaviors undisturbed.
Environmental Stewardship: Whale-watching companies are vigilant about the environmental impact of their tours. They educate passengers about the marine ecosystem and encourage responsible behavior, such as not littering and respecting the natural surroundings.
Sustainable Tourism: Whale-watching operators in Iceland are committed to sustainable tourism practices. They seek to strike a balance between offering memorable experiences and safeguarding the marine environment for future generations.
By participating in a responsible whale-watching tour in Iceland, you can not only witness these incredible creatures but also contribute to their protection and the preservation of their oceanic habitat.
Whale watching in Iceland is an extraordinary journey into the world of these gentle giants of the sea. Whether you find yourself in the quaint town of Húsavík, the charming Dalvík, or the vibrant Reykjavík, the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is both humbling and exhilarating. Iceland's rich marine ecosystems and diverse whale species make every whale watching tour a unique and unforgettable experience, providing a deeper connection with the awe-inspiring wonders of our planet's oceans. So, embark on this adventure and prepare to be mesmerized by the grandeur of Iceland's whales.
FAQ
Whales are commonly sighted in the waters of western and northern Iceland. Humpbacks often swim in the Eyjafjörður, the fjord where you’ll find Dalvík and Akureyri. Húsavík whale watching boats head out into Skjálfandi Bay, where they’re joined by minke and blue whales as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises; you’ll also see these if you’re whale watching from Reykjavik. Meanwhile, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is a good place to observe orcas as well as further south in Skarfabakki Bay.
The best months for whale watching in Iceland are June, July, and August, during the summer when wildlife is most active.
The best time and place for whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months (June to August) in areas such as Húsavík, Dalvík, and Reykjavík.
Whale watching tours in Iceland are generally available in both morning and afternoon slots. The choice between morning and afternoon tours largely depends on your preference, as whale activity can vary throughout the day.
To get the most out of whale watching, choose a reputable tour operator, be patient, and keep your camera ready. Listen to the expert guides for insights and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The odds of whale watching in Iceland are generally high, with success rates often exceeding 90% to 99% during the peak whale-watching season.
Whale watching is available in both Reykjavík and Akureyri. The choice between the two depends on your travel plans and which region you'll be visiting.
"Whales of Iceland" is an exhibition in Reykjavík, and it's worth visiting to gain insights into the diverse whale species found in Icelandic waters. However, it's a different experience from live whale watching on the open ocean.
Whales in Iceland are active throughout the day, but they tend to be more active during feeding times, which can vary depending on the species. Humpback whales, for example, are often lively and playful.
Some say that early in the day is best for calm weather, while others prefer to wait until the sun’s a little higher in the sky so that the air warms up a bit. Afternoon cruises tend to be a bit quieter, so there’s potentially more space on the boat, and who doesn’t love the thought of a whale pictured at sunset?
Húsavík is renowned as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, offering a higher chance of whale sightings due to its rich feeding grounds. However, Akureyri also provides excellent opportunities for whale watching.
Very! Iceland’s position in the mid-Atlantic puts it on the route of cetaceous migratory patterns and it’s a popular feeding ground. Though sightings are never guaranteed, there are a significant number of whales around the Icelandic coast so you have an excellent chance of seeing them during your trip.
The fishing town of Húsavík in the north of Iceland was where whale watching in Iceland began, when North Sailing launched its first tours in 1995. Though Húsavík can lay a strong claim to being the whale watching capital of Iceland, it’s far from being the only place that offers boat trips.
Yes! Tours run year-round and you can book a whale-watching tour most days throughout the winter.
Many tours go out for three or four hours. In summer, express trips operate using faster boats. Typically these last two hour
More than 20 whale species have been seen in Icelandic waters, making us one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. You’ll find them in many other locations, such as the coastal waters of the USA, Mexico, South Africa and Australia.
Iceland also fares well in the European league table of whale watching destinations. Other top spots in Europe include The Azores, Canary Islands, Norway, the Orkneys in Scotland and Italy.
Even in summer, you’ll be glad of plenty of warm and waterproof layers of clothing as your whale watching boat slips out into open water. Likewise, you’ll appreciate having a hat, gloves and scarf to put on. On chilly days, some tour operators will supply warm overalls to pull on over your own clothes
Set out with realistic expectations. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings are never guaranteed, though it’s unusual for tours to return without having seen something. Another piece of advice is to arrange your whale watching excursion for early in your trip. That way, if inclement weather forces a cancellation, you’ll have the opportunity to rebook before you go home
Yes, the larger whale watching boats have bathrooms. However, the smaller boats and RIB boats do not have bathroom facilities.