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