Humpback whales are a relatively common sight in northern iceland, especially in the peak season between april and october. Next time you are visiting iceland we recommend joining a whale. Overview of whale watching in iceland iceland boasts not just the best whale watching in europe but is also one of the best places to whale watch in the world. The laugavegur hiking trail already sold out the entire summer of 20. Whale watching season is from april to midoctober with a peak in june. There are two companies who offer whale watching tours there. 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. Icelandic whalers cut open a 35tonne fin whale in 2009. But you really cant go wrong with any tour from any city. Whales of iceland partners with several whale watching companies around iceland. It is possible to see some species of whales and dolphins at other times of the year as migratory patterns vary between the species so winter sailings are still an option in. Rib express whale wathing this is a once in a lifetime boat experience. Pdf both whaling and whalewatching tourism occur in iceland, but these activities are considered. You can find the exhibition in reykjavik, icelands capital city.
Longterm monitoring of humpback whale entanglement in icelandic coastal waters is. It is possible to see some species of whales and dolphins at other times of the year as migratory patterns vary between the species so winter sailings are still an option in some parts of the country. Arctic adventures northern whale watching tours have a 98% success rate when it comes to whale sightings. The hunting season has now begun this year and according to the whale hunters its going exceptionally well with eleven whales caught already. Within a few minutes i spot minke whale on a restaurant menu next to a selection of puffin tapas. We will restore gunnar fully during this winter and have him ready for our next season alongside our every trusty oak boat niels jonsson ea 106. Iceland, dalvik watching crazy humpback whale from the. Summer season 1 april 31 october is great for whale watching, as the wildlife in the bay is at its highest peak. 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. What is the best season for 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.
Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. But with almost everything else in the animal kingdom, there are seasons for everythin. There are two types of boat trips offered, the classic whale watching tour or express rib boat tour. This is facilitated on board an old fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier and offers an onboard multimedia show that includes images, videos and facts about the whales and marine life, before going on the cruise. Whale watching is a popular activity in iceland but that doesnt necessarily mean its for everyone. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips.
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. Our skilled whale watching guides will introduce the whales in general, describe the whale species we encounter, and tell us interesting stories about them. Whale tours can best be taken starting at husavik or the. The official northern lights season in iceland is from. According to ceo of whaling company ip, whale meat in. Summer season is great for whale watching in reykjavik, as the wildlife in the bay is at its highest peak. 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. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. To prepare your visit you should definitely download the free whales of iceland audio app to your phone or tablet. Whales in iceland got a reprieve from hunters last year the.
Two weekends ago whaling boat rokkarinn ke caught two male minke whales, the first catch of the season. Whale watching in iceland information arctic adventures. The official humpback season in costa rica is december to march and. The best time for whale watching in iceland is the summer june, july, and august when the wildlife is at its peak and when whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. The whales that we can spot on our tours on faxafloi bay are mainly 4 types minke whales, whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales.
Whale watching in iceland ultimate guide extreme iceland. Go in march and you might miss the penguins, but its the best time for whale watching. The much anticipated 2016 whale watching season commences in may 15th, just short of two weeks from today. Get a boat and sail into this new exciting adventure. Below is a list of the most affordable whale watching tours, sailing from iceland s main whale watching ports. You can see whales all along the pacific coast of costa rica during those months. Iceland, dalvik watching crazy humpback whale from the rhib. Whale watching season whale watching iceland tours. Summers in iceland can be delightfully warm plus the added bonus of the magnificent midnight sun which gives 24 hours of daylight and the excitement of midnight golf. Minke, humpback, killer whales, harbour porpoises, and whitebeaked dolphins can be spotted near the coast of iceland all year round. Join us for a chance to encounter the incredible whales and dolphins of faxafloi bay. The whale watching begins march 1, so its a perfect timing the day is getting longer, the snow is slowly disappearing, and the whales are reappearing in larger numbers than ever before. Weve been preparing our two boats, niels jonsson and sandvikin, the last couple of weeks after the now finished winter fishing season.
Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. 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. When you go whale watching in iceland, rest assured that the whale watching companies iceland conduct their activities with respect for the gentle giants. The peak of whale watching coincides with the high tourist season from april to october, due to warmer. 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. Iceland whaling season under way despite protest whaling. This is the time when the minke whales are at their most abundant, along with the whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales, giving us the chance to enjoy and understand them in their natural environment. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. The annual icelandair midatlantic tradeshow was held in reykjavik last week and gentle giants took an active part as usual.
All you need to know about whale watching in iceland. Oct 11, 2017 we were going to visit and explore reykjavik for a few days before leaving to explore iceland in a campervan. Aug 20, 2016 whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Keep in mind that whales are lurking in the deep throughout the year. You can really start to see whales in iceland in april and have a pretty good shot through october. June, july, and august are peak season and offer the best opportunity to see the largest number of species. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and iceland. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. 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.
You should definitely stop by husavik, the whale watching capital of iceland. The best places to visit during offpeak season, from. The best time for whale watching in iceland is in the summer. Just check the weather, try to find a less crowded. Summer is the peak season for whalewatching, as it is the prime feeding time for the whales and migratory seabirds such as puffins can be seen. The countrys unique position between two ocean currents in the north atlantic means that its waters are filled with krill and fish the perfect attraction for hungry whales and dolphins.
Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. Best value whale watching trip from reykjavik guide to iceland. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. During our stay in iceland my boyfriend and me came to husavik to watch the whales. Summer season is great for whale watching, as the wildlife in the bay is at its highest peak. Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you need. 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. This study addressed the perceptions of whalewatch tour. This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a costa rica whale watching tour. Aug 22, 2017 this is a part of our journey to iceland contains shots from the whale watching tour organized by arctic sea tours from dalvik. Pdf first estimates of entanglement rate of humpback whales. Migrating whales flock to this bay, and sighting success rates are the highest in iceland.
I am more so drawn to the misconception among iceland tourists that whale meat described as steak with a fishlike flavor is a local specialty worth trying. Here are some thoughts and info on whale watching in iceland. From april to october, the city of husavik turns into heaven for whale loversthe coastal area is so full of them. Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. The company will, however, import minke whale meat from norway to meet what little demand there is in iceland for it, and will likely begin hunting minke whales again in the spring of 2020. Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you. Arctic adventures northern whale watching tours have a 98% success rate when it comes to whalesightings. Therefore, whale watching has become a must for any trip to iceland. Whales are drawn by fish and so every selfrespecting tourist is there to see the miracle. Oct 26, 2016 we have added a new whale watching boat to our fleet, gunnar hamundarson gk 357, a beautiful oak boat built in iceland in 1954. Oct 17, 2011 during our stay in iceland my boyfriend and me came to husavik to watch the whales.
The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures. It is the height of tourist season with most hotels and guest houses operating at peak capacity. Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. If we ever go back to iceland then we would definitely go. Jun 03, 2016 the hunting season has now begun this year and according to the whale hunters its going exceptionally well with eleven whales caught already. Watch for minke whales, dolphins and humpbacks on a whale watching cruise from reykjavik, and take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin.
We have added a new whale watching boat to our fleet, gunnar hamundarson gk 357, a beautiful oak boat built in iceland in 1954. They are lurking around all year round though, i would very much like to point that out. 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. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. Companies follow a protocol so as not to disturb them any more than than necessary, turning off their motors. Whale watching tours are available from reykjaviks old harbour every day. 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. Whale watching tours can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the season.
Minke whales, harbor porpoises, whitebeaked dolphins and humpback whales are the most commonly spotted sea creatures on our whale watching tours from reykjavik. Peak season, before it gets too cold, is december to early february, with the chance to see hatching penguins. Note that elding, or other companies, offer occasional coupons especially in the offseason that maybring the price down. The best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. This marks the first time since 2003 that a whaling season has passed without a hunt, when scientific hunts were launched. We rented an apartment right by the seafront in laekir and a short walk to harpa concert hall and the marina where the majority of iceland whale watching tours leave from. Over 20 species of whales inhabit the waters around iceland, appearing during different seasons of the year and at varying levels of frequency. In 2014, the iceland whale hunt killed 7 fin whales and 24 minkes. But with almost everything else in the animal kingdom, there are seasons for everything and your best chances to get a glimpse on these majestic animals is from april to october.
Jun 29, 2015 iceland whaling season under way despite protest. Kirkjufell the most photographed mountain of iceland is here as well. Companies follow a protocol so as not to disturb them any more than than necessary, turning off their motors when they get very close and never approaching from the front. Location gentle giants whale watching husavik, iceland. As it was already off season in iceland it was quite easy to get the tickets 54 euros. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Iceland has a welldeserved reputation as the premier whale watching destination in europe. When is the best time to go whale watching in iceland. The best whale spotting opportunities occur from midjune to august, which coincides with icelands peak tourist season.
We were going to visit and explore reykjavik for a few days before leaving to explore iceland in a campervan. That being said, the winter months still regularly yield excellent results. A live guided tour of whales of iceland is offered daily at 10. Iceland on the web can plan you a very friendly and inexpensive package for whale watching in reykjavik. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. The countrys two commercial whaling companies opted to skip the hunting season. This article helps you evaluating whether whale watching is worth your time and money. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from april through october. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from april through october, when over 20 kinds of whale flock to the north atlantic. We decided for north sailing because of the starting time of the tour and were really much satisfied in the end.
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