Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience. Whales populate the area yearround due to the unique sea conditions. It turns out that iceland is a great place to see whales, one of the best destinations in europe in fact. The largest whale museum in europe allows visitors to walk among lifesize giants. According to the ceos of icelands two whaling companies, exporting whale meat does not really pay off. The laugavegur hiking trail already sold out the entire summer of 20. 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. Whale watching iceland in february humpback whale in.
In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5 tons approx. 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. Iceland will allow more than 2,000 whales to be killed. Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Baleen whales are a migratory species, and most travel long distances to tropical waters in winter and back to polar regions in summer. Whales have also been seen in this area during december february. Apr 05, 2019 that market has since collapsed and no whale meat was exported from iceland in 2017. Iceland on the web can plan you a very friendly and inexpensive package for whale watching in reykjavik. The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures.
Iceland orca whale watching on snaefellsnes killer whales west. Does anyone know how good the whale watching is out of reykjavik at that time of year. The ultimate guide to iceland in february guide to iceland. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Im planning a trip to iceland within the next two months and whale watching is pretty high on my list of awesome things to do. 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. Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. Our tours have a 98% success rate for whale sightings thanks to the favorable icelandic waters whales populate the area yearround due to the unique sea conditions.
Whale watching is a popular, cheap and fun activity to do in iceland. By far the best time of year for whale watching in iceland is during the summer months, from april through september, when over 20 species of cetaceaincluding the orca, minke, humpback, and blue whalecan be seen in the north atlantic and arctic oceans on either side of the island. With more hours of darkness than light each day, its an optimal time to look out for the northern lights despite the quasiarctic climate, much of iceland in february is still as accessible as at other times of the year. Starting in reykjaviks old harbour, your whale watching adventure is located right in the city centre. Whale watching in september iceland lonely planet forum. Iceland refuses to recognise the ban and currently allocates its whalers a quota to kill endangered fin whales the second largest creature on earth as well as minke whales. Oct 11, 2017 by far the best time of year for whale watching in iceland is during the summer months, from april through september, when over 20 species of cetaceaincluding the orca, minke, humpback, and blue whalecan be seen in the north atlantic and arctic oceans on either side of the island. Icelands minke whale quota in recent years has been set at 224 minke whales per year, though nowhere near that number has been caught in recent years.
Plus the whales are usually closer to land and therefore the total duration of the tour is. 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. This article provides everything you need to know about whale watching in iceland, plus some fun facts about whales in iceland. Whale watching is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers. Commercial trade in parts and products from species listed on appendix i is prohibited. Whale watching in iceland ultimate guide extreme iceland. This is the original whale watching tour from reykjavik and one of the most popular attractions in iceland. Mar 03, 2016 the ocean around iceland is cold during winter time and thats when the whales go south to warmer waters, to the caribbean wouldnt we all. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching. Next time you are visiting iceland we recommend joining a whale watching tour in holmavik in the westfjords of iceland.
We are planning a 7 days trip to iceland in mid october and are very interested in whale watching. Seeing those beasts in all their glory is a magnificent experience. Ten days of winter whale watching in tromso, far beyond the arctic circle. 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. Its really special experience to head out to see a whale move greacefully through gentle fjord waters or out across a bay, relatively close to the shore. In february, most of iceland s landscapes and towns are blanketed in snow. Hi all, just wondering if anyone knows if there is much chance of seeing anything on a whale watching tour in february. Each year continues to surprise us with the wildlife it offers. Jul 22, 2010 from a whale watching tour by elding in reykjavik, great video.
The best time of year to see whales in the waters around iceland is from april to october. During winter, whitebeaked dolphins are also regular guests in this area. There arent any specific whale watching tours but if you go on a catamaran sailing tour or a private boating tour, you have a chance to see them in july october. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic. Iceland has an exemption to the moratorium through the reservation made in 2002. 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. Our tours have a 98% success rate for whale sightings thanks to the favorable icelandic waters. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours.
Toprated reykjavik whale watching tours 2020 dolphin tours. Whale watching reykjavik special tours updated april. Exhibition whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Rib express whale wathing this is a once in a lifetime boat experience. Whale watching tours playas del cocogulf of papagayo. Hi, there are four whale watching companies in reykjavik all down town in reykjavik. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around icelands coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. 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. Is it possible to see the humpback whales and where would it be the best spots for whale watching. Of the 23 different species of whale found in icelands waters, eight are frequently spotted on whale watching excursions. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Whale watching iceland in february humpback whale and dolphins on our grundarfjordur winter whale watching trip in snaefellsnes on feb 28, 2019. That market has since collapsed and no whale meat was exported from iceland in 2017.
Is it possible to see the humpback whales and where would it. Icelandic whalers have slaughtered more than 1,700 whales fin, minke and sei whales since the global ban on commercial whaling came into force in 1986. The girlfriend is obsessed with whales despite never seeing one and would love to see one while we are over there. Hi, we intend to travel to iceland this february is it possible to go whale watching in february most tour companies still seem to be advertising summer trips. Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. You should definitely stop by husavik, the whale watching capital of iceland. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. We are planning a 7 days trip to iceland in mid october and are very interested in whalewatching.
So picking a hotel down town you only have to walk 5 minutes max. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. The peak season for activity is from june to august. The ocean around iceland is cold during winter time and thats when the whales go south to warmer waters, to the caribbean wouldnt we all. There are numerous photos of henry rudy after his time as a trapper and a member of the. A comprehensive guide to driving in iceland in winter for your iceland winter trip with lots of practical tips and advice based on our own personal experience. In total there are 18 companies down by the old harbor, restaurants, bike renting, scooter rental, restaurants, souvenirs and guided tours on electric bikes and scooters in reykjavik.
The whales of iceland exhibition, open since 2014, features lifelike fullsized models of the whale species around iceland, an interactive installation, vr and audio guide. Whale watching in reykjavik iceland on the go tours us. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. The focus is naturally on the giants of the sea and we hope to see minke and humpback whales, harbour porpoises and whitebeaked. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Just 10 minutes north of hauganes is the scenic village of dalvik, at the mouth of svarfa.
During summer, chances to see orcas are good as well but not as regularly as during. Also, in regard to dog sledding, is there an experience where you can drive the sleds, i have seen one where you just sit in the sled, but would be interested in having a go at driving. I had brought my own snow board pants and a winter coat, which worked really well for. 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. Whales of iceland reykjavik, iceland atlas obscura. Dalvik is an old fishing village and a commercial port for fisheries and goods in the area. About whales of iceland open since 2014 lifesized models. On this whale watching excursion you will be able to get up close to some of icelands amazing wildlife. 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. If your plans change, choose a new date or tour with the same tour operator.
Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. Whales of iceland opened its doors for wdc and erich hoyt who held an impressive lecture to celebrate 25 years of whale watching in iceland. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. Whale watching iceland february orcas in snaefellsnes laki tours. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. Whales of iceland uses cookies to give you the best experience when you visit our website, whalesoficeland. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. Theres also some places for opportunistic whale watching while doing a regular nature tour, i. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Iceland to let more than 2,000 whales be killed within the next five years.
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. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. Close to downtown, this is truly an immersive exhibit that will take you into the world of the whales. Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where. Read about a successful iceland winter whale watching tour in snaefellsnes with orcas killer whales. 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. The tour companies and tourist info websites obviously claim that there is a good chance of seeing whales in the winter, but i cant seem to find any impartial information on whether theres actually any chance of this happening. Join us for a chance to encounter the incredible whales and dolphins of faxafloi bay. Opened in february of 2014, the huge exhibition is designed. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway.
Whales of iceland is a new exhibit that opened in the heart of reykjaviks old harbour area in february 2015. The good thing about whale watching from reykjavik is that you dont have to go far to spot whales and they are spotted in almost. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Winter whale watching is a unique experience and a whole other adventure compared to our summer tours. February is also a good time to see the big whales around the baja california, mexico. 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. Whale watching tours are a fun activity that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and group sizes. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. 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. Departures available from reykjavik or meet on location.
Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. Whale watching iceland february orcas in snaefellsnes. Of the 23 different species of whale found in iceland s waters, eight are frequently spotted on whale watching excursions. Iceland resumed commercial whaling on 21 october 2006 after icelandic whalers caught a fin whale.
And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. 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. 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. 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. The fjord is incredibly sheltered from most winddirections, meaning the tour is very smooth and calm. Iceland resumed largescale trade in whale products under reservation to japan in 2008. We cover all the practical things you need to know before you go, how to be prepared for driving in iceland in winter, what kind of car to rent, and what to do in the event of an emergency. With an impressive backdrop of a very snowy snaefellsnes peninsula, we watched at least 7 individuals, including two younger calves, as they were foraging and feeding. Northern norway is one of the best places to see northern lights and whales. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages.
501 434 709 424 1468 197 1307 1146 819 1356 324 1386 382 1295 1497 711 291 1429 198 1242 350 44 46 660 568 414 1466 527 640 472 1055 252 913 1093 334 554 800 799