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. When we spot a whale, our expert captain will take us as close as possible to them, without interfering with the animals themselves, ensuring that we have the best possible opportunity to see them hunting, feeding. Iceland has an exemption to the moratorium through the reservation made in 2002. Two beluga whales from a shanghai aquarium have arrived in iceland to live out their days in a unique marine sanctuary that conservationists hope will become a model for rehoming 3,000 of the. From iceland no fin whaling in iceland this summer. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. To make the models for the exhibition, we created detailed blueprints based on close study of the 23 species found in icelandic waters. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. 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. Orca watching and northern lights holiday in iceland.
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. Genetic material from a large whale killed off the coast of iceland has confirmed the creature was a rare hybrid. Our tours have a 98% success rate for whale sightings thanks to the favorable icelandic waters. The whales feed mostly on small krill and various species like herring and mackerel which the icelandic ocean is rich of for the whales in winter. Our new and exclusive into the blue smallgroup holiday encompasses iceland s top three whale watching locations as you explore the country under the midnight sun with expert. While it is true that culpability for letting whaling happen does rest upon many different offices, there is only one company left that still hunts protected fin whales. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours.
Flags fly at full mast and everyone has the day off if they want it. The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer. How likely are we to see whales at that time of year. A true iceland expert, cathy has worked as a guide in iceland for 30 years, is author of the horizon visitors guide to iceland and contributor to several other publications on travel on the island. Iceland endangered fin whale killed june 2018 youtube. Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5 tons approx. About whales of iceland open since 2014 lifesized models. The orcas are apex predators, which mean that no other animal feeds on them, while the majestic sperm whale is the worlds largest predatory animal.
To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and save the graphic on the next page. 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. The 747400erf freighter aircraft was welcomed onto the tarmac at keflavik airport with a ceremonial water salute from two fire trucks firing a water arc over the plane, in celebration of iceland s. 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. Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. Icelands national day, 17th of june the 17th of june marks the anniversary of icelands independence, and famous independence fighter jon sigur. The cookies used on our website do not collect any personal information about you. It turns out that iceland is a great place to see whales, one of the best destinations in europe in fact. Whale watching olafsvik whale watching snaefellsnes with.
Iceland s recent killing of whales, however, which sea shepherd captain paul watson said has numbered 27 fin whales since june 22, has tenuous legal ground but the icelandic justification for. In iceland, june is the ideal time of the year to enjoy the midnight sun, especially with the longest day in the year on the 21 st. Whale watching iceland holidays discover the world. The opportunity to see whales in their native environment makes our whale watching tour truly a oneofakind experience. Whale watching in june reykjavik forum tripadvisor. With our speedboats we can offer our passengers more area to cover in search for the gentle giants.
Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. Gems of iceland with whale watching zrs 6 day tour from reykjavik to reykjavik active pace. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. Blue whales are also regular spring and summer visitors, particularly off the coast of north iceland in top whale watching locations like skjalfandi bay and eyjafjordur. The tails of two 35tonne fin whales are bound to a hvalur boat on june 19, 2009 after being caught off the coast of hvalfjsrour, north of reykjavik, on the western coast of iceland. 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. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe.
In light of the corona covid19 pandemic we regretfully have halted our tours until april 15th the first. Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. 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. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. Minke whales are by far the most common great whale in icelands. The times and dates of the tour will vary according to the season. This natural phenomenon is truly magical with a sun almost disappearing, floating on. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience. Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you need. In 1982, the international whaling commission iwc imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling, effective from 1986. You can prepare yourself before visiting exhibition by downloading whales of. In iceland, june is the ideal time to observe the midnight sun, with the longest day being 21 june for the summer solstice. The ultimate guide to iceland in june guide to iceland.
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. There is also the midatlantic ridge, which runs right through iceland and gives iceland its volcanic landcape. At this time of the year, we have almost 24 hours of daylight. Whales of iceland is the largest whale exhibition in europe and perhaps even the world, where guests can learn about the giants of the sea in a calm and modern environment. These range from one of the smallest marine mammals, the harbour porpoise, all the way up to the gigantic blue whale. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Featured are 23 lifesize models of the species found in icelandic waters. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. Why iceland gets away with killing massive, endangered whales. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Sea shepherd is in iceland at the whaling station livestreaming icelandic crimes, the killing of endangered fin whales in violation of the international ban on commercial whaling.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, and sperm whales. 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. Another thing definitely worth mentioning for your iceland holiday in june is that the peak summer season is also your best window to spot whales in iceland. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. Cargolux airlines has safely flown two former captive whales little grey and little white to iceland following a 6,000 mile flight from china.
June 2020, we are happy to offer you this 8day trip to the midnight sun period in iceland, humpback whale watching, swimming in the northern blue lagoon. And of course, feel free to share it with your friends who might be interested in seeing whales. Male sperm whales are also commonly seen in june, while humpbacks, minke whales, and whitebeaked dolphins are seen all yearround. On a whale watching tour from reykjavik with special tours wildlife adventures you will be able to experience some of iceland s 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. The speed gives us an excellent opportunity to go further and sail through a wider area. However, more sightings are reported between april and september. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. Japan also agreed not to purchase whale meat from iceland to secure fishing rights in alaskan waters. With this trip you will have the entrance to the whales of iceland exhibition, where.
Nowhere else in iceland is there a better chance to see toothed whales such as orcas, sperm whales and pilot whales. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. 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. Due to the covid19 pandemic we have decided to cease our activities until june 15th the earliest. Whale watching boat tours depart mostly from reykjavik south west and akureyri or husavik in the north. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. 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. If you decide that this is the tour for you, there are tour operators around the country who can offer you a memorable cruise in icelandic waters, many of which also offer. Over the twelvemonth period ending in august 2007, icelandic whalers were authorized by the icelandic government to hunt and sell 30 minke whales and 9 fin whales. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. Whale watching in september iceland lonely planet forum. 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.
She has worked as a whale watch guide in tysfjord and lofoten in northern norway, where hundreds of orcas gathered to feed on overwintering herring. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. On this escorted tour of iceland start and end in reykjavik, and witness these natural wonders while enjoying fun and unique experiences. Whale watching on the snaefellsnes peninsula guide to iceland. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. 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. Iceland, a major whaling nation since the late 19th century and a founding member of the iwc, did not formally object to the 1982 decision and was thus bound by the ban. The first small flocks arrive in april and the last ones leave in september, but the best months to see puffins are from may to august. Traditional whaling sperm whales in lamalera village, lembata island, indonesia. Ive searched the forum and some say dalvik is better.
Whales of iceland uses cookies to give you the best experience when you visit our website, whalesoficeland. 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 resumed commercial whaling on 21 october 2006 after icelandic whalers caught a fin whale. If boat tour part of combo is cancelled on our behalf but purchased ticket includes the admission to whales of iceland exhibition, full price for the admission will be charged and the boat tour portion of the price will be refunded. Orca guardians iceland is the first icelandic conservation nonprofit of its kind, dedicated specifically to the protection of orcas in the waters around iceland.
Whale watching tours are a fun activity that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and group sizes. On the 28th of june, the organization orca guardians iceland was launched. Best time to visit iceland in 2020 northern lights. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Whales populate the area yearround due to the unique sea conditions. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. Does anyone know how good the whale watching is out of reykjavik at that time of year. This natural phenomenon is magical with a sun barely disappearing, brushing the horizon line of the sea before rising to the heavens. 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. Join a whale tour with laki tours in snaefellsnes or the westfjords.
Below is a list of the most common species found on whale watching tours in iceland, followed by honourable mentions of some lesscommon ones. The humpback whale is a big traveler and has incredible endurance and takes almost no resting on his long seasonal migration to the south seas approx. Cargolux safely transports beluga whales to iceland. Apr 14, 2017 after all, whalewatching is only one great way to spend your time in iceland, and if youre keen to get out on the water, theres more than one way to make it happen.
Reestablishing the lost link with the whales in iceland. Get app whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in. Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders. Although whales can be spotted all year round in iceland the summer is definitely the peak season with the highest chance of seeing something remarkable. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. Why iceland is set to resume whaling in june despite. 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. Iceland was required to submit a full research proposal in 1988. The best time to see whales in iceland and success rates. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. The best whale spotting opportunities occur from mid june to august, which coincides with iceland s peak tourist season. 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. The peak season for activity is from june to august.
Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. 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. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Whale watching season is from april to midoctober with a peak in june. Trip would seem expensive if we came back after no sightings. A rib is faster than the wind and makes it therefore more likely for us to find the big whales. By 1989, boycotts of icelandic fish, organized by greenpeace and other antiwhaling organizations, began to take a toll on iceland s economy. They are lurking around all year round though, i would very much like to point that out.
Tours departing from reykjavik operate all year round while tours from husavik, on the north coast of iceland. Every whaling season, environmentalist and animal rights groups at home and abroad raise the alarm. 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. For a few years now, blue whales are making their way to the waters off the coast of husavik. The permanent exhibition features whales like guests have never seen them before. The whaleplanner august a whale watching infographic. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. We operate whale watching tours in small groups, to ensure that you get the maximum opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible animals. Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching.
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