The old harbor is conveniently located in the city center, with various cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. I have been reading and researching for a while and have come up with the following as a start to our trip planning. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland. Whale watching from olafsvik day tours iceland travel. The orca, also known as killer whale, is a member of the dolphin family and belongs to the toothed whales odontoceti that form a suborder of cetaceans. Stay in remote countryside hotels, and as the evenings plunge the rugged landscapes into darkness, head out in search of the incredible aurora borealis. Is it possible to see the humpback whales and where would it be the best spots for whalewatching. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and. 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. 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.
Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. During the summer, wildlife in the bay is at its peak, with sightings of harbor porpoises and other whale species, including orcas and even fin whales. Whale watching tours are available from reykjaviks old harbour every day. 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. Whale watching iceland tour iceland holidays icelandair. Are different whales sighted or do certain types have more likelihood of sightings during different times of year. From iceland icelandic nonprofit seeks to protect orcas. Reykjavik the capital city is an easy option for visitors with yearround boat trips departing from the old 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. Most of the animal is black, with the exception of the belly which is white right up to the beak. Orca whale watching tours in iceland iceland message. Killer whales of west iceland orca guardians iceland. Orcas had visited the bay from late december and stayed throughout the early part of year. Our kids might wear 4 layers wool base layer, shirt, sweater, fleece to keep warm and keep the wind out. 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.
Orcas are divided into three ecotypes based on their diet, which affects the wear on their teeth. Most of the time, if youre going to be outside in iceland for several hours, you want to wear lots of layers. On 11 june 2016, one animal was observed at approximately 15. While the latter are particularly rare, the lively humpback is known for its acrobatics, regularly seen breaching. We very much enjoyed having the west fjords included with a circle tour, and suspect that it will draw new customers for you. From november to march the tour starts from grundarfjor. Although we got fairly close to them, he ensured we gave the orcas plenty of space and turned off the throttle to reduce the noise level. I really really want to see the orcas in grundarfjor. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Marine wildlife is most prolific in the summer months but even outside of this you might be lucky enough to spot orca, blue whale and white beaked dolphin.
Please could you tell me, do the watch watching tours still run this time of year. Every year from the end of october to medio january, the probably largest gathering of killing whales in the world take place in troms region, far. Iceland is incredible for its landscape, nature and its wildlife but some of that wildlife lives offshore. The spotter was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the skipper of the boat respectful of the whales. Book whale watching tours reykjavik iceland at guaranteed low prices with handpicked reliable suppliers. A holiday highlight is the opportunity to see beautifulyetdeadly killer.
Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. On the same trip, anthonys impressive aurora clips. With up to 24 different species swimming around the island and tour operators taking people out on boat tours all around the country, your options are endless. Winter whale watching is a unique experience and a whole other adventure compared to our summer tours. The success rate of the summer tours is over 95%, in the north, this is even higher at 98%.
Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. Christmas celebrations in iceland start on december 12th and intensify until. Hi, im thinking of visiting iceland in late september. Family trip december 2016 iceland forum tripadvisor. Unfortunately we have cancelled our whale watching tours on. Scour the sea for sightings of porpoises and dolphins as you listen to fascinating facts surrounding the majestic creatures that inhabit the icelandic ocean. The best whale watching tours in iceland whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate. We are a family of 5 children ages, 11 and 6 and we will be visiting iceland for the first time from 19 december through 30 december 2016. Males have a significantly taller and straight dorsal fin reaching up to 2 metres, while females and immature orcas have a much shorter and curved dorsal fin. The nonprofit in question, orca guardians iceland, sent a press release yesterday. Iceland, laki tours whale watching, and researchers and members of the. Jun 17, 2016 husaviks harbourfront makes for a truly beautiful starting point for a whale watching holiday in iceland reykjavik for the time poor not looking to travel far, the icelandic capital is the ideal watery gateway into whale watching. In addition, youll likely catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises, seals, and other ocean creatures. 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.
Icelands historic progress to the knockout stages of euro 2016 has boosted the small nations confidence, to the point that an icelandic holiday firm has offered free tickets for a whalewatching daytrip to the tournaments next losers england. 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. We are very excited about our our renewed trips to iceland in march 2017. Whale watching grundarfjordur orca watching iceland laki tours. Orcas are easily identified by the tall dorsal fin, which can be up to 1,8 m tall, and the dominant black and white colour. There is also a distinctive white patch above and to the rear of the eye. Iceland travel offers a variety of tours, packages tickets and services products through its website icelandtravel. The waterfront beckons and once you are on the water, you will understand the commercial and tourism draw of iceland. By day see the orca killer whales hunting in the fjords. While iceland is home to more than 20 species of whale, the most common types seen near reykjavik are orca, minke, and humpback whales. At least 50,000 animals, possibly closer to 100,000. Every year from the end of october to medio january, the largest gathering of killing whales in the world take place in troms region, far north of norway, due to enormous amounts of herring.
Hi all, just wondering if anyone knows if there is much chance of seeing anything on a whale watching tour in february. Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Dont get caught out in the cold when travelling to iceland prepare your visit with our handy travel guide resources that cover everything from visas to weather and seasons, how best to see the northern lights and where best to visit plus plenty more tips. The chances of spotting whales vary in accordance with food availability of the shores, but the sighting success of this tour exceeds 90%. Whale watching tours are a fun activity that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and group sizes. The national street 1 circles the whole island and therefore its mostly called circular road. Does anyone know when is the best time of the year to go to see orcas and where is the best place to go. Many sperm whales, but also some orca s november until mid february. Studies on icelandic orca began in the 1980s in east iceland, where the orca could be found following the icelandic summerspawning herring winter migration. Kvaloya, a neighbouring island to tromso, meaning whale island is where youll find the acrobatic humpback whale and the wolf of the sea, orca or killer whale. We follow the orcas closely to watch them play and feed.
A total of 123 orca have been recorded off vestmannaeyjar, although actual numbers are likely to be higher. This threehour cruise provides you the chance to see minke, whitebeaked and humpback whales. Were proud to say that we have great sighting success and five stars on tripadvisor. 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. Research focuses on photoidentification and acoustic studies. Whale watching from dalvik close to akureyri, the capital of north iceland, with arctic sea tours is truly a fun sea adventure you wont forget. Best whale watching iceland orcas and sperm whales on march 4, 2020. Sometimes as many as 5060 orcas and humpback whales can be observed at the same time. I am looking to go to iceland for a holiday next year and want to go on an orca whale watching tour. 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.
Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. If you start the 1 500 km journey, you will travel past glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, geysers, fjords and black beaches and you will see everything iceland has to offer plus having great chances to experience all four seasons. Orcas or killer whale, are easily identified by their striking tall black dorsal fin. Check this video on the facebook page of sea safari andenes. Each year continues to surprise us with the wildlife it offers. Iceland special tours whale watching and other tours. Iceland firm offers england team free whalewatching trip. The elding whale watching tour is located in reykjaviks harbour. There are locations around the world that offer whale watching but few do it as well as our reykjavik captain and crew and rarely year round. Hello, from february 26 till march 7 i will be 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. Europe whale watching all year long reykjavik iceland.
The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Iceland travels terms and conditions contain legal obligations. Whale watching in december iceland message board tripadvisor. Orca watching and northern lights holiday in iceland. The blue whale calves, for instance, weigh about 2,5 tons approx. Whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland elding. Explore the landscapes of south and west iceland on this winter flydrive adventure.
Hello ta advisorscommunity and thank you for your advice. Whale watching in dalvik north iceland tours arctic. Our tour selection combines of whale watching, northern lights by boat, puffin, rib and sea angling tours among other exciting adventures. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise the coastal curve of iceland to marvel at humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. This 14day guided small group tour lets you experience the best of iceland, from the charming capital city, reykjavik, to remote stretches of idyllic icelandic nature. The route combines popular attractions along the famous ring road, like the glacier lagoon, golden circle and south coast, as well as the lesserknown gems of the westfjords. The girlfriend is obsessed with whales despite never seeing one and would love to see one while we are over there.
Five icelandic orca have been sighted off the shetland coast. Whale watching in reykjavik iceland on the go tours us. Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. We also provide information on how to book winter day tours for those who. Prey of killer whales orcinus orca in iceland plos.
Join our winter whale watching tour in snaefellsnes and experience the great phenomenon of orcas in our waters, chasing herring. There are two types of boat trips offered, the classic whale watching tour or express rib boat tour. December is a special time in reykjavik and all of iceland. Iceland firm offers england team free whalewatching trip to. Whale watching in december iceland forum tripadvisor. Occasionally, other species are spotted such as the enormous fin whale, the orca or killer whale, and even blue whales, the largest mammal in the world. Dec 18, 2014 killer whalewatching in iceland audio slideshow in grundarfjordur, northern iceland, a pod of orcas has taken to feeding in the fjord near the town in winter. We wish you all the best in the exploding world of iceland tourism. Complete iceland 14 days nights guided group tours. Trips take you out past hardy seabirds think gannets and more pretty puffins to frolicking humpbacks and fin whales, the second largest species. Project nakid started researching the icelandic orca in vestmannaeyjar, iceland in 2007.
How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway. I have read that iceland only gets 4 to 5 hours of day light this time of year. About 7 to 14 days need to be calculated for the full tour. 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. Iceland orca whale watching on snaefellsnes killer whales west. The christmas season is a huge thing for us locals and that means that almost every single person will be happily filled with that warm christmas spirit from the end of november and through the whole holiday season. Orca whale watching tours in iceland iceland message board.
Killer whale close to haguanes whale watching north iceland. We are thinking of visting iceland the end of december. By night seekout the spectacular aurora borealis northern lights we only offer this tour and are unable to arrange holidays to iceland at any other time. Killer whalewatching in iceland audio slideshow travel. Well be in iceland in 2016, most likely the first 2 weeks of july, traveling from.
Best scuba diving in iceland by richard devanney dec 6, 2016 iceland is home to stunning landscapes, glaciers, mountains and lakes and some of the worlds best coldwater diving. We sailed with elding on 12th december and followed two orcas in the bay, which was an amazing experience. From april to september the boat departs from olafsvik. But most whale watching trips give you very warm overalls to wear. Does whale watching from reykjavik make sense at this time. Im traveling alone and planning to stay in a hostel in reykjavik and go on day tours. The identification catalogue is available for download at. The orca is the fast swimmer, and can reach a speed of 50 kmh.
970 1649 1312 1289 774 121 1261 876 1487 742 258 872 225 684 938 476 178 962 463 304 557 1379 139 585 1466 593 1155 385 1581 786 1304 1156 456 294 782 41 1223 453 505 830 1160