Whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland elding. Northern lights and whales tour 1 2020 iceland procruises. Whale watching dalvik northern lights extreme iceland. Imagine if mother nature herself would shoot fireworks and lighten up the sky, a moment so beautiful it leaves you out of speech, almost out of breath. 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. Whales iceland stock photos download 276 royalty free photos. We have toured with travelers on whale watching since 1993. I traveled there in august 2016 to conduct research for my masters thesis i wanted to interview husavik locals to better understand the dynamics of the community and uncover their perceptions of the role whale ecotourism plays for iceland and its whales. Most likely whales december if you like it more crisp and winterly, norway and iceland are the perfect options. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. Location gentle giants whale watching husavik, iceland. Theres also some places for opportunistic whale watching while doing a regular nature tour, i. 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.
Iceland whale watching holidays were proud to have pioneered whale watching in iceland back in 1993, when we became the first company to operate a whale watching boat trip. Genetic material from a large whale killed off the coast of iceland has confirmed the creature was a rare hybrid. Whale watching and aurora borealis extreme iceland. This article provides everything you need to know about whale watching in ice land, plus some fun facts about whales in iceland. We knew that it was getting serious when they brought out the waterproof boiler suits. Discover the best mobile apps to download before your trip to iceland. Reykjavik, iceland it was a whale sighting, but not the kind the visitors expected. In the winter months, and even as early as september, the most magical displays of auroras will often appear in the skies of iceland. Whale watching, travel, wildlife, photography concepts an ancient whaler sailing in skjalfandi bay in northern iceland near to husavik looking for whales. Classic whale watching operates yearround and has an educational and interactive focus on board. You can find the exhibition in reykjavik, icelands capital city. How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland.
Actually im also going to iceland next february and thinking of going on a whale watching tour thats how i found that place. On this escorted tour of iceland start and end in reykjavik, and witness these natural wonders while enjoying fun and unique experiences. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Lots of different whale species spend september along the shores of northern iceland. The whales most frequently seen on our trips are minke and humpback whales, and we sometimes see dolphins, porpoises, and other species too. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around iceland s coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland.
Simply meet us at the old harbour for a 3hour whale watching adventure with amazing views of the capital and watch the whales play in the natural habitat. Visit our website for bookings and further information. Northern iceland is globally recognized as the best location to experience whales in the world. Followed by northern lights evening tour 2100 hours. Whales of iceland partners with several whale watching companies around iceland. A live guided tour of whales of iceland is offered daily at 10. You can prepare yourself before visiting exhibition by downloading whales of iceland audio guided app to your phone or just on site as we do offer free wifi. 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. Driving in the northern capital of iceland in winter, there are two things you cant miss being on board of a whale watching boat from dalvik village to see the majestic marine creatures swimming freely close to you, and going out under the starry northern sky for the mysterious, dancing aurora borealis. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. Iceland whale watching holidays discover 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. Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. Good chances to see orcas and humpbacks and northern lights as well. Look forward to a 3daycruise with shore excursions and interesting lectures, before an exciting bus tour along the northwest coast and back to reykjavik follows. The countrys stunning waterfalls like seljalandsfoss and many other natural wonders are another. Skjalfandi itself actually translates to trembling in. The 15 best things to do in north iceland 2020 with. When do we recommend you go to see northern lights and whales. They have been known to attack other whales, which is why they are commonly referred to as killer whales. Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations.
Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages. Pictures taken on every tour, available to download free of charge. Of course, the unpredictable winter weather of iceland can raise a few challenges when it comes to whale watching. You can also see specimens straight from the ocean with the onboard microscope with your guide. There are two different types of whale watching tours that you can choose from to best suit your needs. Auroras at whales of iceland is a northern lights themed visit to the spectacular whales of. Whale watching hauganes is extremely proud of being the oldest whale watching iceland company. 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. Dalvik is an old fishing village and a commercial port for fisheries and goods in the area. One summer day off the coast of iceland, on a calm sea, a whaling crew towing freshly killed fin whales. Winter whale watching is scheduled daily from october 1st to march 31st at. As in all other whale watching spots in northern iceland, the main species seen in akureyri are humpback whales, though minke whale, dolphins and harbour porpoise can be spotted sometimes. We often see other beautiful marine creatures such as. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where.
Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. The whales of iceland exhibition located in reykjavik, iceland. Please be aware that due to environmental reasons during certain times of the year our trips may be delivered on a shared boat with one of our partners. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. When and where to see whales in iceland iceland rovers. Northern lights and whales in iceland with nordic saga tours.
Exhibition whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in. Our goal was to see the majestic humpback whale, and perhaps a dolphin or two, and we would travel on a specially modified rib boat to do so. Our tour selection combines of whale watching, northern lights by boat, puffin, rib and sea angling tours among other exciting adventures. Get to know the island of fire and ice in autumn on this special journey that gives the opportunity to witness northern lights and different species of whales. It seems to have the highest chance of encountering whales in winter. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive. At the spectacular whales of iceland exhibition in reykjavik you will get to learn everything you need to know about every whale that has been found in icelandic waters throughout the history. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Iceland is a country known for its natural wonders. We offer various shore excursions and our lecturers on board will present interesting topics on the northern lights and whales. See the humpback whales, white beaked dolphins and minke whales.
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. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling. Best time to visit iceland in 2020 northern lights. 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.
The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. But one of iceland s most spectacular natural sights lurks. The more activity the more likely it is that you will see the northern lights but that is not all. We bring you to the best places to watch whales in iceland. Marine biologists have cataloged around 400 unique individuals in iceland s waters, although it is possible that many more migrate during the warmer season. Splash out on an iceland whale watching holiday and interact with whales such as minke, humpbacks and blue whales in their natural surroundings. Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime. 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. Top 10 apps for travelling in iceland guide to iceland. 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. The most common whales in the winter have been dolphins, humpback whales and killer whales, hardly any minke whales have been seen from november through march.
The chance to see the giants of the sea during the voyage is therefore very high. Dont miss your chance to spot iceland s marine giants off the coast of dalvik, one of the worlds best places for whale watching. There is a small town in northern iceland that describes itself as europes best whalewatching destination. You can do whale watching in dalvik, husavik the whale watching capital of iceland, hauganes and. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in north iceland, iceland on tripadvisor. 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.
Whale watching in reykjavik northern lights iceland. Later the boat was used for trawling, net and line fishing all the way up to 1990 when it was decommissioned. The official northern lights season in iceland is from october till march. The most commonly spotted whales are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Nattfari whale watching husavik iceland north sailing. Dalvik village in north iceland is the best place for whale watching. All you need to know about whale watching in iceland. Best whale watching spots in iceland guide to iceland. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Spot whales and see the worlds greatest light show on this unforgettable iceland super saver from reykjavik. Special tours offers amazing sea adventures from reykjavik, iceland.
Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. Once night falls, hop on a minibus from akureyri to join our aurora experts for the northern lights hunt. Its a truly spectacular destination for encountering these majestic, captivating creatures. Afterward, youll have a few hours to prepare for our northern lights minibus tour. Unsurprisingly, there are mystical creatures that still dwell along the frigid coast of iceland whales. Learn about iceland s native marine life through a multimedia show on board, and spot sea creature splashing around during a 2. Our whale watching grounds include minke whales, whitebeaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and the great humpback whale. Blue whales, the largest mammals on earth, migrate into icelandic waters.
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. Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland. The arctic north is absolutely superb in the wintertime and there is plenty to see and do for people of all ages. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. There is also the midatlantic ridge, which runs right through iceland and gives iceland its volcanic landcape. The sea creatures we usually see on our tours are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Whale watching reykjavik special tours 2020 all you need. Arctic adventures offers a variety of whale watching tours, both from reykjavik and dalvik in the north of iceland.
The whales of husavik, iceland voices for biodiversity. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. There is never a guarantee of spotting the northern lights, but northern lights forecast by vedur. When coming to iceland, there certain things that should be on every travelers bucket list. The annual icelandair midatlantic tradeshow was held in reykjavik last week and gentle giants took an active part as usual. Iceland is known for incredible northern lights and excellent whale watching but did you know that you can join for both these experiences right from downtown reykjavik. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. Whale watching boat tours depart mostly from reykjavik south west and akureyri or husavik in the north. This holiday offer includes flights, accommodation and a half day whale watching tour with local specialists elding. That is why akureyri whale watching tours are particularly suitable for families with smaller children, elderlies and people who tend to get seasick.
A full screening of the awardwinning film sonic sea. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching. Still, even with the app, there is no telling for sure when the northern lights will. Northern lights and whales in iceland on your aurora trip.
Northern lights by boat with a backup plan called auroras at. Most of the whale watching tours sail out from the old harbour in reykjavik as well as neighbouring areas in reykjanesb. Visit the whales of iceland exhibition with lifesized models, an interactive installation and virtual reality experience. 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. Whale watching is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers.
Iceland has blacksand beaches, natural springs, ice caves, whale watching, and a manmade lagoon that glows blue. So the best time for whale watching is usually from march september simply because of the weather. Whether as part of an independent touring holiday in new zealand, a cruise into the pristine wilderness of antarctica and arctic regions, while paddling a kayak off the coasts of canada or alaska, or combined with your search for the northern lights in iceland and norway, we have cetacean encounters to tempt firsttimers or dedicated whale. Nattfari whale watching boat was built in stykkisholmur west iceland in 1965 and is typical of icelandic herring boats used in the 1960s and 70s. Follow whales slapping their flukes in the beautiful eyjafjordur fjord, then try your hand at sea angling local fish and bbq up your catch. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and iceland. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. Whale watching from reykjavik whale watching iceland.
This is why one of the best places to go whale watching in iceland is the northern icelandic town of husavik. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. Were the oldest whale watching company in iceland, since 1993. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Whale watching husavik, iceland gentle giants whale. Imagine finding yourself so close to the arctic circle that the northern lights shine brighter and the whale watching tours offer many different types of whales.
Should youre in search of the very best place on the planet to view the northern lights, iceland is. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. Choose which days and in what order you wish to take the tours, then wrap up in the protection of provided coveralls and prepare to be amazed. The first fin whale of the 20 whaling season is brought in to hvalfjord, iceland, just outside of reykjavik. Whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. If you dont see a whale, you have the option to take the tour again for free.
Simply meet us at the old harbour for a 3hour whale watching adventure with amazing views of the capital and watch the whales play in. A small boat is taking tourists on a trip to spot some whales tourists on a boat at whale watching in reykjavik. 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 weather. The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer. Watching whales has become one of the most common activities among foreign visitors to north iceland. 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. Orcas are quite common in the area and so are dolphins and porpoises. Whale watching and northern lights exploring in the north of iceland is an incredible combo tour offering you the absolute best of the north. Can you think of anything more spectacular than seeing a pack of killer whales swim by. This tiny town, population 2,8, borders the skjalfandi bay, home to the greatest diversity of whales perhaps in europe. Whale watching akureyri operates from the floating pier at hof cutural and concert hall in the heart of down town akureyri.
Short tour enjoy the unspoiled nature and wildlife of iceland on a brand new and fast whale watching boat, one of its kind in iceland. Whilst whale watching has traditionally been a summer activity in iceland, the last 2 winters have proven that the incidence of sightings in the winter is very good too at about 70%, so now you can see whales and the northern lights at the same time. Northern lights by boat tours from reykjavik, iceland. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in iceland. North iceland top 10 destination according to lonely planet, travel, nature, vacation, volcano, hotel, northern lights, whale watching, dettifoss.
Just 10 minutes north of hauganes is the scenic village of dalvik, at the mouth of svarfa. Whale watching holidays discover the world call us today. Our qualified guides will keep you entertained with fun facts about icelandic marine life. On each tour, passengers can expect to examine whale teeth, baleen plates and bones. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. However more sightings are reported between april and september. With 23 life size whale models and a lot of indepth information about whales, interactive experiences, underwater footage of whales you are in for a big.