Marine Mammals of Faxaflói Bay

Faxaflói Bay has a rich and diverse marine mammal population, providing an excellent feeding ground for a variety of species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The bay is a prime location for observing various marine mammal species on our tours, but the most commonly observed cetacean species are:

Humpback Whale
Minke Whale
White-beaked Dolphin
Harbour Porpoise
Orca (or Killer Whale)

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are large baleen whales belonging to the rorqual family. They are classified into a separate genus called Megaptera or “big-winged”. Humpback whales are the only member of this genus, although recent studies have shown that they are most closely related to the fin whale of all other rorquals. Their most defining characteristics are their enormously long pectoral fins as well as the fact they are stockier in shape than other rorquals and have a relatively large head and broad tail. Humpback whales have charmed whale-watchers throughout the world, as they are extremely curious about seafarers and frequently perform aerial displays such as breaching and slapping the water with their fins and tails.

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Minke Whale

The minke whale is a baleen whale that is the smallest member of the rorqual family. The minke whale is one of the most common whales spotted off the coast of Iceland and can be seen near the coast all year round. Its Latin name, acutorostrata, refers to its very narrow or pointed snout, as acuto means sharp and rostrata (or rostrum) means snout or beak. The narrow snout and streamlined body make it easy for the minke to slice through the water and achieve considerable speeds when swimming through the deep. The dorsal fin is fairly high and curves backward, making it easy to recognize this whale at sea. The shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and notches on it, make it possible for whale experts to recognize individual animals. Minke whales in Icelandic waters have a characteristic white band across their pectoral fins, a characteristic unique to North Atlantic minke whales.

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White-beaked Dolphin

White-beaked dolphins are toothed whales belonging to the dolphin family and are one of the most common whales found by
the shores of Iceland. White-beaked dolphins are solidly built and more thickset than other species of dolphins, a characteristic
of smaller whales that have adapted to colder habitats. White-beaked dolphins are most often seen in smaller groups, although
occasionally several groups will merge into larger pods with over 1,500 animals. Its name is derived from its light-coloured or
white beak. White-beaked dolphins are very curious and often swim in the bow waves alongside fast ships and boats thus a common companion of whale watchers in Faxaflói bay.

Harbour Porpoise

The harbour porpoise is the smallest cetacean found in Icelandic waters, and is actually one of the smallest marine mammals in the world. The harbour porpoise is not a dolphin but belongs to a family called Phocoenidae. Only seven species of porpoises exists in the world today and the harbour porpoise is the most widely distributed one, but the harbour porpoise is the only porpoise species living in the North Atlantic Ocean. Porpoises have in common a short and stocky body which enables them to limit heat loss in cold waters. Apart from their characteristic body shape, the porpoises can be recognized from their round and oval head which lacks the pronounced snout, the common characteristics of dolphins. The harbour porpoise is extremely fast and agile swimmer which can make them very challenging to spot out at sea. However, they are commonly spotted in whale watching tours from Reykjavík, usually not far out off the harbour.

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Orca (Killer Whale)

Killer whales (Orcinus orca), or orcas, are toothed whales belonging to the dolphin family. They are the largest dolphin species, reaching lengths of up to 10 m (33 ft.) and weights of up to 10 tonnes. The black and white colouring, robust body and tall dorsal fin give the whales a somewhat chilling yet majestic and beautiful appearance. They are often called the “wolfs of the sea” due to their often cruel hunting methods. They are most definitely at the top of the food chain. Killer whales hunt in packs and are highly organised. Younger animals in the group are taught specialised hunting tactics by the older animals. During training, the young animals are allowed to practice with the half-unconscious prey, which makes it seem as though the whales are playing with the prey for no reason. The real reason involves training. Killer whales are unbelievably willing to learn, have developed quite complex communication system and also form lifelong, deep ties within the group.

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Fin Whale

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are the second-largest whale species and the fastest of all the great whales, reaching lengths of up to 27 meters (88 feet) and weights of up to 80 tonnes. These baleen whales are known for their sleek, streamlined bodies, which are grayish-brown on top and white underneath, making them easily distinguishable. Their long, slender shape and distinctive ridge along their backs give them an elegant appearance as they glide through the water. Often referred to as the "greyhounds of the sea" due to their incredible speed and agility, fin whales are capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).

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Blue Whale

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weights of up to 200 tonnes. These massive baleen whales have long, streamlined bodies that appear bluish-gray when seen from above and lighter underneath. Despite their immense size, blue whales are graceful swimmers, moving efficiently through the ocean with powerful tail strokes. Their deep, resonant calls can travel for miles underwater, making them one of the loudest animals on the planet. Feeding primarily on tiny krill, a single blue whale can consume up to 4 tonnes of these crustaceans daily during peak feeding season.

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Long-Finned Pilot Whale

Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are large, social members of the dolphin family, reaching lengths of up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) and weights of around 2.3 tonnes. Their robust, black or dark gray bodies are characterized by a bulbous forehead, a slight beak, and long, curved pectoral fins. These highly intelligent and social marine mammals are known for forming tight-knit pods, often consisting of dozens or even hundreds of individuals. Long-finned pilot whales are deep divers, capable of plunging to depths of over 600 meters (2,000 feet) in search of their preferred prey—mainly squid. Their strong social bonds and coordinated movements make them one of the most cohesive and fascinating species in the ocean.

Harbour Seal

Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are one of the two seal species commonly found in Iceland, along with the grey seal. These medium-sized seals reach lengths of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) and weights of around 130 kilograms (290 pounds). Their coats vary in color from light gray to brown, often covered in distinctive spots and patterns. Harbour seals are known for their dog-like faces and large, dark eyes, giving them an endearing appearance. They prefer coastal waters, hauling out on sandy beaches, rocky shores, and estuaries to rest and give birth. Agile swimmers and skilled hunters, they primarily feed on fish and crustaceans, using their sensitive whiskers to detect prey in murky waters.

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Grey Seal

Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are the larger of the two seal species found in Iceland, with males growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weighing over 300 kilograms (660 pounds). They have a robust body, an elongated snout, and a coat that ranges from dark gray to lighter shades with mottled patterns. Males tend to have a more pronounced, dog-like profile, while females are smaller and more slender. Grey seals are powerful swimmers and deep divers, capable of reaching depths of over 100 meters (330 feet) in search of fish, squid, and crustaceans. They often haul out on remote rocky islands and coastal shores, especially during breeding season when they give birth to their fluffy white pups.

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