Whale Diary

10:00 - This morning, the sea was really calm - perfect for spotting whales. After stopping quickly for the puffins still on the islands, we sailed out into the bay. After a little searching, we found 2 humpback whales feeding separately in a similar area. They had very different and distinct flukes so we could easily identify which was which. We watched them both feeding with arctic terns chasing them. While we were waiting for one whale to surface, we also saw a grey seal floating at the surface with a fish in its mouth! We don't usually see seals on our whale watching tours so this was very exciting! We then found a pod of around 7 white-beaked dolphins that were feeling quite playful and most of them came up close to the boat to bow ride and surf through the waves. It was a great ending to the tour - we had dolphins on all sides, swimming quickly through the waves.

Crew: Captain Örn & Guide Emily, Captain Luðvig & Guide Rodrigo

12:00 - We set out with high hopes as we had had a great morning tour. We started with a visit to the puffins of Akurey, which were very active as the pufflings are getting ready to fly away. Then we moved on to deeper waters, and after around 30 minutes, we found a humpback whale! It was not very active on the surface, but it was relaxed, and we could therefore spend quite some time with it. The passengers learnt about the main characteristics of the species and could appreciate its distinct physical features, like its size, the size and shape of its pectoral and dorsal fins, the individual markings on its fluke, and its two blowholes. We tried to go further out and find another whale but we were unsuccessful, so we returned to this previous one and continued to admire its beauty until it was time to go back.

Crew: Captain Luðvig & Guide Rodrigo

14:00 - Today’s whale-watching tour was filled with excitement despite the conditions! The wind had picked up quite a bit since the morning, and the sea was a bit choppy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits as we sailed out in search of whales. About 15 minutes in, we spotted a blow in the distance and headed straight for it. As we got closer, we found a humpback whale feeding, with a flurry of Arctic terns diving around it, trying to snatch up the same fish. The whale was doing shallow dives, giving us a great view before we had to move on. Not long after, we spotted another blow—this time, it was two more humpback whales! They were also doing shallow dives, and we were treated to some beautiful fluke views as they moved through the water. As we turned back toward the harbor, we made a quick stop by Akurey to see some puffins. To our delight, we also spotted a few Arctic skuas swooping around, adding the perfect touch to an already amazing trip!

Crew: Captain Pedro & Guide Mariana, Captain Miquel & Guide Emily

16:00 - Again we left the marina very excited, as we had had successful tours so far. After a quick visit to the puffins that everybody loved, we continued to were we had had a sighting in the previous tour. It was a bit more challenging as it was rougher seas and some rain, but after a bit of a search, we spotted the distinctive blow of a humpback whale! It was one of the individuals we had seen earlier, but this time, it was even more relaxed than before, and we could follow it continuously. It did not spend much time underwater, so we could get many views of it, especially of its fluke. The passengers were delighted, as we were the only boat in the area so we were undisturbed. Despite the more challenging conditions, the tour was a sound success.

Crew: Captain Luðvig & Guide Rodrigo

20:00 - We headed out in to Faxafloi Bay making a stop on the way to see the Atlantic puffins at Akureyri. Skies were dark and overcast and a stiff wind was blowing, with a reasonable swell around the island. There were still hundreds of birds around and we enjoyed the sight of many flying in the wind. We headed out in to the Bay in search of wildlife but despite our best efforts, the wind was higher than forecast and the swell conditions were difficult. We made the decision to turn around as our passengers' safety is our priority and we want people to be safe and comfortable. As we drove back in the Icelandic summer treated us with yet another downpour so we arrived back in the harbour wet but still happy!

Crew: Captain Miquel & Guide Rachel, Captain Pedro & Guide Mariana