Whale Diary

10:00 - Another fantastic sunny day in the bay! There was a little swell and some wind, but the sea conditions were perfect for our next adventure. Before heading north, we stopped at our usual puffin colony to see hundreds of Atlantic puffins. They were everywhere, flying around or resting on the surface of the water. More than ready to continue, we sailed into Faxaflói Bay. After a while, we found our first cetacean species: a very sleepy humpback whale. In a different area, we encountered more humpback whales, much more active and surrounded by lots of seabirds. Then, out of nowhere, two minke whales surfaced in the same area. Both species were feeding, and suddenly, farther ahead, we saw huge splashes coming toward us another species was joining the feast. A pod of 8 white-beaked dolphins was in a hurry to reach the feeding area. The whole scene looked like something straight out of a wildlife documentary. For a perfect goodbye, one humpback whale approached to us and gave us a very special encounter. It was an incredible experience for all of us. What a wonderful day! 

Crew: Captain Gulli & Guide María, Captain Emily & Guide Sam, Captain Megan & Guide Milan

12:00 - As we sailed out into the bay we spotted the blow of one humpback whale! This individual was frequently surfacing and performing a behavior known as bubble-net feeding! This is a particularly exciting behavior to witness as the bubbles come first and then out surfaces the humpback whale full of fish! After an exciting viewing it was time to continue, for in the distance we spotted two more blows. As we approached we realized we had a pair of humpback whales also bubble-net feeding! After multiple surface sequences and a great encounter it was time to head back to port. On the way we spotted two solitary minke whales! These individuals were more elusive and after a surface sequence we continued. With all the bubble-net feeding we had a amazing tour!

Crew: Captain Miquel & Guide Hannah

14:00 - The sun was shining as we set sail out into the bay. Not to far into our journey we spotted one harbor porpoise. This individual was very elusive and so we continued after one surface sequence. Not to far into the bay we spotted a pod of 20 white-beaked dolphins. These individuals were very playful, jumping around and we even had three calves in the group. They even gave us a bit of a boat inspection before swimming off and so we continued. That was when we spotted the blow of one humpback whale. This individual was very active and was consistently lunge feeding. We could even see their ventral plates expand as they were surfacing on their backs! After a wonderful encounter we spotted two more blows and went to check out a pair of humpback whales! These individuals gave us multiple surface sequences and wonderful fluke dives before it was time to head back to port. On the way back we  spotted another pair of humpback whales pectoral slapping and so we stopped to check them out as well. It mis always wonderful to see the white pectorals shining in the sun! We sailed back to port with smiles and many new memories!

Crew: Captain Megan & Guide Milan, Captain Emily & Guide Sam, Captain Leo & Guide María

16:00 - To start our tour we first stopped by to view our Atlantic puffin colony on Engy! We are starting to see fish being brought back to the island which is so exciting! After having a look at our feathered friends we continued onward. Farther out into the bay we spotted some blows and went to check them out. We had found three solitary humpback whales in the area! These individuals were very focused feeders, giving us nice surface sequences and showing off their fabulous flukes as they went for deeper dives. As we were awaiting our humpbacks, we saw the bright pectoral fin suddenly rising from the depths right next to our boat! One individual had a very close surface sequence which was amazing! After a very nice encounter it was time to head back to port. With three humpbacks, we had a very nice afternoon!

Crew: Captain Miquel & Guide Aleks

20:00 - With the sun low in the sky we set sail, excited for who would be out this evening! It was not too long before we spotted some blows and went to check out who we had spotted. We had come across two humpback whales. This pair was actively feeding! This pair was very curious and one started spy hopping! It was amazing to see their faces out of the water. After this encounter we spotted even more blows and went to check them out. We came across a group of three more humpback whales. They were rolling and feeding, the action did not stop! We could tell that there was plenty of fish all around the bay as we saw about three more humpback whales at various distances! The evening was so amazing it was hard to wave our humpback goodbye. What an amazing tour!

Crew: Captain Miquel & Guide Maria Ana