Whale Diary

10:00 - Even though we had a bit of a breeze from the east, we went out to find the whales. Not far out we came across 2 humpback whales. They were quite inquisitive and got really close to our boat to check us out. After some time with them, we went out further and found another humpback that was traveling in a northern direction. we followed him for a few minutes, then went on further out into the bay. As we spotted a large amount of Northern gannets plunge diving for fish, we stopped to see if the area also holds larger fish feeding animals. A good decision. About 6 minke whales were feeding in the area as well as a humpback whale. While the minkes kept their distance to the boat the humpback got closer and we had a good look at him as he lunge fed on the surface. To top it all off, he surfaced with a spectacular throw of his tail and thrashed on the surface.  

Crew: Captain Emily & Guide Knut

12:00 - We set out under light drizzling rain onto a mild swell with a double rainbow ahead! We started out with some very elusive harbour porpoises and minke whale, but lucky for us these species made longer, closer appearances later on. Some large blows caught our attention, and we headed over to a humpback whale that turned out to be the most active. This whale turned out to be very busy feeding, treating us to some wonderful lunges and bubble-nets on the surface! We watched in awe for quite a few minutes also admiring the seabirds feeding all around, especially the Northern gannets lunge diving mere meters from our boat! We then headed off to leave this feeding whale to continue on in piece, and came across 4-5 harbour porpoises and 2-3 minkes as well another humpback treating us to some lovely fluked dives. After we had our fill, we began making our way to the harbour, coming across 2-3 pods of 4-5 harbour porpoises and 2 more minkes which appeared to be less shy than on our way out. What a wonderful tour!

Crew: Captain Pedro & Guide Orsolya

14:00 - The winds calmed down and so we went out in almost perfect conditions. The rain in the distance and the sun created the most intensive rainbows. It took not too long for us to find the first 4 minke whales. They were traveling fast and so we went on towards the rainbows. Not long after we spotted a lot of gannets plunge diving. We stopped to see if any whales were around and it turned out to be the right decision. After a few minutes we were surrounded by at least 10 minke whales that were actively feeding all around us. As we had to make our way back to the harbor, we came across a resting humpback whale. We took our chance to get close and got a good look at him. As he went down with a graceful fluke dive, we continued our way back to Reykjavik.

Crew: Captain David & Guide Knut

15:00 - We set sail under sunny skies with some patches of clouds and rain ahead. The bay had calmed down quite a bit since noon, creating perfect conditions for cetacean spotting. We first came across a small pod of 3-5 harbour porpoises, which surfaced rather close to the boat, giving us a good view of this small species. As we continued on, we spotted a blow and subsequent fluke nearby, and headed over quickly, hoping to see the humpback whale responsible for these signs. Instead, we were met with 2-3 minke whales surfacing around us while we waited for the humpback to make its way back up towards the surface. When it did, it spent a few minutes logging on the surface, allowing us to get a good look at this large whale and admire the blows it created. Once it took a few good deep breaths, it showed off its large fluke once more and disappeared under the surface. We stayed with this individual for a couple of surfaces, and then continues on into the bay in search of some more cetaceans. We came across another humpback not too far, and got to see some more wonderful fluke dives. But, our eyes caught some sharp, dark shapes in the distance, the dorsal fins of some white-beaked dolphins slicing through the water! We had a pod of 6-7 individuals treat us to quite the show! A younger dolphin began breaching, jumping and leaping about for a couple minutes, then the pod started riding the wake of our boat and leaping alongside us, swimming under the boat multiple times! What a finale! After such a spectacle, we turned back and headed for the harbour, spotting another minke and a pod of 5-7 harbour porpoises on the way.

Crew: Captain Pedro & Guide Orsolya