Oh, Iceland! Her geysers, her glaciers and her hot springs attract you? Did you know that whales can also be observed in Iceland? We explain where and how to do it!
Who has not dreamed of seeing a whale, or at least a bump, a jet of steam or even a jump of the animal that allows us to contemplate it in full? However, it is often necessary to travel far to have the chance to see. Still have to go to the good season!
Needless, however, to go to Canada . Whales can be observed in Europe, the Mediterranean or near the islands of the Azores , Balearic or Canary .
However, to be assured of the show and to contemplate the largest specimens and the largest variety of species, the best thing is to go to Iceland, at 3 hours a plane from Paris.
Whales and Iceland: a great history
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alex Cimbal
Between Iceland and the whales, it is a long history that even dates back to the sagas. Let’s remember that sagas is the Icelandic equivalent of stories contrated by our troubadours and troubadours. These historical accounts, transmitted from generation to generation, were transcribed during the 12th and 13th centuries. It is thus learned that a wizard sent by the Danish king Harald Blue Dent (Bluetooth...) had turned into a whale in order to bleed the Icelanders to better invade them. The ruse did not work and the Icelanders remained free.
In terms of gastronomy, it seems that they began to consume the whale by recovering the flesh of the failed whales, which represented a manna for them (the word hvalreki, which qualifies them, also means "Jackpot"). They later armed themselves with harpoons so they could hunt them. Currently, Iceland, together with Norway and Japan, is part of countries that have not signed the moratorium on fishing cessation. However, in the face of the growing interest of the public for these cetaceans, it is increasingly considering stopping, to devote itself only to the tourist outings. A good reason to join a whale watching tour in Iceland!
Closer to us, it’s Willy’s story — now a star Hollywood — that connects Iceland to whales. Keiko, the male orque that performs it, came from the Icelandic coasts and returned there after the period of glory. Although having benefited from a period of adaptation before being returned to the sea, he did not really succeed in returning to freedom, still looking for contacts with humans and died shortly afterwards.
Where to watch whales in Iceland?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Krit Thiparporn
It is about twenty species of cetaceans that can be observed in Iceland. ♪ humpback whales and small whale are the most common, but there are also Blue whales , Pilot whales , Minke whales , as well as Cachalots , orque and Marin .
In addition, whatever place you choose, the dolphin white nose can be found in all whale watching excursions in Iceland. The large number of cetaceans in Icelandic waters comes from the richness of its waters, fish and especially plankton and krill, which constitute their basic diet.
If you are lucky, you can observe them from the coast, but they tend to stay in the middle of the sea. You will have more success if you participate in a boat trip organized from the main places they attend.
Húsavik
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Alexey Stiop
Most important port for whale observation in Iceland, Húsavik is a village of 2,300 inhabitants, located in the north of the country. By car, it is accessible by car 6 a.m. road from Reykjavik, on Route No. 1 and 87. It is served by an aerodrome, only 11 km away.
Many boat companies organize cruises de 2 - 3 hours in various boats. The species represented are the hump whale, the blue whale, the Minke whale and some orques. You can learn more about these cetaceans Baleinier Centre de Húsavik. From there you can also reach Ásbyrgi and his famous canyon, 1h Bus.
Akureyri
In the hollow of the fjord of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is the capital of the northern region and has about 20,000 inhabitants. We're getting into it. 5h road from Reykjavik and 48 minutes by plane to the airport, located 4 km from the centre. Some expeditions take place every day to mainly observe humpback whales in the fjord.
Dalvik
Still in the same region, it is possible to observe whales in small groups, from Dalvik about forty kilometers north of Akyreyri. Besides the hump whales, you may have the chance to admire blue whales. You can even take advantage of the exit to experience the fishing at sea.
Reykjavik
No need to go very far after landing near Reykjavik. In the Reykjanes peninsula, where the main airport is located, whale observation exits take place from the port of Keflavik, or Grìndavìk, further south.
From the capital, you can discover beautiful specimens. In the bay Faxaflói , it is the hump whales and Minke that you will be able to observe, with boulders, white beak dolphins and porpoises. You can also see them from a cruise from the old port.
Hólmavík
In the West Fjords, it is from the small town of Hólmavík that you can see the hump whale evolve, in a wild decor of all beauty.
Snæfellsnes
It’s on the coast of Snæfellsnes — south of the western fjord peninsula — that you will have the most opportunity to observe the orques, also known as the killer whales in the bay of Breiðafjörður . This region is also very rich at the ornithological level. You will thus have the opportunity to observe many species of birds, such as arctic sterns and macaroses.
Vestmann Islands
In the southeast of Reykjavik, whales sometimes approach Vestmann Islands . Here, no excursion to observe Iceland’s whales, but it is not uncommon to meet in one of the boat tours that reveal the many caves that the islands have.
It is also in this place that a sanctuary has been built to accommodate two white beluga whales from China. Ultimately, this large bay, whose size and depth provide ideal conditions for animals, could accommodate up to 3,000 specimens currently in captivity. It will be equipped with a reception centre so that visitors can observe them.
How do we observe whales in Iceland?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Denis Kichatof
The excursions to observe whales in Iceland are very varied, either because of the type of boat used or the associated activities. In all cases, this activity taking a growing place among visitors to Iceland and the number of places being limited, it is preferable to book in advance . Do it without fear, for most of the time they are cancelled without charge up to 24 hours in advance. You are insured at 99% of the success of the exit.
If, however, it ended without whale observation, the company often offers you a refund or another free excursion.
Here are some ways to observe whales in Iceland (average count) 2h30 to 3h by output:
Exit in zodiac
In Reykjavik or Húsavik, you can go out to sea in a zodiac boat. This small boat, designed for a dozen people, has the advantage of being able to approach whales very closely. Passengers are equipped with combinations and lifejackets.
Traditional wooden boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Bubble_Tea Stock
In an ancient oak fishing boat, you will observe the whales in the same conditions as the Icelandic fishermen of the past. You can go and come into the boat, have several angles of observation, including from a platform above the cockpit.
Fast or ultra-fast boat ride
Exit off-board semi-rigid tyre (RIB), well installed in pneumatic suspension seats and observe whales and Macareux in the Bay of Faxaflói from Reykjavik or that of Reykjavik Skjálfandi from Húsavik. These cruises last between 2h and 2h30 .
Ecological boat trip
From Húsavik, experience a sea trip by ecological boat to observe whales in the best conditions. The electric boat is particularly quiet and does not emit carbon dioxide.
Observation of whales under the midnight sun
For an experience in a unique atmosphere in the world, go to Iceland’s whales at the end of the day to enjoy the incredible light of the midnight sun.
What is the best time to observe whales in Iceland?
You decided to set the course on Iceland to observe these spectacular cetaceans? You don't know too much when you get there? Don't worry!
It is possible to see whales throughout the year, but the best period is between June and October .
Whatever period you choose, think to equip yourself properly to take advantage of your exit:
- Hot jacket
- Cup-vent
- Cup and gloves (to protect you from cold, humidity and wind)
- Lunettes
- Solar cream
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