By now, you’ve likely discovered that our whales are seasonal visitors, arriving in subpolar waters each year to feed. But what makes these regions so ideal for them?The answer lies in the water itself: only nutrient-rich waters can sustain the abundance of food these gentle giants rely on.
If you join a trip during this time of year, chances are you’ll encounter common guillemots (or murres) floating on the water. At first glance, they look like any birds just hanging out—but there’s more to unpack here! Guillemots on the water Guillemots breed on high cliffs with narrow edges.
Seeing whales is magical—creating unforgettable memories with family, friends, and nature itself. Our staff is always there to add to those moments, sharing their passion and knowledge to make your day even more special.
Surprise, surprise! Do you recognize me my dear friend? You’re not sure, yet? Yes, you saw right! It’s me, a NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALE, the largest member of the beaked whale family in the North Atlantic Ocean: I can grow up to 9,8 metres long and weigh between 5 and 7,5 tons.
Some whales, like orcas, stay together with their family pod their whole lives.Humpback whales, the stars of Skjalfandi Bay, have different social preferences. They are solitary animals, and spend most of their time alone.
In the blink of an eye, another month has flown by! While June's weather hasn't exactly been our favorite, it's been a fantastic month for whale sightings. Daily sightings have been incredible these last weeks as we observed playful dolphins, hungry humpback whales, minkes and the majesty of the sea: the blue whale.
The beautiful humpback whales are a migratory species. They travel from tropical waters—their breeding grounds—to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet in Skjálfandi Bay! The whales we see here belong to the North Atlantic population, and they come to us from places like the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic, and West Africa.
As weeks pass by and the season proceeds, more and more humpback whale individuals pass by. Some stay just shortly, come and go, others stick around for a while, even for weeks. Some of these individuals are known from previous years, while others are newbies in the bay.
Today, 17th of June, is Iceland's National Day. It commemorates the foundation of The Republic of Iceland on 17th of June 1944 and, therewith, celebrates the declaration of independence from Denmark. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a major figure of Icelandic culture and the leader of the 19th-century Icelandic independence movement.
You’ve just finished your amazing whale watching tour—maybe you saw a humpback breach or caught a tail slap on camera. The sea gave you unforgettable memories. But now what? What else is there to see in Húsavík? Just a few minutes from the harbour lies a hidden gem: Lake Botnsvatn.
