MAJESTIC HUMPBACKS
Humpbacks spend the summer time around Iceland for feeding. Actually, they are considered to be one of the nicest whales for whale watching. For a good reason: Humpbacks like to show off and can be really curious about their surroundings. Therefore, they often allow the boats to come really close or even approach the vessels on their own.
The other day we were accompanied by a quite large individual, which was swimming along our RIB for a long while. We were about to leave when something incredible happened:
Suddenly, the humpback broke the surface again about 2 meters away from us. But it did not only show up for breathing. Coming straight up for spy hopping its body appeared above the surface. First the snout and the mouth, then the whole head, finally the eyes. At the moment the body was out of the water ‘till its flippers it let itself fall forward as if it was moving in slow-motion.
Sitting on the speed boat watching up to the huge humpback made us speechless. Also, at that very moment everyone noticed how large it was for real and how majestic and powerful it was moving its giant body. Personally, I was too stunned to even being able to take a picture. The pictures below were taken another day.
- Sarah
PHOTOS: Sarah Arndt
One humpback approaching the RIB Amma Sigga, rolling on its side to observe the group with its eye.
Another humpback getting curious about our boat Faldur.
Later on, both next to each other - still encircling the boats.
One of them leaving for a deep dive - showing its fluke majestically.
