AS GRACEFUL AS A MINKE
Skjálfandi Bay is known for the diversity of its wildlife and even though humpback whales are the most common whale to show up here, there is a wide range of other species visiting our bay, too. One of them is the minke whale, which is often found near the coastline in the southern part of the bay or along the mountains on the western side. Even though being the smallest among the rorqual whales, minkes are just as fascinating and stunning as their fellows:
Minke whales always seem to surface in a kind of smooth and very elegant way as they break the surface with the tip of their head/snout and then slide through the water as they disappear again in the depths of the ocean.
When actively feeding near the surface, the animal acts as if it has too much energy and often can be seen breaching half way out of the water with its mouth still open.
Other times they seem to sneak up on the boats and show up in any direction of it as if playing with the unusual yet harmless daily visitors that try to get a glimpse of it as it attempts to play hide and seek with the boats.
Just as other species that we get to see, minke whales enter Skjálfandi Bay for their feeding season and will migrate south for the winter months.
In many places around the world they have earned the name “Stinky Minke” due to their bad smelling breath and indeed, it happens on and off that before actually finding it visually, one can scent the presence of the whale in the area.
Despite being the smallest individual within their family, minke whales are still pretty noisy as their vocalizations can be as loud as 152 decibels – which is a loud as a jet plane taking off!
- Sarah
Photo by Sarah Arndt (captain / guide)
