WHAT THIS MONTH WAS ALL ABOUT
August has been a month full of variety and surprises out on the bay, with whale activity shifting and changing as the weeks went by.
Early in the month, the southern part of the bay was alive with minke whales, busily feeding in shoals of fish. Their sharp dorsal fins broke the surface again and again, often surrounded by circling flocks of seabirds taking advantage of the same feast.
As the month proceeded, the scene began to change. By mid-August, the humpbacks had returned to the deeper water, their powerful blows drifting across the surface before they lifted their tails and disappeared back into the blue - a highlight for many observers.
While journeying across the bay in search of gentle giants, white-beaked dolphins continued to show up throughout the month, entertaining us all with their oftentimes playful attitude.
Adding to the diversity, also less commonly seen species made an appearance: two groups of bottlenose whales were sighted now and then throughout the last weeks, while a sei whale roamed the bay for two consecutive days. Last, pilot whales added energy and movement both at the start and the close of the month.
Besides our whale friends, every now and then we also came across some grey seals resting by the rocks along the mountainside, and we even caught some rare glimpses of a basking shark while sailing across the bay.
Together, these sightings made August a month full of stories and perfectly showcased Skjálfandi Bay’s seasonal rhythms and changes in its marine wildlife.
Photo Credit:
Photo 1-3 + title photo: Joséphine (captain/head guide)
Photo 4-10: Charlie (guide)
