HELLO'S TO THE SEPTEMBER WHALES
September has once again brought some welcome visitors to Skjálfandi Bay: several well-known humpback whale individuals.
Humpback whales are known for their powerful dives and spectacular tail flukes. What makes these flukes even more remarkable is that each one carries a unique pattern of black and white markings:
Just like a human fingerprint, each whale’s fluke pattern is one of a kind.
Thanks to this natural identification system, researchers are able to track the return of well-known individuals to Skjálfandi Bay and build long-term records of their migration routes, behavior, and life histories. Many of the whales seen here travel thousands of kilometers, spending the summer feeding in the nutrient-rich waters off North Iceland before heading south to warmer regions for the winter breeding season.
🐋 Did You Know?
Fluke fingerprints: No two humpback whales have the same tail pattern — each is unique for life.
Photo ID tracking: By photographing flukes, researchers can follow individual whales on their long journeys across the oceans.
Long journeys: Humpbacks can travel over 5,000 km between feeding and breeding grounds.
Local connections: Some whales return to Skjálfandi Bay year after year, making them familiar “locals” to researchers and guides.
We’re always thrilled to be able to welcome back these gentle giants! Swipe through the photos to find out who has been around lately.
Have you been at sea with us and watched these beautiful animals? Submit your photos on happywhale.com to find out which individuals were the stars on your tour!
Photo Credit: Joséphine (captain / head guide)
