Last week, for almost fifty countries in the world the 1st of June is Children’s day, but here in Húsavík (and all over Iceland) it was Seamen’s Day! Where people honored all those who have linked their lives with the sea.
The other day Skjálfandi Bay became a place of ''accidents". One of the Gentle Giants rib boats, 'Amma Sigga', crashed into a big oak boat. Both boats were full of passengers and thankfully no one had severe damages.
During the past days, several humpback whales presented their acrobatic side to us. Numerous times we were able to observe them jump or tail- and flipperslap. In many cases the behaviour seemed to be related to feeding as for example today when we approached a "group" of four individuals: we took notice of the whales when two of them started to lobtail in a far distance whilst a third one leaped high out of the water.
Recently the large travel guide book publisher, Lonely Planet just published an article naming the top 10 places in Europe to visit. You can see the article here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid%20social&utm_campaign=best%20in%20europe%202019&fbclid=IwAR2S44MaxkH7wn6luTrrxP2ybWDP9IyDWqxD8HepAYWGEZLtP-mVunt_g8g They voted The Arctic Coast way here in Iceland as the third best place to visit in Europe! Which includes the heart of North-East Iceland, our romantic town Húsavík.
With the start of the new week, the weather in Skjálfandi Bay has changed entirely after we experienced a very winter-like weekend! Now, the sea is calm and the sun is shining warmly from an almost cloudless sky! Additionally, several humpback whales have arrived to the bay and could either be seen feeding at the mountains or enjoying the calm of the ocean whilst surfacing in proximity to our boats.
Along with the migratory whales that spend the summer time in our bay, it is also the summer home to migrating birds coming to Iceland for their nesting season. One of the most amazing migrators on earth has returned recently: the arctic tern.
Newly born orcas, deep feeding sperm whales, acrobatic humpback whales, curious blue whales - these are just a few of the things we have experienced here at Gentle Giants whale watching in April. Yesterday was the official first day of summer here in Iceland.
It is no secret that there is a lot happening here off the coast of Husavik in North-East Iceland. Every morning is filled with excitement and everyday is a different adventure. The activity in Skjalfandi bay has been nothing but busy.
Season start was only two weeks ago and we already have uncountable moments to look back at. There have been plentiful of whales visiting the bay. Humpback whales have been around almost everyday. A few minke whales have been seen.
We are very happy to begin the whale watching season early this year - we have had a great first week! Going out at sea here in the north this time of year is one of my favorite things. The cold fresh air and the snowy mountains that light up the bay in the winter sun.
