Since iceland resumed whaling in 2003 first under the guise of scientific whaling, later as commercial whaling greenpeace has worked to stop whaling in iceland, shares norman. This whale watching cruise offers the chance to spot the majestic creatures in their natural environment, as well as enjoying fishing and tucking into a delicious bbq dinner onboard. Also, the company is so certain that you will see a whale that if you dont, you can come back for no extra cost. All the year around youll be able to see a variety of whales by the coast, from the minke, humpback and killer whales to whitebeaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Enjoy whale watching from harbours all around icelands coast many species of whales can be seen in the waters around iceland. Our whale watching tours have been operating since 1993 but we first started looking out for whales in our neighborhood in 1989, before anyone else in iceland. That of course has to do with the big amounts you can see here. Just 10 minutes north of hauganes is the scenic village of dalvik, at the mouth of svarfa. Next time you are visiting iceland we recommend joining a whale watching.
Weve had the same owners and same captains from the start. In the winter, its a whole new experience with the fresh, crisp air and a lowlying sun casting a warm glow over the whitecapped mountains. Whales of iceland reykjavik 2020 all you need to know. During the summer, wildlife in the bay is at its peak, with sightings of harbor porpoises and other whale species, including orcas and even fin whales. Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. Most common are minke whales and whitebeaked dolphins, but killer whales are also frequently seen. Embark on an incredible and affordable whale watching excursion from reykjavik.
With vip access to mustsee sights, experience the gems of iceland on this 6day escorted tour. You have probably heard that husavik is a great place for whale watching. Skjalfandi itself actually translates to trembling in. Whale watching is also available from the reykjavik harbour.
The top 10 reykjavik other water sports wprices viator. With beautiful landscapes, surreal waterfalls and amazing scenery all around, a lovely whale watching. Iceland special tours whale watching and other tours. Theyre pretty much the top people you can go with in iceland and theyre uberhelpful and so heres how to see whales and dolphins in iceland. Whales of iceland the largest whale exhibition in europe. Best time whale watching iceland lonely planet forum. Surrounded on either sides by the north atlantic ocean and arctic ocean, iceland is definitely one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. See a sperm whale, go on a 3d journey the kids will love. The most common sightings include dolphins, humpback whales and on rare occasions, minke whale and killer whales. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object clarification needed to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling commission in 1986, and that still. Watch for minke whales, dolphins and humpbacks on a whale watching cruise from.
Iceland is too expensive to visit if youre on a budget. This is why one of the best places to go whale watching in iceland is the northern icelandic town of husavik. Join us on a icelandic whale watching tour from the old harbor of reykjavik. Green whale watching husavik on the ecofriendly opal. And although whale watching in iceland is growing, it is still far from being commercial. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway. Whales of iceland partners with several whale watching companies around iceland. In the summer of 2014, i saw the minke whale feeding off the coast. Best whale watching in iceland season, cheap tours, everything you need to know. The cookies used on our website do not collect any personal information about you. Whale watching is a popular activity in iceland but that doesnt necessarily mean its for everyone. Hi, i have looked up whale tours and they do look quite dear.
At least one of the reykjavik whalewatching operators publishes their trip diary on the web, so you can read their trip diary for last september and see just what it was like, how many trips were cancelled due to rough seas, how many whales they saw and of what kind. Iceland on a budget 7 affordable days of adventure. Arctic adventures northern whale watching tours have a 98% success rate when it comes to whalesightings. The whales of iceland exhibit is the largest exhibition of its kind in europe. The cool, clear north atlantic ocean encircling iceland is rich with food for whales of various sizes and species. The whale watching port in the north is akureyri and husavik. Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland. Whale watching in iceland best places and time to see them. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales.
These range from one of the smallest marine mammals, the harbour porpoise, all the way up to the gigantic blue whale. Whaling in iceland began with speardrift hunting as early as the 12th century, and continued in a vestigial form until the late 19th century, when other countries introduced modern commercial practices. With this trip you will have the entrance to the whales of iceland exhibition, where you will check, in real, how big are these mammals, as they are real scale handmade models that will make you feel that you are swimming in the ocean with them, listening them singing under the water, and also you will see how do their filters and different parts of their bodies like. The following rates are valid from 1 april 2019 31 march 2021 you can check our current schedule for akureyri and reykjavik on the sidebar to the left. But did you know that husavik is also the only place in iceland where. The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures. There are two different types of whale watching tours that you can choose from to best suit your needs. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and iceland. Our tour selection combines of whale watching, northern lights by boat, puffin, rib and sea angling tours among other exciting adventures. I am more so drawn to the misconception among iceland tourists that whale meat described as steak with a fishlike flavor is a local specialty worth trying. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Iceland joined cites in 2000, and immediately took reservations to the listing of several species of whales, including fin and minke whales, on appendix i. Certain whale watching tickets have a coupon discounting entry to the. Best whale watching in iceland season, cheap tours.
All major whale watching operators elding, gentle giants etc offer trips throughout the whole day, but is it best to go in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening. Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. In fact, they cost more than any of the northern lights, golden circle or blue lagoon. This article helps you evaluating whether whale watching is worth your time and money. Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations. Best whale watching in iceland season, cheap tours, everything. These locations confirm, that whales are all around the coastline. Iceland resumed largescale trade in whale products under reservation to japan in 2008. Whales and dolphins are at their greatest numbers during the summer months between april and october when the marine beasts come to feed on the plankton that thrives on the nutrientrich deposits of iceland s bays.
See all 7 whales of iceland tickets and tours on tripadvisor. In fact, they cost more than any of the northern lights, golden circle or blue lagoon toursvisits. The cheapest option in reykjavik is with a new company, reykjavik sailors. Travel, travel journal europe, iceland, reykjavik travel, food and home inspiration blog with doortodoor travel planner. Around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Whales of iceland reykjavik 2020 alles wat u moet weten. This ocean adventure grants you a fantastic opportunity to see a wealth of marine and bird life, without taking considerable time away from your holiday. Today, iceland is one of a handful of countries that formally object to an ongoing moratorium established by the international whaling.
Book tickets and activities online with our best price guarantee. That makes us one of the oldest operating whale watching company in iceland. I will be in iceland this summer from the end of july till midaugust. For now, its time to find a cheap meal, grab a happy hour beer or glass of wine before you head to your tent for the night. Nov 07, 2019 first things first, make a booking with special tours. Whales of iceland can be crowded, so we recommend booking etickets ahead of time to secure your spot. The declining demand for both minke and fin whale meat has forced hvalur hf to dispose of excess whale meat creatively. This tiny town, population 2,8, borders the skjalfandi bay, home to the greatest diversity of whales perhaps in europe. Does anyone know how good the whale watching is out of reykjavik at that time of year. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Downloading the reykjavik appy hour app on itunes or android directs you to the cheapest beer in the capital. The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, whitebeaked dolphins, harbour propises and. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours.
Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. Whale watching sea angling tours in north iceland whales. In 1982, the international whaling commission iwc imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling, effective from 1986. Whale watching in iceland best places and time to see. Iceland, a major whaling nation since the late 19th century and a founding member of the iwc, did not formally object to the 1982 decision and was thus bound by the ban.
True, iceland can be eyewateringly pricey, but with some planning it is possible to visit the land of fire and ice without spending a fortune. The following rates are valid from 1 april 2019 31 march 2021. Within a few minutes i spot minke whale on a restaurant menu next to a selection of puffin tapas. Northern lights, volcano tours and whale watching excursions are just some of the fascinating. Visit our website for bookings and further information. Yet the icelanders dont want to chase away the whales, so they only let a limited number of boats go on a whale safari on a daily basis. The most commonly spotted whales are minke whales, humpback whales, whitebeaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Sailing out from the old harbor in reykjavik this whale watching tour gives you the chance to observe whales, dolphins and variety of other marine wildlife in its natural environment.
Dalvik is an old fishing village and a commercial port for fisheries and goods in the area. Be prepared to capture a photo of the giant whales of iceland. Enter an underwater wonder world of whales found in icelandic waters at whales of iceland. It wasnt until my trip to reykjavik, iceland that this dream came true. Whale watching around 20 species of whale can be found in the sea surrounding the country but the most common are the beaked whale, the humpbacked whale, dolphins and a few others. Rib whale watching is a thrilling experience from dalvik village in north iceland.
Classic whale watching operates yearround and has an educational and interactive focus on board. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Minimize your carbon footprint and join the electric sailboat opal for a green whale watching of a lifetime. There are a few things that come cheap in iceland so lets start by easing in with those facts. Rib express whale wathing this is a once in a lifetime boat experience. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. Whales of iceland is an exhibit in reykjavik, and the biggest whale exhibition in the world. You can find the exhibition in reykjavik, icelands capital city. In iceland, horizons are dotted with volcanic peaks, gushing waterfalls spring from every crevice and valleys are carved in front of your eyes by vast glaciers. Whale watching tour from reykjavik, iceland arctic adventures. Featured are 23 lifesize models of the species found in icelandic waters.
Whale watching is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers. Whale watching hauganes in north iceland whale watching. The exhibition has a wealth of information, and it is possible to download a. Another unique and unforgettable experience globus offers is a boat cruise to see whales in their natural habitat. Whale watching is an incredible experience for people of all ages.
Does anyone know from experience what the best point in time is for going on a whale watching trip. Up to 23 different species of whales inhabit the waters of north iceland, including humpback whales, minke whales, and whitebeaked dolphins. The best time for spotting whales around iceland is the summer. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober. Embark on a fullday tour of icelands iconic attractions from reykjavik. Iceland on the web can plan you a very friendly and inexpensive package for whale watching in reykjavik. Whale watching tour from reykjavik, iceland arctic. Best value whale watching trip from reykjavik guide to iceland. Whales are enormous beings and it is always a fascinating experience to watch these majestic sea creatures up close.
How to have a budget break in iceland lonely planet. Join our tour this summer and get a 10% online booking discount when booking. Book whale watching tours reykjavik iceland at guaranteed low prices with handpicked reliable suppliers. Whales and dolphins are at their greatest numbers during the summer months between april and october when the marine beasts come to feed on the plankton that thrives on the nutrientrich deposits of icelands bays. Commercial trade in parts and products from species listed on appendix i is prohibited. Whale watching tours in the north of iceland dalvik if youre based in the north of the country, a whale watching trip from dalvik is the ideal option for you.
In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. Whales of iceland uses cookies to give you the best experience when you visit our website, whalesoficeland. First things first, make a booking with special tours. This article provides everything you need to know about whale watching in ice land, plus some fun facts about whales in iceland. Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Along with dont eat the street food it will make you ill, this is one of the great travel. On a whale watching tour from reykjavik with special tours wildlife adventures you will be able to experience some of icelands rich and thriving bird life, as well as visit our large variety of sealife, including minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises. Whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland elding. For a little bit less money than the other tour companies, you get a. Aug 20, 2016 whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families.