Blue whales in the far north

Today was remarkable, although regrettably not likely to repeat itself. Two blue whales wandered into the bay in the northwest, around Flatey. Our crew was lucky enough to spot their giant blows while they were searching for minkes in the west. As they approached they realized that it was a mother and a calf swimming very close together. The calf seemed in good spirit; Thrashing its fluke just under the surface and coming very close to the boat, diving just by the bow. Only four of our boats were able to view the enormous blues before they travelled too far north for us to follow, most likely to venture further out on the open ocean. We are of course thrilled to have seen them again, but it saddens us to think that this will most likely not happen again this summer.

 

Aside from the blue whales, white beaked dolphins were spotted by the dozen and some minke whales as well, keeping with the program of the last few weeks. Dark spots of herring can still be seen in the water so hopefully the minkes have enough to keep them occupied in our bay. The weather was still and the sea quiet with the sun peaking out every now and then.

 

The following pictures were captured by our guide Christian of the two blue whales today.

 

Helga, guide.

 

 

The long back of the baby blue whale.

 

 

The baby blue on the left and mother blue on the right.

 

 

A great close up at the blowholes.

 

 

The tiny dorsal fin of the mother blue.

 

 

We travelled 12 miles from Húsavík, north enough to be able to see Grímsey quite well.