Departing Húsavík harbour for whale watching and whale research

The other day, two of North Sailing’s boats, Náttfari and Garðar, left Húsavík harbour in beautiful autumn weather. One headed out for a whale watching tour while the other departed for a more extended whale research journey.

Onboard Náttfari, travellers, were on their way to a regular three-hour whale watching trip. Despite the current restrictions, attendance at whale watching at North Sailing is surprisingly good this autumn.

Sailing out from Húsavík © Rafnar Orri Gunnarsson

Successful autumn whale watching

On that Saturday the demand was so great that an extra trip was scheduled later in the day. In many parts of the country, travel companies are taking a break from their activities, while there is a demand for extra trips in Húsavík. Of course, a limited number of people can join each tour due to the current restrictions. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Húsavík shows once again that it truly is the whale watching capital of Iceland.

Húsavík whale research trip

At the same time as Náttfari left the harbour for whale watching, Garðar set off on a more extended trip than usual. A crew of six was on board, consisting of employees from North Sailing, Ocean Missions and the University of Iceland’s Research Center in Húsavík. Two underwater sound recorders were onboard to be installed in the southern part of the Denmark Strait.

Leaving Husavik harbour © Rafnar Orri Gunnarsson

Listening to blue whales

This project is hosted by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the University of Iceland’s Research Center in Húsavík. The goal is to study the movement and behaviour of whales in the context of marine traffic. The main focus is on blue whales, but also other large whales, especially the North Atlantic Right Whale, now almost extinct. The total length of the voyage was about 600 nautical miles, equivalent in distance to the journey from Húsavík to the west coast of Norway.

Blue Whale in Skjálfandi Bay © Christian Schmidt

North Sailing, a long time partner for whale research

North Sailing has a long term collaboration with the University of Iceland in the field of whale research. Heimir Harðarson, captain and owner of North Sailing, shares that it is a great honour for the company to take part in this project. “It is gratifying to see our boats sail out for whale watching and whale research at the same time,” says Heimir, who sailed on board Garðar for the whale research trip.