May Whale Watching from Húsavík: Fantastic sightings of Blue whales
Blue skies, calm waters, and the same blue whale feeding in the same area of Skjálfandi Bay for over two weeks! With more food present in the bay, more and more new humpback whales are returning to their feeding grounds as well! Simply put, everyone has been treated to amazing whale watching experiences in Húsavík lately!
Friendly Blue whales in Skjálfandi Bay
The Blue whale, the largest animal ever to have existed on the planet, has pleased many whale watchers with its presence on numerous tours this season! The interesting fact is that the same blue whale has been spotted continuously within a small area just south of Flatey Island in Skjálfandi Bay, most likely having discovered the vital source of food there.
Some days, we observed the blue whale actively lunge feeding, while on other days, it was very calm, spending a lot of time on the surface. Once, we even counted 12 powerful breaths before it dived again. Hearing a blue whale breathe is something one will never forget!
Last weekend, even a new pair of blue whales was seen roaming in Skjálfandi Bay together. Fingers crossed for nice encounters in the upcoming weeks!
Humpback whales return to Iceland
It’s not just the blue whales stealing the show these days. After a long migration from warmer waters, Humpback whales have also returned to their well-known feeding grounds in Skjálfandi Bay.
“Did you know that some of the humpback whales spotted in Húsavík were also photographed in the Caribbean and Cape Verde?”
Generally, the majority of humpback whales migrate to warmer waters toward the Equator, meaning they have two places they live in during the year – a feeding ground, which is richer with food and a mating warmer climate more appropriate for birthing calves and breeding. But some humpback whales are known to spend the winter in Icelandic waters, though!
AS OF WRITING THIS – we just observed from our office the first breach of the season just outside of Húsavík harbour! See it here.
Puffins are back on Puffin Island
Wildlife observation doesn’t stop with whales in Húsavík. With summer months approaching, migratory birds are returning to Skjálfandi Bay, including the famous puffins! We sail daily around the beautiful puffin colony on Lundey Island to see these feathered friends in action providing plenty of opportunities for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Are you visiting Iceland this summer?
Is Húsavík, the whale capital of Iceland, on your bucket list for this summer? If you are on your way to North Iceland, we would love to welcome you on board one of our traditional boats for a nice sailing trip around Skjálfandi Bay. We have daily tours departing from the lovely harbour in Húsavík and we recommend booking in advance.
