We’ve been having an incredible time out on the water lately — with plenty of humpback whales all around us! Over the past few days, even though they’ve been shifting their location slightly each day, about ten individuals have often been spotted in close proximity.
Although the current season isn't over yet and our boats are still heading out for whale watching daily until the end of November, preparations for next year have already begun. For those of you planning your trip to Iceland in 2026, you can now explore our sales manual, get inspired, and even book your whale watching tours for next season.
When you’re out on the waters of Skjálfandi Bay, searching the horizon for whales, don’t be surprised if you spot a sleek head popping up nearby ,it might just be one of our resident grey seals coming to say hello! While our tours focus on whales, many of our guests are just as enchanted by the grey seals we sometimes spot along the way, specially around “Fish rock” and for good reason! These marine mammals are full of personality and play a vital role in our local marine ecosystem.
Across cultures and centuries, whales and their kin have swum not only through oceans, but also through the stories humans tell about the world. They appear in the sky, in epic tales, and in seafaring legends, embodying mystery and awe.
Over the past few weeks, our tours have been full of surprises. Alongside the majestic humpback whales, we have also had several sightings of pods of long-finned pilot whales. While this species does live in the waters around Iceland, pilot whales rarely visit Skjálfandi Bay and are hence not often seen during our whale-watching season.
September has once again brought some welcome visitors to Skjálfandi Bay: several well-known humpback whale individuals. Humpback whales are known for their powerful dives and spectacular tail flukes.
The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth and is essential for life. It regulates our climate, produces oxygen, and is home to many creatures, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Unfortunately, marine mammals face serious threats like pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.
When we think of whales, we imagine enormous, majestic animals gliding through the ocean. But look a little closer, and you’ll find that whales are never truly alone. Their skin often hosts small “colonies” of creatures such as barnacles, whale lice, and sometimes remoras.
Skjálfandi Bay is home to a variety of animals, both above and below the surface. Mostly of course, we become aware of the whales and dolphins, seals and all kinds of birds that we encounter around us on our tours.
Since the beginning of the month, we’ve enjoyed not only incredible whale sightings, but also spectacular displays from the beautiful northern gannets above our heads and around the boats as well as among the feeding whales.
