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.
Skjálfandi Bay in North Iceland is world-famous for its whales, drawing visitors from around the globe eager to witness these giants of the sea. Yet, beneath the waves lies another natural wonder that makes the bay a true biological treasure: vast underwater forests.
Whale watching is all about humans heading out into the wild to observe these incredible giants of the sea. But sometimes, the roles are reversed. Across different whale species, there is a rare and fascinating behavior called spy hopping.
August has been a month full of variety and surprises out on the bay, with whale activity shifting and changing as the weeks went by. Early in the month, the southern part of the bay was alive with minke whales, busily feeding in shoals of fish.
