NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALES SIGHTED
Already yesterday some of our boats came across a real unusual sight: northern bottlenose whales had made their way into Skjálfandi Bay! Much to our surprise, the pod of whales was seen again on some of today’s departures!
Northern bottlenose whales are part of the beaked-whales family. They can reach a length of up to 10 metres and weigh up to 7,5 tons. Unlike many other whales, their skin colour is sort of brownish.
Northern bottlenose whales are toothed whales, however, only matured males have two small teeth at the front end of the lower jaw. Indeed, also females have teeth, however they’re buried in the jaw and do not erupt.
Usually, they don’t show up in shallow waters a lot as they dive up to 1500 metres deep in order to feed on deep water squid. Therefore, they are a really rare and special sight here nearby Húsavík!
At times, bottlenose whales are known to act curious towards boats and as they spend quite a few minutes on the surface once having returned from a dive, they can be observed pretty well.
- Sarah
PHOTOS: Sarah Arndt
