SPOTTING A WHALE
When heading out onto Skjálfandi Bay in search for whales, the first thing we usually spot - oftentimes from a far distance - is the spout of the whale, or also called the blow.
The spout looks much like a cloud of mist shooting up from the surface - everytime the whale exhales air. Depending on the species, this blow can be several metres high up into the air. Also, since apart from that every species has a slightly differently shaped spout, it is oftentimes possible to tell from afar, which kind of whale we are about to observe.
As we get closer to the area we first spotted the blow in, it is now all about being patient and wait - for the whale to return to the surface to breathe.
Whales, we all know that, are excellent divers and can stay a long time beneath the surface - travelling, foraging or feeding. Yet, they are mammals and so they have lungs. Therefore, all couple of minutes, these animals will have to breach the surface of the ocean again to take several deep breaths.
These moments that a whale returns to the surface for breathing are our chance to observe these majestic animals. For just some few minutes at the most, the whale now travels along the surface, filling its body with new oxygen.
With each breath, whales replace up to 90% of the air in their lungs (we humans only just exchange 10-15% each time we breathe).
A blue whale's lungs for example hold up to 5000 litres, meaning the animal might exchange up to 4500 litres per breath. Then, it'll just take 1 to 2 seconds to breathe in again and fill up the lungs.
However, the lungs' size is not the only reason whales are able to dive away for many minutes at a time. In fact, while breathing, they store oxygen in their red blood cells and muscles. Then, once disappearing below the surface, whales will slow down their heart rate and reduce or stop the blood blow to certain parts of their body, which makes the stored oxygen last even longer.
Therefore, once you watch a whale arch its back or even lift its flukes (the tail) out of the water, you know its time to show patience once again, enjoy the surroundings, chat with your seating neighbour or listen to the interesting stories our guides have to tell about these magnificent animals!
Text & Photos: Sarah Arndt (captain/guide)
