GOOD MORNING NATALIA!
During our whale watch season, many different humpback whale individuals come to feed in Skjálfandi Bay. Some might just pass by or stay for a few hours only. Others are around for days and sometimes even weeks - and some might actually return year over year.
While you're on a tour with us to observe these majestic animals, your tour guide will likely point out to you how all of them look different.
How so?
Well, have a thorough look at the animal as it prepares for a dive: humpback whales can be distinguished and identified by the black and white patterns on the underside of their flukes, the tail. These patterns are like our fingerprints: unique!
In short, no two humpback whales will ever have an identical pattern.
So every time a whale lifts its flukes above the surface before diving away, we get a glimpse into its world and might find out who's giving us company...
So who is Natalia?
Natalia has become a good old friend by now. First sighted in 2012, she has come back very frequently ever since. In some years, she even appeared more than once within the same season: first in summer, and then again in autumn.
While also this year she had been sighted already in late May and then again in late June, she returned at least a third time last week - and has been sighted daily since.
So should you hear the crew wish a whale a good morning these days, you know you're among the lucky ones to meet a very dear friend!
- Sarah
Photos: Vitto (guide), Sarah (captain / guide)
