LITTLE GIANTS OF SKJÁLFANDI BAY
Skjálfandi Bay is best known as a feeding ground for juvenile and adult humpback whales. Numerous individuals visit the bay throughout the season, many of them returning year after year.
Since humpback whales migrate to subtropical and tropical waters to give birth, calves are not a common sight in the area. Every now and then, however, we are lucky enough to witness a mother returning with her still-young calf.
At the same time, as summer approaches, blue whales also return from their breeding grounds, journeying even farther north and briefly stopping in the bay to feed. Seeing a blue whale at all is a very special experience, and although this is one of the best places in the world to encounter them, it still requires being in the right place at the right time. Witnessing a blue whale mother and calf traveling north together is something only very few people ever get to see.
Now, what if I told you that over the last few days, we have not only had a humpback whale mother and calf in the bay, but a blue whale mother and calf as well?
The blue whale calf turned out to be especially curious about all the onlookers passing by. Every now and then, it would sneak away from its mother to check us out, rolling onto its side with its pectoral fins stretched high into the air. At other times, it energetically fed alongside its mum.
The humpback whale calf also seemed eager to mimic its mother’s feeding behaviour: blowing bubbles and lunge-feeding high into the air, with most of its body bursting through the surface, mouth still wide open and water splashing everywhere. It was both impressive and amusing to watch — and we are sure it will one day become a true pro!
While the blue whale calf would eventually settle down and glide back alongside its mother to continue the journey, the humpback whale calf usually returned to what youngsters do best: messing around and playing! These playful moments included spinning wildly along the surface with its tiny flippers flying through the air, slapping its tail, and even breaching out of the water.
Some encounters stay with you forever — and watching two very different whale calves exploring the bay beside their mothers at the same time was nothing short of magical.
Photo Credit: Joséphine (captain/head guide)
Blue whale mother and calf swimming side by side.
Title photo: Humpback whale mother and calf swimming side by side.