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The Húsavík Whale Museum, established in 1997, is an educational facility providing information on cetaceans and the marine ecosystems.
Click to visit their website >> |
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Daybreak |
Dusk |
| Jan. |
10:03 |
16:59 |
| Feb. |
09:13 |
18:11 |
| March |
07:46 |
19:35 |
| April |
05:55 |
21:10 |
| May |
03:50 |
23:04 |
| June |
24 hr. |
daylight |
| July |
24 hr. |
daylight |
| Aug. |
03:06 |
23:57 |
| Sept. |
05:17 |
21:35 |
| Oct. |
06:50 |
19:43 |
| Nov. |
08:18 |
18:03 |
| Dec. |
09:36 |
16:57 |
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Whale watching excursions in Iceland
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| The following whale watching excusions in Iceland can combined with any holiday visiting that area. |
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Here are some of the reasons why Iceland is so popular as a whale watching destination:
Species galore
around one quarter of the world's cetacean species have been recorded in Iceland's nutrient-rich waters. Minke whale, humpback whale, blue whale, fin whale, sei whale, sperm whale, orca, pilot whale, white-beaked dolphin and harbour porpoise are regularly encountered. There are often surprises as well - in 1997, three rare northern bottlenose whales showed up.
Boats for all seas
whether your trip is a sheltered fjord cruise or an adventure on the open seas, the boats used are tried and tested for the conditions, expertly crewed and offer ample deck space for viewing and photographing.
Reliable sightings
accurate sightings records are kept and while every year is different, we know where particular species are most likely to be seen. In 2006 the sightings record for Olafsvik was minke (62%); orca (28%); sperm whale (35%); white beaked dolphins (65%) and for Husavik humpback (77%); minke (65%); blue whale (16%); white beaked dolphins (35%); harbour porpoises (17%).
The bird life
Iceland boasts huge colonies of nesting seabirds and on whale watching trips you may also encounter puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and glaucos gulls. |
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| Holidays including whale watching in Iceland |
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Iceland Wildlife Safari (9 nights) |
| Price: From around £1013 per person including flights based on two sharing a standard vehicle for 9 days, staying in good quality hotels on a breakfast basis. |
| Duration: 9 nights |
| Departures: April to September 2008 |
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This itinerary is perfect for nature lovers, combining a whole host of natural curiosities and never-ending scenery, with close encounters of the wildlife kind. A well-paced drive, great for photographers and if opting for the full itinerary, the chance of a rewarding encounter with the giants of the deep.
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| Click here for further information >> |
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| Excursions from Reykjavik |
| Fortunately for visitors, Iceland's capital and nearby Reykjanes Peninsula offer some excellent whale watching so that even those on a short city break can enjoy the experience. White-beaked dolphins and minke whales are most often encountered but orcas, humpback whales, long-finned pilot whales and harbour porpoises may sometimes be seen. |
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S02 Reykjavik Whale and Dolphin Watching |
| Price: £37 |
| Duration: 4-5 hours |
| Departures: daily at 13:00 (Apr – Oct) plus 09:00 (Apr–Sep) & 17:00 (Jun- Aug) |
Search for cetaceans and seabirds off the coast of Reykjavik on a 3-hour trip on board the vessel, Elding. Around 90% of trips enjoy sightings of white-beaked dolphins or minke whales and occasionally other species such as humpback and orca along with puffins, fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes. Transfers to and from your hotel to the harbour are included. Child 7- 15 years £17 / 6 and under free. |
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S04 WHALES & NATURAL WONDERS |
| Prices: |
01 May -14 June
& 21-31 Aug |
15 June - 20 Aug |
| Adult |
£221 |
£249 |
| Child 11 and under |
£116 |
£130 |
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| Duration: 13 hours |
| Departures: daily at 07:30 |
Fly to Akureyri in the north and travel by coach to Godafoss, an impressive symmetrical waterfall. Continue to Myvatn, a beautiful lake surrounded by lava and craters then to the town of Husavik. Board a converted. Arrive Husavik and board a converted fishing boat for a 3-hour whale watch in Skjalfandi Bay. With luck, see minke whale, white-beaked dolphin and harbour porpoise, though other species also appear from time to time. Return to Akureyri for the flight back to Reykjavik. |
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| Olafsvik & Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Mid West Iceland) |
| The rich seas off the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on Iceland's west coast are a key summer feeding ground for large whales and one of the most reliable and accessible places in the world for seeing blue whales. Humpbacks also gather here, sometimes in large numbers, while closer to shore orcas patrol a dramatic coastline of rugged cliffs, set beneath the beautiful snow-capped volcano of Snaefellsjokull. The 87ft catamaran used on these 6 hour trips is stable and has plenty of deck space for viewing. Price: £91; departures daily at 11:00 June to early August. |
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| AI04 Whale Watching (1 May to 10 Sep 2008) |
| Price £40 |
| Duration 3-3.5 hours |
| Olafsvik is well known for its regular sightings of humpback, orca and minke, as well as various species of porpoise and dolphin. Although sightings can never be guaranteed, with the odds so favourable, a whale watch trip from here is highly recommended. |
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| North Iceland |
| Husavik, a delightful fishing town on the shores of sheltered Skjalfandi bay, is one of the key whale watching bases in Iceland. The bay's minkes often approach and play around the boat, making for rewarding encounters and excellent photographic opportunities. As well as minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are often spotted, while other species, including humpback whales turn up from time to time. The 3 hour whale watching trips from Husavik are on board restored wooden fishing vessels in a sheltered bay with the backdrop of some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Iceland. Price: £30; departures daily at 13:30 May-September, with additional departures in June, July and August. |
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| © Mark Carwardine |
Increase in Whale Watching
Foreign tourists who book whale watching tours in Iceland have increased considerably over the last decade. Between 1997 and 2007 their number increased 500%. Read more >>
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Iceland
