Whale watching from Reykjavik
Whenever visitors ask us about unique things to do in Reykjavik we always recommend whale watching. Whale watching is the type of activity that almost anyone will enjoy. Being out at sea with the more than twenty-four breeds of whales is unlike any other whale watching experience anywhere else.
Here are a few tips for your Reykjavik whale watching excursion.
Whale watching tip number one: Wear layers
To make your trip more comfortable wear sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and wear several layers of clothing. Some whale watching groups will give you floatable overalls and raincoats too, but it’s best to come prepared for the cold, the rain, and the sun so that you can just relax and enjoy the views.
Whale watching tip number two: Look for the mink and humpback whales
Of all the whales in the world, 45 percent are near Europe. Some of the whale breeds that you might see on a whale watching tour near Reykjavik include the minke whale, humpback whale, blue whale, fin whale, sei whale, sperm whale, orca, and pilot whale.
The mink and humpback whales are the most commonly sighted. You’ll recognize the mink by the white bands on each flipper and the humpback by its long fins and large bumps on the skin.
Whale watching tip number three: Don’t forget to look up
On a typical whale watching tour, it’s likely that you will see not only whales, but other sea life like a white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise, and a variety of birds. Many whale watching companies also have bird watching tours. In the waters near Reykjavik you are likely to see birds like puffins, kittiwake, gannets, cormorants, guillemots, razorbills, gulls, terns, and others.
Whale watching tip number four: Be patient
Every whale watching tour is a little different, but expect to spend several hours on a catamaran far out at sea where you are likely to sit and wait to see a whale. The guides will help you spot the whales, but while you wait they will give you information on Reykjavik waters, Iceland’s maritime history, and of course, the biology of whales.
Whale watching tip number five: Whale watching is best in the summer
Although tours are typically offered from April through October, the best whale watching happens in the summer months. This is the best time because the temperature of the North Atlantic provides excellent feeding grounds for the whales—especially in coastal areas like Reykjavik.
We encourage those of you interested in whale watching to book one of the apartments in Reykjavik soon if you want to catch the summer season as many apartments are heavily booked in July and August already!
Tags: Sightseeing, Tours, Whale watching
