Iceland is a great place for wildlife watching and you'll find a variety of seabirds and marine mammals that feed on the rich fishing grounds all around the island. The long period of light during the summer even provides the right environment for plankton and krill, making it a diverse and abundant bay.
Currently, we know of around 23 different species of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively called cetaceans) that frequent the seas surrounding Iceland. These range from the largest animal that has ever lived on our planet the blue whale to the smallest the hectors dolphin.
Below we have put together an overview of the most frequently seen species on our tours.
Currently, we know of 85 different species of Whales, dolphins and Porpoises collectively called cetaceans. These range from the largest animal that has ever lived on our planet the Blue Whale to the smallest the Hectors dolphin. They are found in every one of our oceans and even some of our rivers. Anyone that has been whale watching and seen these magnificent mammals up close can tell you that it is an experience never forgotten and a feeling of amazement and happiness not quite understood.
On our whale watching tours we often encounter other species than whales. The various seabirds, seals and sharks bring surely added value to our tours.
The fishing industry in Iceland is by far the most important industry in Iceland followed by the aluminum and tourism industry. Fish and Fish products constitutes about 70% of Iceland’s exported goods. Main fish being exported include cod, haddock, Saithe, redfish, herring and capelin, which as all mainly exported to the UK, Germany, USA, Norway, Spain, Holland depending on the fish and product.
Seabirds are an important part of every whale watching tour and they often guide us to the whales. During the summer months the puffins make a spectacle of themselves as well as the gannets, fulmars, guillemots, skuas, arctic terns and many more. The winter birdlife is not so diverse but it is nice to see certain species in areas that you wouldn't normally see.