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Petrels are part of the tubenose family of seabirds, which also include the fulmars, albatrosses and shearwaters. The storm petrels are very small birds that you usually see flying fast by very close to the water's surface where the air currents are strongest. We mostly see them when departing from hafnarfjörður, Keflavík or Grindavík harbours. 

Petrels are part of the tubenose family of seabirds, which also include the fulmars, albatrosses and shearwaters. These are very small birds that you usually see flying fast by very close to the water's surface where the air currents are strongest. We mostly see them when departing from hafnarfjörður, Keflavík or Grindavík harbours. 

These are frequently seen on the two Puffin colonies we visit Lundey/Akurey. When in flight they are usually in their V or line formation taking turns to lead. This formation that geese fly in is thought to reduce drag or air resistance thus making it more aerodynamic and allows them to fly long distances will little effort. 

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.

The blue whale is the largest known animal to have ever lived on our planet! Their heart alone weighs 600 kg. and is about the same size as a Volkswagen beetle car and even a small child could crawl through the aorta (main artery of the heart). They feed mainly on krill, which is somewhat like a small shrimp or prawn and can eat up to 4000kg a day. They are also one of the loudest ani

The Humpback Whale is quite spectacular undergoing the longest migration of any mammal (5176miles/8334km one way), attracting females by singing to them and of course their energetic nature. On many occasions humpbacks have been seen breaching, tail slapping, fin slapping, blowing bubbles and spy hopping just to mention a few. The humpback is also one of the larger whales we encounter

Currently, we know of over 90 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.

Seals and Sea lions are collectively called Pinnipeds. Harbour Seals are the most abundant in Iceland and are frequently encountered on Akurey (puffin colony). There has been 7 species of seals recorded in Icelandic waters but only two of these species breed here; the Harbour Seal and Grey Seal. 

On our whale watching tours we often encounter other species that don't belong to the whale and dolphin families. The various migratory and local seabirds, seals and even sharks bring surely added value to our tours. 

Cod is probably the most frequently caught fish on your sea angling tour with Elding. Cod is the most important marine resource in Iceland and most of the changes in Icelandic fisheries have more or less been focused around the sustainability of cod stocks. Such as the expansion of the EEZ closing areas, reduction in amount fished and controlling the fleet size. 

Iceland’s diverse wildlife is a highlight for nature lovers, especially in coastal and marine areas. From seabird colonies to whales, dolphins, and seals, the island is surrounded by nutrient rich waters that support incredible biodiversity. Long summer days fuel plankton blooms, attracting marine mammals and making Iceland a prime destination for wildlife watching all year round.

At Elding, we actively campaign against whaling and encourage visitors to choose ethical experiences, avoid whale meat, and help raise awareness. Whale watching offers a sustainable alternative to whaling and plays a vital role in protecting Iceland’s marine life and global reputation. By supporting responsible tourism, you’re helping secure a better future for whales in Icelandic waters.

Elding is a proud founding member of IceWhale, the Icelandic Association of Whale Watchers. Since 2003, we’ve worked alongside other operators to promote ethical whale watching, support marine research, and advocate for protected whale sanctuaries. Through IceWhale, Elding continues to lead by example, helping shape a sustainable future for Iceland’s growing whale watching industry.