Friday, 18 June 2021

Friday, 18 June 2021

✔ CLASSIC TOUR ON SCHEDULE |  13:00

Report from Elding: The conditions were similar with a bit more rain than this morning at least in the Reykjavik area. The sea was as flat as a lake so it was easy to spot the whales. We went to the same area as this morning, in the north close to Akranes. We first found a pod of 4-5 white beaked dolphins. They were busy feeding and moving a lot, not really interested in our boat. We continued until we saw a blow. We approached and figured out that the area was full of humpbacks. We counted 4-5 humpback whales and one discrete minke whale. We were thinking about what whale we should follow when a whale started breaching 300-400 meters away! We went there and the whale was not breaching anymore but pectoral slapping, loudly hitting the water with its flipper. We could stay there in silence for a while, watching and listening to the show. We observed that another humpback whale “answered”, pectoral slapping as well further in the bay. Then, we saw another whale breaching still at a good distance. We approached and the whale was also pectoral slapping. We love when the whales are so active!

- Miquel Pons

✔ PREMIUM TOUR ON SCHEDULE |  10:00

Report from the RIB: We finally had calm seas to get some speed on the ribs this morning, unfortunately the rain came with the calmer seas but it was still a very enjoyable day. We first went to visit the wee cute little puffins on the island of Engey, the closest island to the harbour and then went very far out (30min ride) to have a great time with a solitary humpback whale and saw the blow/spout of two others. A little later and a few miles distance we also saw a really awesome pod of about 8 white-beaked dolphins, which played under and around the boat. The younger individuals in the pod were the most playful. It was fantastic and finally good sea conditions for a very comfortable rib tour. 

- Megan Whittaker

✔ CLASSIC TOUR ON SCHEDULE |  09:00

Report from Elding: The sea condition was perfect today with a flat sea and a weak wind. Even if it was cold and slightly raining during the tour, our passengers stayed outside during all the tour, well protected by our overalls. We headed to the north of the bay until we spotted a blow a few hundred meters away. We approached and admired a beautiful humpback whale. While we were following the majestic animal we saw blows in the surroundings, at least 2 other humpback whales were in the area. We could stay with one of those humpbacks for 20 minutes. We were coming back to Reykjavik when we crossed the path of a minke whale. It disappeared as fast as it appeared. 

- Miquel Pons

Bird Species ID´d today: Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin, Common Guillemot, Arctic tern, Arctic skua, Northern Fulmar, Kittiwake, Eider Duck, great-black backed gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull.

Today we will be operating on Þruma RIB for our 10:00 Premium tour and our lovely vessel Elding for the 09:00 and 13:00 Classic tour. Make sure to dress appropriately for the tours as it is always colder on sea than on land. Join us by booking online or contact us directly for more information (elding@elding.is / +354 519 5000).

COVID-19: Keep in mind that passengers and crew are asked to ensure their own hygiene and safety at all times. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and using a hand sanitiser is advised. Masks are not mandatory but are recommended in areas where keeping distance from others is not possible.