Thursday, 1 May 2014

Tour at 13:00

Report from Hafsúlan: In the afternoon the sea condition was even milder than in the morning. We sailed out far to the Southwest, hoping to see Happy, the Minke Whale from this morning, again at the previous site. While we were searching out the resting and feeding bird flocks as an indicator for rich feeding grounds, we encountered Harbour Porpoises, 10-20 intermintally here and there. The first Minke Whale we spotted, however, didn't seem to be in a whale watching mood. Already on our way back we got word of a small pod of White-beaked Dolphins. The dolphins seemed intrigued by the vessel and dove even as near as 5m to our boat. When we followed the small group of 3 individuals, we also got to see another Minke Whale in the distance, before we had to head back to the harbour.

Megan and Dominik

Tour at 9:00

Report from Hafsúlan: This morning we headed out under the most beautiful  and calm conditions imaginable. The skies were blue and were promising a great whale watching adventure. Leaving the habour we were surrounded by hundreds and thousands of flying, resting and diving Puffins. With the sun warming our backs we made our way far out in the Bay of Faxaflói, where we suspected whales due to the large flocks of birds. Finally, we encountered a very joyful and particularly hungry Minke Whale. The individual, which we later identified as Happy, was feeding extensively. Rolling around, lunging, changing course and blowing bubbles underwater quite frequently, the whale seemed undisturbed by our vessel. At times the whale came even as close as 5-10m. Eventually, we headed out further into the bay where we were able to spot Harbour Porpoises 10-20 animals all around the boat. They were fast and elusive, but popped up here and there, even on our journey back to the harbour. Yet again, we are able to see ´Happy´the Minke Whale feeding as we were heading back.

Megan and Dominik

Birds seen on todays tour include: Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin, Northern Fulmar, Arctic Skua, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Cormorants, Icelandic Gull, Eider Ducks, Black-backed Gulls, Glaucous Gulls.