Thursday, 8 August 2024

Today we will be operating our Classic Whale Watching on our lovely vessel Eldey at 9:00, 13:00, 17:00 and 19:00 and our just as lovely Hafsúlan at 11:00 and 15:00. Our Premium Whale Watching tour will operate on Þruma I-V at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 20:00.

• CLASSIC WHALE TOUR | 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00
• PREMIUM WHALE TOUR |10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 20:00

Report from Eldey: Today was a fantastic day on the water. As we sailed out of Faxaflói Bay under perfect sea conditions, we spotted our first whale almost immediately—a minke whale near the port. We watched it surface a few times before continuing on with our adventure. About 30 minutes later, we spotted our first blow-  a humpback whale! It fluked and showed its tail beautifully multiple times as we watched with smiles in our faces before disappearing into the depths. Later, we encountered another minke whale, adding to the excitement. And finally as we began our return to Reykjavík, a pod of about 10 white-beaked dolphins appeared in the horizon playfully jumping and bowriding alongside the boat! They kept us company while we were moving towards the harbor, ending the trip on a high note. 

-Maria Ernesto

Report from Hafsula: Today we were greeted with extremely calm seas and no wind - every whale watchers dream! It was quite a grey ocean and sky but even that helps a lot with spotting whales from a distance. Not long after departure we spotted a pod of 8 white beaked dolphins! They started off fairly calm but then quickly took interest in our boat and came extremely close to us. As it was such a calm day it was super easy to spot them through the water. It was a very nice calm encounter with dolphins popping up continuously on our starboard side. Eventually we decided to head on and only a few minutes later spotted the blow of a humpback whale! This individual we have seen in the last few days and again today it did not disappoint, coming up extremely close to us. After a few moments together and an amazing encounter we headed on and quickly found another humpback whale. Again this individual spoilt us and we stayed together for a bit. While enjoying this humpback we could also spot more white beaked dolphins and another humpback close to the horizon - probably a pod of 5 feeding. Eventually we ran out of time, but even on the way home spotted one more humpback with a beautiful white fluke! In total we saw 4 humpbacks and 3 pods of 30 white beaked dolphins :)

- Rob Hyman

Report from Eldey. During our adventure, we were thrilled to spot three majestic humpback whales and a lively pod of around 8 white-beaked dolphins. The whales gracefully blow far and very close to us and show their tails against the water, putting on a mesmerizing display, later on some of the dolphins came close to the boat, while others danced in the distance, with two of them playfully leaping out of the water as we got all a happy smile and expression. As we sailed back, still buzzing with excitement and hopeful for even more sightings, the bay was alive with gatherings of birds gliding, creating a captivating scene. We returned home elated, feeling blessed by both the breathtaking wildlife and the beautiful weather.

Claudia Albir

Report from Hafsula: This afternoon we sailed out, the wind had picked up a little but in exchange the sun came out. After about 50min of sailing we spotted a blow on the horizon - twas a humpback whale! Then when we approached we spotted 3 more in this little corner of the bay. We had two that were quite close and two a little bit further, one of which was always showing a high fluke! After some time together we continued on as it seemed like it may have been resting and we did not want to disturb. We then spotted a breaching humpback just a little further on so tried to get a closer look. While we were sailing towards it, it breached 2 more times and then started pec slapping! Once we were actually there it calmed down a lot but came incredibly close. We do know this humpback as it was seen last year and named Mr Bubbles. We stayed for a bit with Mr Bubbles and then sadly ran out of time and headed home, spotting one more minke whale on the way.

- Anna Richter

Report from Eldey: This evening's whale-watching adventure began with perfectly calm seas. For 45 peaceful minutes, we cruised through the still waters, scanning the horizon, when suddenly, a minke whale appeared! It surfaced twice, its sleek body gracefully breaking the surface before it disappeared into the depths. Our journey continued, and after some time, we spotted two distant blows on the horizon. As we drew closer, it became clear that these were humpback whales. They resurfaced multiple times lifting their massive flukes high above the water before diving deep. As we turned back toward Reykjavik, thinking our evening had reached its peak, we were pleasantly surprised by a lively pod of 4-5 white-beaked dolphins. And Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, out of nowhere, another minke whale resurfaced! We spent a few precious minutes watching it glide through the water before we finally set our course back to the harbor.

- Maria Ernesto

Report from Elding: We had a fantastic tour this evening! Shortly after we left we found our first humpback whale, and it was amazing! It was a very active individual, rolling and showing the fluke constantly. After around 10 minutes we left this cetacean alone and we went on to look for others, and bingo, after just a few minutes we found 3 more in succession, making a total of 4. The gave us quite the show! Lunge feeding, slapping their pectorals, and a breach! All of it, within the frame of a nice evening sunset and plenty of sea birds. It was beautiful.

- Rodrigo Ruiz Esquide