Whale watching in Reykjavik is one of the most sought-after activities in Iceland’s capital city. And it’s not hard to understand why. The waters surrounding Reykjavik are home to some of the most incredible marine life, from majestic whales to playful seals, beautiful seabirds, and so much more.
What is The Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Reykjavik?
The best time to go whale watching in Reykjavik depends on a variety of factors, including the weather, the season, and the migratory patterns of the whales. Generally speaking, the peak whale watching season runs from May to September, when the weather is milder and the seas are calmer.
During this time, visitors have a good chance of spotting humpback whales and minke whales, as well as other marine life.
Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-time visitor, Reykjavik’s peak whale watching season and lively events make it the perfect destination for an unforgettable marine adventure.
So grab your binoculars and come experience the magic of whale watching in Reykjavik!
What Are The Best Whale Watching Tours in Reykjavik?
When it comes to whale watching tours in Reykjavik, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, two tours stand out as some of the best and most popular among visitors.
The first tour is a 3-hour whale watching trip, offered by Special Tours Iceland. This tour takes you out to Faxaflói Bay, one of the best whale watching spots in the world, to see humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
The tour is led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge about the marine life in the area and ensure that you have the best possible experience.
Plus, the tour includes warm overalls and hot drinks to keep you comfortable during the trip.
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The second tour is a 2-hour speedboat whale watching excursion, offered by Katla Whale Watching.
This tour takes you on a high-speed adventure to see whales and other marine life up close. With a smaller group size than traditional whale watching boats, you’ll have a more personalized and intimate experience.
The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will provide information about the marine life you encounter along the way. The speedboat is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including hydrophones, to enhance your whale watching experience.
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Both tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the rich marine life of Reykjavik, and are sure to be a highlight of any visit to Iceland.
Types of Whales You can See in Reykjavik
If you’re planning a whale watching trip to Reykjavik, you’re in for a treat! The waters around the city are home to a variety of whale species, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Here are some of the most common types of whales you can expect to see:
- Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae): These majestic creatures are known for their acrobatic displays, often breaching and slapping their tails on the surface of the water. They can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh as much as 30 tons. Humpback whales are known for their hauntingly beautiful songs, which can be heard underwater for miles around.
- Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata): The minke whale is one of the smallest baleen whale species, measuring around 7-10 meters in length. They are known for their sleek, dark bodies and pointed heads. Minke whales are typically more elusive than humpbacks, but they can still be seen breaching and feeding in the waters around Reykjavik.
- Orcas (Orcinus orca): Also known as killer whales, orcas are actually the largest species of dolphin. They are highly intelligent and social creatures, known for their complex social structures and communication systems. Orcas are often seen hunting in packs, using coordinated tactics to take down prey. They can grow up to 9 meters long and weigh as much as 6 tons.
In addition to these species, there is also the possibility of seeing other types of whales such as the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth, and the fin whale, the second largest whale species.
Regardless of which species you encounter, witnessing these gentle giants up close is an awe-inspiring experience you won’t soon forget!
Other Types of Marine Life in Reykjavik
Are you ready to meet the incredible marine life that calls Reykjavik home? The city’s waters are home to a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, providing a safe haven for a range of species.
Let’s start with the feathered friends – visitors can spot some of the world’s most beautiful seabirds, such as the charismatic puffins (Fratercula arctica), arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea), and guillemots (Uria aalge), among others. Watching these majestic birds soar through the sky and dive into the water in search of fish is a sight to behold.
But that’s not all, Reykjavik’s waters are also home to some of the most fascinating mammals on the planet. Seal watching is a popular activity among visitors, with the common seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) both commonly sighted lounging on rocky outcrops along the coast.
And, of course, Let’s not forget the fish either! Reykjavik’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish species, including cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and salmon (Salmo salar). Watching them swim in their natural environment is a great reminder of the importance of responsible fishing practices.
So, are you ready to explore the diverse and fascinating marine life of Reykjavik? From soaring seabirds to playful seals and gentle giants of the ocean, there’s so much to discover and appreciate in this incredible ecosystem.
How does Reykjavik compare to other whale watching spots in Iceland?
Reykjavik is definitely one of the best whale watching spots in Iceland. While there are many other great locations around the country to see these magnificent creatures, Reykjavik stands out for several reasons.
Firstly, the waters surrounding Reykjavik are home to a diverse range of whale species, including humpback whales, minke whales, and even the occasional blue whale or killer whale. This makes it an ideal location for whale watching enthusiasts who want to see as many different species as possible.
In addition, Reykjavik is a great place to go whale watching because of its accessibility. Unlike some other parts of Iceland that can be difficult to reach, Reykjavik is easy to get to by car or public transportation. This makes it a convenient option for tourists who want to experience the thrill of whale watching without having to go off the beaten track.
Furthermore, Reykjavik is a modern and vibrant city that offers plenty of other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring museums and galleries to soaking in hot springs or taking a stroll along the waterfront.
Final Words
We hope this blog post has provided you with a comprehensive overview of whale watching in Reykjavik and helped you plan your trip. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family with children, or a photography enthusiast, a whale watching tour in Reykjavik is an experience that you’ll never forget.