Orcas are the worlds largest species of dolphin and about 5000 of them live around iceland throughout the year, coming closer to the shore during the summer months. Orcas, or killer whales, can appear on any whalewatching. A new season by steve truluck its peak season once again for seeing orcas in the sn. Research focuses on photoidentification and acoustic studies. Its also one of the most accessible places to encounter them. North atlantic killer whales orcinus orca migrating between iceland and scotland.
Hi, im thinking of visiting iceland in late september. In the winter, its a whole new experience with the fresh, c. Hs orka sells electricity to homes and businesses throughout iceland. The northern lights and orcas in the wild the rare opportunity to chase two of natures elusive wonders in one trip was a gamble too tempting for nature lover mark rowe to refuse mark rowe. In general, it is possible to drive all the way from reykjavik and back in one day. The success rate of the summer tours is over 95%, in the north, this is even higher at 98%. Orcas in iceland where and when can you see killer whales in. As of 2 may 2020, the total number of cases registered is 1,799, of which 1,717 have recovered and 10 have died. During the summer, wildlife in the bay is at its peak, with sightings of harbour porpoises and other whale species, including orcas and even fin whales. Whales of iceland reykjavik, iceland atlas obscura.
Although they can be seen all around, id say the best spot to see orcas would be the west coast of iceland, and specifically sn. Whale safari iceland reykjavik all you need to know. Orca guardians iceland icelandic killer whale conservation. Iceland is a wonderful place to go whale watching and this tour is promising both in summer and also in winter. Star, expedition vessel le bellot, featuring only 92 suites and staterooms and the worlds first multiensory underwater. If you start the 1 500 km journey, you will travel past glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, geysers, fjords and black beaches and you will see everything iceland has to offer plus having great chances to experience all four seasons. Positioned on the edge of the arctic circle, iceland is one of the best places on the planet to see the northern lights. Please note that pick up from reykjavik is not available for this tour. Oct 11, 2017 an iceland whale watching is somewhere at the top a list that no doubt includes iceland guided tours tour reykjavik or in and around the golden circle or the entire ring road. There are many whale watching companies that will help you see the massive sea animals in their natural habitat. Hello i will be visiting next march and want to see orcas from snaefellsnes. The icelandic orca project research and conservation of killer whales found in icelandic waters. The national street 1 circles the whole island and therefore its mostly called circular road.
Theres a whole department of herring scientists a wonderful specialism i think at reykjaviks marine. Icelandic nonprofit seeks to protect orcas the reykjavik. Pull on a pair of provided coveralls and then stay on the lookout for harbor porpoises, whitebeaked dolphins and whales as you cut through the still waters of faxafloi bay. The 201920 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have reached iceland in february 2020. What is the best means of transportation without renting a car. A guide will meet you in the whale watching centre, which is facilitated on board an old fishing vessel permanently placed by the pier. Occasionally, other species are spotted such as the enormous fin whale, the orca or killer whale, and even blue whales, the largest mammal in the world. Whale watching is operated from various locations around iceland.
We prebooked spots on iceland whale watching tour before we left london. Whales of iceland offers guests a chance to learn about the kings of the ocean in a modern and calm environment. We are planning a 7 days trip to iceland in mid october and are very interested in whalewatching. Orcas from reykjavik iceland message board tripadvisor. A total of 123 orca have been recorded off vestmannaeyjar, although actual numbers are likely to be higher. Elding is the original whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland, offering also sea angling, puffing watching and northern lights tours. Explore the landscapes of south and west iceland on this winter flydrive adventure. About 7 to 14 days need to be calculated for the full tour. By day see the orca killer whales hunting in the fjords. Prey of killer whales orcinus orca in iceland plos. Before or after the tour you can enjoy the onboard multimedia show that includes images, videos and facts about the whales and marine life. The identification catalogue is available for download at. Five icelandic orca have been sighted off the shetland coast. Hs orka sells electricity to homes and businesses throughout iceland and focuses on providing competitive prices and exceptional service.
I am looking to go to iceland for a holiday next year and want to go on an orca whale watching tour. Seeing the northern lights in iceland travel guide audley. The north of iceland is known as the capital of whale watching. Killer whales of west iceland orca guardians iceland. Reykjavik whale watching in iceland itsallbee travel blog. From time to time tour operators from husavik, akureyri or reykjavik happily share orca photos in their social media. The orca is the fast swimmer, and can reach a speed of 50 kmh. Some of the whale breeds that you might see on a whale watching tour near reykjavik include the minke whale, humpback whale, blue whale, fin whale, sei whale, sperm whale, orca, and pilot whale. In the first edition of our orca id catalogue you can find pictures of most of the killer whales we have encountered. Whale watching iceland tour iceland holidays icelandair. Below you can download the catalogue and read about our icelandic orca. The orca is a quality mid sized spa with an open seating plan and room for 7.
A picture of your adopted orca jpeg to print in postcard format the picture of the year jpeg. The whales of iceland exhibition was explicitly created to cater to the growing tourist population in reykjavik but it is also devoted to educating visitors about the countrys conservation. This page is about killer whales in iceland, and the research conducted by the icelandic orcas project. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. A holiday highlight is the opportunity to see beautifulyetdeadly killer. I have tried to find tours that include whale watching here but no luck. Icelandic orca project killer whale conservation iceland. The elding whale watching tour is located in reykjaviks harbour.
Whale watching reykjavik tours, iceland special tours. Whale watching tours are often combined with sea angling and puffin watching. Close to downtown, this is truly an immersive exhibit that will take you into the world of the whales. Elding whale watching tour operator in reykjavik iceland. Orca watching iceland how to reach snaefellsnes in the. We only seat 12 passengers per boat, and each boat has a expert whale watching guide and captain on board. The chances of spotting whales vary in accordance with food availability of the shores, but the sighting success of this tour exceeds 90%. Are different whales sighted or do certain types have more likelihood of sightings during different times of year. Sep 20, 2010 orca encounter goes wrong ultra hd aug. Five tips for whale watching in reykjavik red apple on. See all 6 whales of iceland tickets and tours on tripadvisor.
Our specially made rib boats are made to get close to the whales, dolphins and puffins of the faxafloi bay. By night seekout the spectacular aurora borealis northern lights we only offer this tour and are unable to arrange holidays to iceland at any other time. On a whale watching tour from reykjavik with special tours wildlife adventures you will be able to experience some of icelands rich and thriving bird life, as well as visit our large variety of sealife, including minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and whitebeaked dolphins among other whale species. For your whale watching experience in reykjavik, on this tour you can choose between 3 beautiful boats. With a total population of 366, as of 31 march 2020, the infection rate is 1 case per 204 inhabitants, one of the highest in the world, though this is attributed to more tests have been. Luckily for me, im the first volunteer of the orca guardia. Set off in search of minke whales, humpbacks and more on this whalewatching cruise from reykjavik. Our whale watching boat, rosin the rose, offers an absolute innovation in whale watching adventures in iceland, it is fast and a luxurious whale watching boat, one of its kind in iceland, providing security and luxury for all. Iceland orca whale watching on snaefellsnes killer whales west. The orca, also known as killer whale, is a member of the dolphin family and belongs to the toothed whales odontoceti that form a suborder of cetaceans. Theres a lot of herring there so killer whales can feast freely. Project nakid started researching the icelandic orca in vestmannaeyjar, iceland in 2007. Whale watching reykjavik special tours updated april.
Discover the ethereal land of fire and iceone of the worlds most enchanting and distinctive destinationson this specially designed sevennight circumnavigation cruise of this stunning nordic island nation. Iceland, reykjavik, blue whale watching with elding whale watching duration. Is it possible to see the humpback whales and where would it be the best spots for whalewatching. Does anyone know when is the best time of the year to go to see orcas and where is the best place to go. The northern lights and orcas in the wild the rare opportunity to chase two of natures elusive wonders in one trip was a gamble too tempting for nature lover mark rowe to. Whales of iceland is the largest whales exhibition of its kind in the world. The high season for whale watching starts in april and lasts until midoctober.
Orca watching iceland go to snaefellsnes with a rental car. The northern lights and orcas in the wild the independent. On 18 april 1998, a small group of killer whales was observed hunting, attacking and eating common eiders along the coast of reykjavik table 1. Whale watching in iceland is becoming more and more popular. Orca whale watching tours in iceland iceland message board. Selfdrive a few years ago i was at a function with someone who owns and runs accommodation in grundarfjor. We recommend to read on our blog about the best options to reach snaefellsnes especially. This threehour cruise provides you the chance to see minke, whitebeaked and humpback whales.
Most of the whale watching tours sail out from the old harbour in reykjavik as well as neighbouring areas in reykjanesb. Response from whalesafariiceland, general manager at whale safari iceland responded sep. Stay in remote countryside hotels, and as the evenings plunge the rugged landscapes into darkness, head out in search of the incredible aurora borealis. However, many whales stay in the icelandic waters throughout the year. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Whales of iceland can be crowded, so we recommend booking etickets ahead of time to secure your spot. We are very excited about our our renewed trips to iceland in march 2017. Throughout your cruise, listen to the knowledgeable guides insightful commentary, and have your camera ready to. The best option to reach snaefellsnes is with a rental car. Whales of iceland is a new exhibit that opened in the heart of reykjaviks old harbour area in february 2015. It is a great sea excursion that will leave you amazed.