Monday, 16 June 2025
A Magical Day on the Fjord: Whales, Fulmars & Surprises
We sailed out this morning with the crisp sea air and a gentle 13°C breeze brushing our faces. The fjord was incredibly calm—more like a lake than an arm of the ocean. It was one of those perfect days that gives you a feeling something special is about to happen.
As we left the harbor, we were greeted by the graceful presence of Northern Fulmars, gliding effortlessly beside the boat. These seabirds are true masters of the wind. Though they look similar to gulls, they’re actually part of the petrel family, and can spend months at sea without landing. Fulmars are known for their stiff-winged flight and their ability to soar for hours without flapping—thanks to a special structure in their nasal passages that helps them excrete salt from seawater.
We didn’t have to wait long before we saw our first whale blow in the distance… then another… and then the third one.
To our delight, three humpback whales were swimming side by side. It’s always magical to see these gentle giants, and today they seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. Two of them began slapping their long pectoral fins on the surface, as if waving to us.
Why do whales slap their fins? Pectoral fin slapping—also called “pec slapping”—is a form of communication. It can be a display of dominance, a way to attract attention, or even a playful gesture. Some researchers believe it helps whales make social contact or signal other whales nearby.
Then, just when we thought the day couldn’t get better—one of the whales breached! It launched its massive body out of the water, crashing back down with a splash that shook the surface. And it didn’t stop at one breach—it jumped again, and again, giving us an unforgettable show. Breaching is another mystery of whale behavior, but it's believed to help remove parasites, communicate over long distances, or maybe, just maybe, it's for the sheer joy of it.
After this stunning display, the whales seemed to settle down for a rest, gently floating near the surface.
As we circled around, we were lucky enough to spot something smaller but just as special: Harbour porpoises, the tiniest cetaceans in these waters. Shy and swift, they’re often hard to spot, so this was a real treat to finish our tour.
What an incredible day on the fjord. With the ocean so full of life, we can't
Text & Pictures: Lenka, Jonna, Victor, David
Departures for the day: Classic - 0900, 1300, 1700 , 2030 O’clock. Express - 1000 & 1400 O’clock