Monday, 30 June, 2025
A Windy Day in the Fjord – Humpbacks and Feathered Friends
Today we set sail with a brisk northern wind guiding us out into the fjord. The temperature hovered around 5°C—crisp and refreshing, the kind of chill that makes you feel alive.
Not long after we left the harbor, we were greeted by some familiar Arctic visitors: the Northern Fulmar and Arctic Terns. The fulmar, with its stiff-winged gliding and soft grey plumage, always feels like a steady companion out at sea. It’s often mistaken for a gull, but it’s actually a close relative of the albatross, with excellent flying skills that make it a master of windy weather. The Arctic Terns, on the other hand, brought a flash of energy to the sky. These incredible birds migrate from the Arctic all the way to Antarctica—one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. To see them here, darting and diving, always feels like witnessing something heroic in motion.
As we approached Hjalteyri, the day quickly shifted from beautiful to unforgettable. A tall blow appeared ahead, and we soon spotted a humpback whale—one we’ve seen a few times this week. This individual seems particularly comfortable around the boat, and today it gave us a show we won’t soon forget. The whale was feeding right at the surface, lifting its enormous head out of the water so clearly that we could see its ventral grooves stretching along its throat and belly. Again and again, it surfaced, each time revealing its striking white fluke—a beautiful signature we’ve come to recognize.
We spent quality time with this friendly, hungry whale before continuing our journey north, where another humpback awaited us. This one was new to the fjord, with an almost entirely black fluke—such a striking contrast to the first whale. It, too, was feeding, and the sea felt alive with energy and motion.
As the day wore on and the wind continued to dance across the waves, we began our return journey. Just before reaching Akureyri, we were treated to one final surprise: a group of harbor porpoises skimming the surface. Their quick, sleek movements are always a delight to see—like brief, quiet whispers of marine life.
What an incredible afternoon. Nature, once again, reminding us that no two days on the water are ever the same
Text & Pictures: Lenka & Veronika
Departures for the day: Classic - 0900, 1300 & 1700 O’clock, Express: 1000&1400&2100