Monday, 18 August 2025
Today we set sail from Akureyri under a light drizzle, with the temperature hovering around 13°C. The calm, misty air set the scene perfectly for what turned out to be an incredible day on the water.
As we made our way out of the fjord, we were greeted by a flurry of seabirds: northern fulmars gliding gracefully, arctic terns darting above us, kittiwakes calling in the distance, and groups of common guillemots and razorbills floating on the surface. The birdlife was abundant and lively, following the currents as we ventured further out.
Reaching Hjalteyri, the real excitement began. A spout appeared in the distance—then another, and another. Most belonged to humpback whales, but one distinct spout revealed the presence of a minke whale. These whales are sometimes humorously nicknamed “stinky minkes” due to the strong smell of their breath! For our guests, this was a wonderful chance to compare two very different species side by side—the larger, more dramatic surfacing of the humpback versus the smaller, quicker movements of the minke.
It quickly became clear that the whales around us were busy feeding. At one point, we turned our heads at the sound of a powerful spout, only to see a humpback lunging at the surface, taking in a massive gulp of water filled with fish, plankton, and krill. Humpback whales can consume up to 1.5 tons of food per day, using their incredible baleen plates to filter tiny animals from the seawater. They take in a mouthful, then push the water out through the baleen, trapping the food inside. Watching this process up close was simply breathtaking.
In total, we counted around 7–8 humpback whales and one minke whale surrounding us. On our way back, the surprises weren’t over—we were joined by a small group of harbour porpoises, popping up close to the boat before disappearing again into the calm waters.
It was a truly magical day, full of seabirds and cetaceans, reminding us once again how rich and vibrant life in Eyjafjörður can be.
Text and Images: Lenka, Gema & David
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