Saturday, 9 August 2025
Today we set out from the harbor under a cloudy sky, with a cool breeze and temperatures around 10°C. The sea was calm with just a gentle swell, creating the perfect setting for our whale-watching adventure.
As we sailed along, seabirds accompanied us on our journey. Arctic terns darted gracefully above the water, while northern fulmars soared low along the waves. These early signs of wildlife always add excitement to the trip and today didn’t disappoint.
Approaching the Hjalteyri area, we started spotting more and more whale spouts in the distance. These powerful bursts of mist belonged to Humpback whales, which have been spending several days in this area likely drawn by a rich supply of food. Around Iceland, this time of year marks the feeding season for the humpback whale population, and Hjalteyri is clearly a favored stop.
It was a beautiful sight—their spouts rising impressively into the air (some can reach up to 3 meters high—look it up, it's amazing!). We were lucky to observe several different individuals, which we could identify by the unique patterns and shapes of their tail flukes. Each whale has a distinct "fluke fingerprint," making every encounter feel personal and special.
Adding to the day's magic, we also caught glimpses of Harbor Porpoises popping up at the surface, shy but curious as always.
After spending some quality time in the company of these incredible creatures, we slowly made our way back to the harbor, hearts full and cameras full of memories. Days like this remind us why we love being out on the water.
On our 2pm classic tour we were spoiled with 7 Humpbacks, but they made it difficult for us to move because they surfaced a few meters from our boat countless times. We even saw some Dolphins very close, but everyone quickly ignored them after another Humpback surfaced right next to them.
What an unforgettable evening tour out of Hjalteyri! We encountered at least ten humpback whales, including a mother with her calf, offering us incredibly close and active sightings. The whales were full of energy, with frequent surface activity that kept everyone on board in awe. These magical encounters, set against the golden evening light, made for a perfect way to end the day.
The improved weather brought calm seas and a beautiful sunset, adding to the experience. On the way back, we were even treated to a few glimpses of harbour porpoises. A peaceful and scenic return after an action-packed tour.
Truly one for the books!
Text and Pictures: Lenka, Sergio & Jacob
Departures of the day: Classic: 0900, 1000,1300, 1400 & 1700 Express: 1000 & 1400