On this tour we will cruise across the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, seeking majestic marine-life, including the sperm whale, the world’s largest predator and the legendary orca, one of nature’s most intelligent creatures.
This tour begins at the picturesque village of Olafsvik, where we will board our trusty Icelandic vessel and head towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in search of the magnificent ocean giants, who visit Iceland’s waters. Our precise destination will be determined based upon the season, sea conditions, and prevailing local knowledge, about where whales are usually seen, ensuring that we have the very best chance to see these majestic creatures in the flesh.
The area is famous for the many toothed-whales that visit its waters, including orcas, sperm whales, and pilot whales, offering visitors the chance to see some of the most iconic marine creatures in the entire world. As a general rule, orcas are seen during the winter and early summer months, with sightings common between April and June, especially in deeper waters. Male sperm whales, are also common in June, while we also often see humpback and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins. Our expert captain will take you as close as possible to these gentle giants, always making sure that the boat does not interfere with them, ensuring that you have the chance to see them feeding and playing.
The expert guide will also provide you with plenty of information about these incredible creatures and their relationship to Iceland. Whale watching is not an exact science, and we are unable to guarantee that we will find whales, however, our captains are local experts and will do everything they can to ensure that you see these magnificent creatures in the flesh.
This awe-inspiring tour is perfect for people who love wildlife, with the opportunity to see puffins, a variety of seabirds and whales, in the shadow of spectacular Icelandic scenery!
The whale watching experience provides a profound demonstration of the power and majesty of marine life in our world. With hope and a little bit of luck, we see these creatures in their own habitat. The Icelandic word for orca is Háhyrningur (which translates to high-horn, in reference to their large dorsal fin) is an apex predator, meaning that no other animals feed on them. It is a fish eater and generally feeds on herring during their migration. They are famous for their unique hunting techniques, where they use ultrasonic frequencies to herd herring near the surface of the ocean before they feed. To see these majestic, complex predators frolicking in the waters beneath the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier, is a truly incredible experience.
The Icelandic sperm whale is equally as impressive, measuring up to 20 meters, it is the largest predator in the entire world. It is also famous in literature, with the famous white whale in the novel Moby Dick, being from the species: although in reality, they are far more gentle and friendly than in the book. They generally feed on squid, which means that they are usually found in deep waters. Seeing them playing in the water and throwing bursts of water into the air, is an unforgettable experience, which will remain with you forever.
We will meet you in Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Address: Norðurtangi 9, 355 Ólafsvík. GPS: La: 64.895359 Le: -23.710866 - see map below
