Whale Watching From Akureyri

OVERVIEW

Sail into the nutrient-rich waters of Iceland’s longest fjord, looking for whales, dolphins and porpoises that feed here in abundance. Chances are, you will also spot colonies of puffins nesting in the rocky cliffs and diving for small fish. They are easy to identify by their bright orange beaks and short, stout wings. Still, whales are the star attractions. Species such as humpback, blue and minke whales frequent these waters to gorge on the abundant plankton and fish larvae carried in the coastal currents. You may also spot white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. It is a breathtaking sight to see humpback whales acrobatically breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. If blue whales surface to exhale, the spray from their blowholes will shoot about 30 feet into the air, so it will be quite the spectacle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise a fjord where numerous species of whales, dolphins and porpoises feed.
• Watch the spectacle as the cetaceans breach the water’s surface and then dive for food.
• Look for puffins nesting in the cliffs and feeding on small fish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.