Want to know the best time to see whales in Iceland? Find out all the information you need to make sure you don't miss out on this fantastic experience!
Whale watching in Iceland
Experience whale watching with Swan Hellenic, and you’ll be one of the lucky few to witness these magnificent creatures in the wild. Adventurers first began whale watching in the 50s, when an entrepreneur started charging $1 for individuals to go out on his fishing boat to see migrating gray whales. And people have been learning about these majestic beasts ever since. But what can you expect to get out of a whale watching trip? And what’s the best way to spot these beautiful giants? Read on to find out…
Your adventure starts here
By embarking on a whale watching excursion, you’ll not only witness these awe-inspiring cetaceans in their natural habitat, you will experience something most people only dream of. When you see these incredible creatures in the wild, it becomes clear these marine wonders are larger than words or pictures can capture. It’s no surprise that people often say seeing them has a profound impact.
As with all natural encounters, we can’t guarantee what will happen on a whale watching trip; we’re there to see whales, but the whales are simply going about their day. Every excursion is an adventure, and the beauty lies in the unexpected! There’s no time that’s better to try and see whales, as their behaviors vary significantly day to day, and we can’t predict which species we’ll see. That said, our expert crew of naturalists and marine biologists are always on hand to make your experience as informative and enjoyable as it possibly can be. Plus, with their guidance, you'll be equipped to spot the subtlest signs, such as a telltale blowhole spray or distant ripples on the water.
How to spot a whale
So how do you see these gigantic creatures in the wild? Here are some top tips…
- Get up high: your vantage point is everything. The higher up you are, the further you can see. This is why old whaling ships have a big mast even though they don’t have sails, and why our expeditions team spend a lot of time on higher open decks and in the Swan’s Nest.
- Look for birds: seabirds help us spot whales as they often feed on the same types of small schooling fish or krill as cetaceans. So seeing a flurry of seabirds can be a telltale sign of a whale activity just below the surface!
- Be patient: whale watching often involves a lot waiting. The whales surface to breathe about every 5-10 minutes, and the time between sightings is filled with anticipation – don’t give up, and keep your eyes peeled. The whale could turn up anywhere around you! When whale spotting be prepared with your camera, binoculars and wrap up warm.
- Look for water marks: cetaceans don’t have feet but they can still leave footprints! As their powerful tail propels them, it creates a pressure wave that leaves a flat circular area on the water above. In the right conditions, you can see a line of these circles, like giant footprints. Also, look for bubbles! Bubbles can come up for many reasons, but some whales, especially humpbacks, will make a bubble ring around a shoal of fish and krill, confusing them and making them swim closer to each other, and therefore easier to feed on.
- Use your nose: when whales breathe out they can smell pretty bad; like rotting fish and cabbage! Sometimes we call minke whales "stinky minkes" because of this. So keep your nose active, look upwind (with the wind coming towards your face) and you may spot a whale by its smell!
- Scan methodically: when you’re scanning the ocean for whales, it’s easy to lose the place where you saw something. To make sure this doesn’t happen, divide the ocean in front of the ship into manageable sections, such as a 90° wedge. Start by scanning the horizon along this section. Once you reach the end, gradually lower your gaze, zig-zagging back towards the boat, carefully examining the water. Repeat this process, moving on systematically to search the entire area thoroughly. Then, if you spot something promising, note the general location within your section, and use your binoculars to take a closer look!
- Listen carefully: it’s possible to hear whales over the sounds of the wind and the waves. When whales blow, it’s a sound like nothing else, and you may also be able to hear fin slapping, and breaches as the whales land with giant crashes on the water’s surface.
- Big blows: as well as hearing blows, you can see them! Cetaceans are mammals, just like humans. And, like us, their breath is warm and wet. When they breathe out, their warm wet air gets blasted high into the air, making a visible cloud. It’s easiest to see this from big whales on days with little wind.
- The more the merrier: the best way to spot a whale is with friends – the more people looking out the better. As well as knowing the best places to go to see whales, our expedition team is always keeping a watchful eye out! We also work together with bridge officers that help us find whales. So if one is spotted from the ship, our expedition leader makes an announcement. And if a whale is seen during a zodiac cruise, our expedition team will interpret what you see and what the whale is doing, so you have the best experience possible.
Types of whales you can see in Iceland
Iceland’s waters are home to various species of whales. During your whale-watching tour, you could see humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales, as well as minke whales and dolphins. The whales of Iceland are diverse, offering sightings of some of the largest creatures on the planet. Among the most frequently spotted species are the killer whales in Iceland, known for their majestic presence and social behavior. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of a blue whale spotting, which is a rare and thrilling experience for any whale watcher. Each species has its own migration patterns, so the time of year will affect which whales you are likely to see.
Best time for whale watching in Iceland
The best time for whale watching in Iceland is from April to September, when the weather is milder, and the whales are more active due to the abundance of food in the waters. The whale season in Iceland is perfect for spotting various species, especially during the summer months. While Húsavík whale watching and Reykjavík whale watching are popular year-round, these months offer the greatest variety of species and the highest chances of sightings. In summer, you may even encounter the giants of the sea close to shore, making it the best time to see whales in Iceland. However, some prefer the quieter winter months when sightings of orcas are common.
Best places for whale watching in Iceland
Iceland offers numerous spots where whale watchers can embark on their adventure. The best places to spot whales include the northern town of Húsavík, often referred to as the whale-watching capital of Europe, and the harbor in Reykjavík, which is ideal for whale tour Iceland enthusiasts. Reykjavík whale watching tours are convenient and provide a range of experiences from half-day trips to extended excursions. For those looking for a more remote and intimate experience, the fjords of the Westfjords region or the northern coast offer secluded spots to see these magnificent creatures. Whether you’re seeking an orca watching Iceland adventure or hoping to catch a glimpse of humpbacks, these areas provide incredible opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
The best time to visit Iceland for whale watching is between April and September, during the peak whale season Iceland.
Where to see orcas in Iceland?
Orcas are most frequently spotted around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west and in the northern regions of Iceland.
What time are you most likely to see whales?
Whales are typically more active during the morning and afternoon, so planning your whale tour for these times increases your chances of a successful sighting.
What weather is best to see whales?
Calm and clear days provide optimal visibility for whale watching, making it easier to spot the telltale spouts of whales from a distance.
What to bring while whale watching?
Be sure to bring warm clothing, binoculars, and a camera with a good zoom for the best whale watching experience in Iceland.
Thanks to Marine Biologist, Anya Astafurova, for her valuable contribution to this blog.