Wednesday, 8 January 2025
Majestic Encounter with Humpback Whales
A crisp winter day in Akureyri, Iceland, is one you won't soon forget, especially if you’re lucky enough to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales in the wild. On this particular voyage, we set sail north, the calm waters glistening beneath the cold, clear sky. The temperature hovered at a chilly -13°C, but the stillness of the day and the promise of a unique experience made it all worthwhile.
We sailed just north of Hrísey Island, where the waters are calm and the views are nothing short of spectacular. The ocean stretched before us like a vast, frozen wilderness, and the silence was only broken by the gentle swishing of the boat through the water.
North of Hrisey we had the distinct privilege of encountering not one, but ten humpback whales. The excitement among the passengers was palpable as the whales began to surface near our boat. The conditions were ideal—beautifully clear, allowing us to see the whales' large, white pectoral fins(turquoise color, which you can see in the photos) slicing through the water. The pectoral fins of humpback whales are the largest among all cetaceans.
In a moment of magic, we turned off the engine to let the whales approach us on their own terms. The waters grew still, and we held our breath in anticipation. Within moments, two of the whales surfaced right alongside us, their massive forms appearing so close you could feel the weight of their presence. The sight of them was mesmerizing, their sheer size and beauty leaving us speechless.
Then came an unforgettable moment—a glimpse of a scar on one of the whales’ flukes. This particular humpback bore a visible mark, a jagged scar, likely from the teeth of a predator—an orca. This reminder of the fierce natural world these whales navigate gave us a profound respect for their resilience and strength.
It was an experience that few are fortunate enough to have. To witness these majestic giants of the sea up close and to share in the quiet of the ocean was truly a reminder of nature’s raw, untamed beauty. If you're planning a trip to Akureyri, make sure whale watching is on your itinerary—it's an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 11:00 o’clock Classic Tour.