Tuesday, 11 February 2025
Today, we set out on our boat with a sense of adventure and anticipation. The weather was as mysterious as it was beautiful. The fog was thick and pervasive, wrapping everything around us in a soft, ghostly blanket. With temperatures hovering around 3°C, we ventured into the calm fjords, eager to explore the waters and see what wonders lay hidden in the mist.
At first, it felt like we were sailing into the fog, as if the mist had wrapped itself around our boat and we were simply traveling along with it. But after navigating through the shroud for a while, we found a break in the fog over towards the southeast, near Hrísey. For a moment, the world opened up, and we could see the clear blue sky and calm waters stretching ahead.
I’ve always loved the fog—it’s got such a mysterious, quiet atmosphere—but I will admit, when you’re searching for whales, it can make the task a little more difficult. I was scanning the horizon, looking for any signs: a dorsal fin, a spout, any hint that a whale or dolphin might be nearby.
Then, something caught my eye. A dorsal fin sliced through the water. And then another. And another Dolphins! They were everywhere, leaping playfully above the surface. It was like they were in hunting mode, moving in groups and swimming all around our boat. I estimated there were about 25-30 individuals in the pod. It was such a joy to watch them interact, playful and energetic, a perfect demonstration of their natural grace.
Though the White - beaked dolphins were beautiful and entertaining, we were on a mission to find something even bigger. I had seen the faintest glimpse of a whale spout through the fog earlier, and as the mist began to clear further to the south, we got a bit more hopeful. The fog was shifting, giving us a wider area to search, so we turned our boat southward.
After a few minutes, our patience paid off. There, in the calm waters, surfaced a magnificent humpback whale. It wasn’t long before it showed us the incredible fluke, a graceful arc as it dove back beneath the surface. We knew we’d have to wait patiently for it to resurface again, but it was totally worth it.
As we waited, I took the opportunity to share with our guests just how amazing these creatures are. And then, as if on cue, the whale surfaced again—right near the back of our boat! We could hear its deep, strong breaths and feel the raw power in its exhale. It was such an intimate moment, one of those experiences that reminds you just how incredible the natural world is.
Today was truly a remarkable day on the water—full of beautiful dolphins, an incredible humpback encounter, and the mysterious, magical fog that made it all the more special. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with our guests and to be reminded once again of how amazing cetaceans are.
Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 13:00 o’clock Classic Tour.