Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Today’s sailing adventure was nothing short of magical, with the perfect weather conditions for a day on the water. The lake-like surface of the sea was calm, with only a few pieces of ice drifting lazily by. Birds were resting on the ice, adding to the serene beauty of the scene. The temperature was a cool 4°C, with absolutely no wind – ideal for sailing and spotting some incredible cetacean wildlife.
As we sailed out, the stillness of the water made it easy to spot every movement, from the gentle ripples caused by the breeze to the telltale signs of marine life. Our first encounter was with two groups of harbor porpoises. These small, shy creatures tend to keep their distance from boats, so we didn’t approach them. Instead, we just enjoyed watching their dorsal fins break the surface of the water as they swam gracefully. Harbor porpoises are smaller than dolphins, with a more compact body and a distinctive triangular dorsal fin. They are adorable to observe, and it’s always a delight to see them in their natural habitat.
After sailing further, we were on the lookout for something a little larger, and our patience was rewarded. As we reached the northeastern waters off Hrísey, we spotted a whale blow in the distance. It was a humpback whale! The excitement onboard grew as we got closer to this magnificent creature. To our surprise, the humpback decided to take a closer look at us, popping up around the boat. It was a truly special moment as we realized the whale seemed just as curious about us as we were about it. We were constantly on the lookout, scanning the water all around the boat, as the whale continued to surface and dive again, most likely in search of food.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the gorgeous sunshine as we sailed back. The combination of beautiful weather, calm seas, and awe-inspiring wildlife made today’s sailing experience one we will always remember.
What a fantastic day on the water!
Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 13:00 o’clock Classic Tour.