Tuesday, 15 April 2025

We sailed out with the snowy mountains , greeted by clear skies and a beautiful rainbow stretching across the horizon. The temperature hovered around 4°C, crisp but pleasant with the sunlight glinting off the waves.

At the very beginning of the tour, we were lucky to spot two Northern Gannets—a spectacular sight. These seabirds are known for their dramatic hunting dives, plunging from heights of up to 30 meters at speeds of 100 km/h to catch fish. With their striking white plumage and black-tipped wings, they’re unmistakable in flight. Northern Gannets are also among the largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, with a wingspan reaching up to 2 meters.

As we continued, we encountered many Long-tailed Ducks, easily recognized by the males' elegant tail streamers and melodic calls. These diving ducks are known for spending the winter months in coastal waters and diving to remarkable depths—sometimes over 60 meters—to forage.

We also saw several Northern Fulmars, gliding effortlessly alongside the boat. These tough seabirds are part of the same family as albatrosses and can live for several decades. Fulmars have a unique tubular nostril structure and a keen sense of smell, which helps them locate food across vast ocean expanses.

But our eyes were scanning the waves for something else—something even more elusive. We were hoping for a glimpse of cetaceans. One of our colleagues caught a fleeting view of a back breaking the surface, possibly a Minke Whale, but it didn’t resurface, and we couldn’t confirm the sighting or share it with our guests.

Despite our efforts and careful watching, the ocean held onto its secrets today. That’s the unpredictable beauty of nature—it doesn’t always show you what you’re looking for, but every trip is still full of wonder and surprises. Hopefully, tomorrow brings better luck and maybe even that magical cetacean moment we’re all waiting for.

Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 09:00 o’clock Classic Tour