Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Today we sailed out into the calm waters of the North Atlantic with the air crisp at around 6°C. The ocean was like a mirror—smooth and still, almost like sailing across a lake. As we headed out, we found ourselves surrounded by a symphony of seabirds, most notably a large, graceful group of Long-tailed Ducks.
These stunning ducks are not just a beautiful sight—they’re also fascinating travelers. During the winter, long-tailed ducks migrate south from the Arctic, often spending the colder months along the coasts of Northern Europe and North America. But as spring returns, so do they—making their way back to breed in the tundras of Iceland and the high Arctic. Males are especially eye-catching this time of year with their long, streamer-like tail feathers and striking black-and-white plumage.
Further along our journey, Northern Fulmars glided alongside the boat, effortlessly catching the wind, while Black-headed Gulls called out overhead, adding to the vibrant birdlife all around us.
Then, something special—Harbour Porpoises appeared, popping up in small groups all around us. These shy, elusive cetaceans are among the smallest marine mammals, usually no longer than 1.5 to 1.9 meters. Unlike their dolphin cousins, they tend to avoid boats, so seeing them so frequently today was a rare treat. Did you know? Harbour porpoises have a higher metabolic rate than most other cetaceans and need to feed almost continuously, often diving for fish like herring and sprat in short, quick dives.
It wasn’t long before we spotted our first Minke Whale of the day, surfacing close to the boat—a quiet, smooth movement and then a puff of breath. Soon after, another surfaced near the green buoy, and we took our time enjoying their presence before continuing north in search of something bigger.
And we were not disappointed.
West of Hrisey, we had the incredible luck of encountering a Humpback Whale. It was an amazing sight—the massive tail fluke lifting high before a deep dive, and to our delight, we also caught glimpses of its pectoral fins beneath the surface. These long, white fins turned a mesmerizing turquoise color in the water, glowing like underwater wings just below us. It’s always breathtaking to witness that turquoise hue—it feels like a secret glimpse into another world.
As if the morning wasn’t magical enough, the afternoon brought more encounters. Two more Minke Whales appeared near Strytan, gently rolling as they fed, their sleek bodies cutting through the sea. And once again, a Humpback Whale near Hrisey, just as majestic as the first.
What a beautiful, unforgettable day on the water. Every trip out here brings new surprises, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
Text & Picture: Lenka and Agnes
Departures of the day: 09:00 & 13:00 o’clock Classic Tour. 10:00 & 14:00 o’clock Express Tour