Saturday, 26 April 2025

Today was one of those unforgettable days at sea. We set sail from Hrisey under a bright sun and a gentle breeze from the south, with the air a crisp 12°C. The sea was calm, with only small waves lapping against the boat—perfect conditions for a day of wildlife watching.​

As we cruised southwest of Hrisey, the sky was alive with seabirds. Northern fulmars soared gracefully above, their wings catching the wind. Black guillemots darted across the water's surface, while long-tailed ducks bobbed playfully in the waves. Their presence added a lively touch to the serene seascape.​

Our search for whales led us to a delightful encounter with harbour porpoises. Small groups appeared around the boat, their dark dorsal fins cutting through the water. One porpoise even leapt in front of the boat, a joyful display of nature's spontaneity.​

Contrary to what I initially thought, harbour porpoises don't have a specific calving season. Females can give birth year-round, with a gestation period of about 10 to 11 months. In Danish waters, for instance, births occur from mid-June to early July . This means that even during our trip, it's possible to spot mothers with calves.​

Our journey took an even more thrilling turn when we spotted another whale watching boat nearby. Following its path, we soon saw the unmistakable backs of humpback whales breaking the surface. After a few breaths, they arched their bodies and lifted their flukes high—preparing for a deep dive.​

Then, the magic happened. A massive whale surfaced right in front of our boat, its white pectoral fin gleaming in the sunlight. But it wasn't alone. One by one, four more humpbacks joined, surfacing so close we could almost reach out and touch them. It felt as though they were as curious about us as we were about them.​

Around us swam a group of 9 to 10 humpback whales, some in pairs, others solo. The experience was so surreal, it left us all speechless, with wide smiles that only nature can inspire.​

As we returned to port, the day's events replayed in our minds. It was a reminder of the wonders our oceans hold and the joy of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Text & Picture: Lenka and Agnes
Departures of the day: 09:00 o’clock Classic Tour & 13:00 o’clock Express Tour