Saturday, 5 April 2025
Today, we set sail on a beautiful, warm morning with temperatures hovering around 9°C—quite a treat for Iceland! The weather was perfect, with calm waters and a crisp freshness in the air that made it an ideal day for whale watching.
In the morning, we ventured out into the fjord, scanning the waters for any sign of cetaceans. The conditions were ideal, and our hopes were high, but at first, there was no sign of life. Just as we started to wonder if we’d be heading back without a sighting, one of our guests shouted, “Whale!”
We turned quickly, and there, just off the coast, we spotted spouts of water rising into the air. Our hearts raced as we realized it was a pod of orcas—five in total! A stunning family of orcas, including both adults and juveniles, had appeared before us.
The juvenile orcas were particularly fascinating. We watched as they engaged in tail slapping, likely honing their skills for hunting. It was incredible to see such behavior in the wild, with the young orcas practicing their technique to potentially stun fish. Some of the orcas appeared to be traveling, while others seemed to be hunting, working together as a tight-knit family.
At first, the orcas were spread out in three groups—two pairs and one lone whale, possibly keeping watch. Then, the pairs came together while the one orca trailed behind. It was an unforgettable sight—seeing these magnificent creatures move through the fjord together, showing off their stunning power and grace.
After the morning tour, we returned to the harbor, eager to reflect on the amazing orca sighting. But the day wasn’t over yet. In the afternoon, we set out again, hoping for more excitement. While we didn’t come across more orcas, we were treated to a fantastic surprise—several groups of harbour porpoises!
The weather was still perfect, and the calm waters provided the perfect opportunity to get a close-up view of these small, agile cetaceans. We were lucky enough to observe the porpoises swimming around the boat in small, scattered groups, as they foraged for food. Their swift movements were a reminder of the incredible diversity of marine life in these waters.
As if that wasn’t enough, we were also thrilled to see long-tailed ducks and northern gannets returning to the fjord. Their elegant diving displays were the perfect way to close out a day full of spectacular wildlife encounters.
We returned to the harbor at the end of the day, feeling grateful for the unforgettable experiences we had witnessed. The orcas in the morning, the porpoises in the afternoon, and the return of the birds—it was a day we won’t soon forget.
Now, as we reflect on all the beauty of the fjord, we can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. With nature constantly surprising us, who knows what wonders we’ll encounter next?
Pictures & Text: Lenka
Departure of the day: 09:00 & 13:00 o’clock Classic Tour