If the weather is to bad they will cancel the tour and then you will be able to either get a refund or go on another day. The reason is that the whales are busy far away in the caribbean, relaxing and taking care of their newly born offspring. The whale watching begins march 1, so its a perfect timing the day is getting longer, the snow is slowly disappearing, and the whales are reappearing in larger numbers than ever before. How to choose the best whale watching tours in iceland and norway. They have whale watching trips year round but it is a very cold, very wet experience in winter. We are planning a 7 days trip to iceland in mid october and are very interested in whale watching. Whale watching in september iceland lonely planet forum. The hotel posts daily if and when they are going out with the boat. The roads can be very icy and snow covered, visibility can be poor from low cloud or blowing snow. Iceland has a bit of complicated relationship with whales. Although the whale watching season in husavik is soon coming to an end the whales are not going anywhere.
From december to april, blue whales give birth to their calves in the gulf of corcovado. Winter whale watching is different from summer whale watching not only because you see other species, but also because the weather can be quite unpredictable whale watching tours in the north of iceland dalvik if you re based in the north of the country, a whale watching trip from dalvik is the ideal option for you. Well, you can see whales all year round in iceland but the peak season for highest chance of seeing the majestic whales starts in april. So i would definitely recommend you to go on the whale watching tour in november. Driving might be one of the most important things to consider when deciding the best time for you to visit iceland. The f roads to the magnificent central highlands are opened only from mid june to september depending on conditions. Experience the best iceland has to offer with spectacular whale watching opportunities. In iceland, whale sightings can be made throughout the year, but from a tourist point of view, we suggest you go whale watching in the summer for better weather conditions. Whale watching in norway best places and time to see. To stay close to the heart of the city, you can depart from queens on a whale watching cruise, or you can set sail from montauk where you may also see seals, sea turtles, and dolphins. You can see whales all along the pacific coast of costa rica during those months. Whale watching tours in iceland have an incredible success rate. Please could you tell me, do the watch watching tours still run this time of year. Whale watching in iceland ultimate guide extreme iceland.
If you need to commit in advance, then myvatn is probably one of the least cloudy spots, which is dark, with tourist facilities and of also of considerable tourist interest. Whats more, this week you can go whale and dolphin watching with real sense of purpose. During november, you will not be able to access the interior highlands of iceland at all. If we go on one in november what are we likely to see instead of whales. About whales of iceland open since 2014 lifesized models. When you go whale watching in iceland, rest assured that the whale watching companies iceland conduct their activities with respect for the gentle giants. As you walk around in reykjavik, you might see many posters and flyers stating that whale meat is only hunted for tourists. Even in the winter time, iceland is one of the best places to watch whales. In new zealand and australia the summer is about to start. Whaling is legal in iceland, as long as we do so under certain rules. Nowadays, every so often news reports will carry stories about a beached whale. At husavik it is uncommon to see anything other than small minke whales, dolphins, etc. Icelanders hunt two types of whales, the mink whale and fin whales. Whale watching is a popular activity in iceland but that doesnt necessarily mean its for everyone.
The whales are too hard to predict and spot, plus scientists are concerned that boats getting close could cause stress to the mothers and. We also provide information on how to book winter day tours for those who. All the year around you ll be able to see a variety of whales by the coast, from the minke, humpback and killer whales to whitebeaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. We are thinking of visting iceland the end of december. Over the last two decades, iceland has become one of europes premier whale watching destinations. But how, when and where can you go whale watching in norway, and what does a whale safari or tour cost. You can probably still get away with booking them a couple of weeks in. If you have a rental car we recommend driving to dalvik village in north iceland for a whale watching tour, they have the highest success rate. Iceland the best tips for whale watching in iceland whaletrips. Best whale watching tour in hervey bay everything you.
From november until march its particularly orcas and humpback whales. Early morning reykjavik whats on in reykjavik, iceland. The laugavegur hiking trail already sold out the entire summer of 20. Whale watching in reykjavik iceland on the go tours us. It was oh so magical experience and iceland is also cheaper than in summer. There are a few things most of our visitors in iceland do and one of them is whale watching. In iceland, up to eleven different whale species can be observed. On this whale watching excursion you will be able to get up close to some of icelands amazing wildlife. The vast majority of other attractions are still on offer, however, especially those along iceland s ring road road number 1. Where can you see the whale watching in iceland and how to. Yes, its 100% crueltyfree safe and definitely worth your while. Meanwhile on vancouver island, canada, the people of tofino and ucluelet celebrate the arrival of the gray whales.
I dont know if you know this but iceland has countless different hot springs all around iceland. Starting in reykjaviks old harbour, your whale watching adventure is located right in the city centre. You booked your dream trip to iceland so you re arriving at 5 am in the morning. Winter whale watching is a unique experience and a whole other adventure compared to our summer tours. At senja basecamp, trude morkved and dag stromhold offer multi day tours. Whales are drawn by fish and so every selfrespecting tourist is there to see the miracle. Is it possible to see the humpback whales and where would it be the best spots for whale watching. If your tour is cancelled due to unfavorable circumstances, you can book another departure or get a full refund. Although the ski season in iceland can extend from midnovember to may. Companies follow a protocol so as not to disturb them any more than than necessary, turning off their motors when they get very close and never approaching from the front. If the weather is to bad they will cancel the tour and then you will be able to. Whale watching in december iceland forum tripadvisor. He really wants to go on a whale watching trip, but ive read that there are no whales. You can watch whales on the western, southern and northern coasts.
Through our efforts, we hope to create a precedent of responsible whale watching. Whale watching in iceland tips and tricks for families. Weve also picked out some of our favourite whale encounters, from orcas hunting in patagonia to swimming with humpback in tonga. Aug 20, 2016 you can bring a bag or backpack on board to store any layers that you or the kids end up shedding. I had the same issue a few years ago while planning my epic new years eve trip to reykjavik and the surrounding area such as vik and thingvellir national park at the end of the day, deciding what to wear in iceland in winter is a big challenge for some travelers.
Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. We compare the best time visit iceland so you can make a choice that is best. The best season for whale watching in most parts of iceland is therefore between april and october. Things to do in iceland in april northern lights hunting in april in iceland visiting glaciers in april in iceland whale watching in april in iceland spot a puffin in april in iceland festivals in april in iceland aldrei for eg su. When youre planning a trip to iceland, with its unreliable subarctic weather, its best to. You might have heard that its possible to eat whale in iceland. All tours leave with the welfare of the whales in mind youll never get so close as to. This applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance. The focus is naturally on the giants of the sea and we hope to see minke and humpback whales, harbour porpoises and whitebeaked. Everything about whale watching in iceland and whaling. Heres our guide on the best time to visit iceland with information on the seasons and a calendar of events. Planning best time to go to iceland driving conditions. Iceland winter whale watching find places to whale watch.
You should definitely stop by husavik, the whale watching capital of iceland. The most numerous population of whales around iceland is that of the minke whale and you are very likely to encounter them on any local whale watching tour. Tours departing from reykjavik operate all year round while tours from husavik, on the north coast of iceland, only operate from the end of march to november. Are you thinking about visiting iceland in november. The tour lasts half a day, and i recommend it even if you are not into whales or the sea. I used them myself to book my whale watching trip and since i was very happy with their service, i can recommend them to you. Whitebeaked dolphins and minke whales are common and occasionally other species such as humpback whale and orca can also be seen along with puffins, fulmars, gannets. The eighth annual national whale and dolphin watch week runs from today until 26 july.
The high peak season for whale watching is from april to october, but of course the ocean is always full of adventures. Nov 07, 2019 first things first, make a booking with special tours. You can find more on our safety practices on our responsible iceland whale watching page. This can be done all around iceland and you can easily join a trip in all parts of iceland. A beached whale was, in hard times, and there were often hard times in iceland, equivalent to a major lottery win.
Watch icelands vast array of whales breach from the ocean and our lovely puffins swoop down from the cliffs. You could go whale watching and you might see whales but you may not like rough seas and being cold and wet. What to do in iceland in november all about iceland. During the days you go whale watching in the fjord in a small zodiac and in the evenings you go hunting for northern lights on the island by jeep. Whales of iceland uses cookies to give you the best experience when you visit our website, whalesoficeland. Late this november, husavik has once again proofed that it is the whale capital of iceland, with humpback whales in numbers rarely seen before at this time of the year. And in either case, you may want a hat or gloves, since the overalls dont help those parts of your body to stay warm. Iceland offers adventure throughout the year from the warm months of summer perfect for outdoor pursuits to the cold winter months when the northern lights make their presence known. Click on the months on our interactive map below to see the best time to go whale watching around the world including when to see the blue whale, largest animal on earth.
I have read that iceland only gets 4 to 5 hours of day light this time of year. If you are looking to visit reykjavik and the south coast, snow may or may not happen. Top 10 iceland tours in november 2020 new flexible. Best time to visit iceland in 2020 northern lights, scenery. What are the best places to go whale watching in iceland. However the weather in iceland changes quickly, so conditions can deteriorate. The best times to go whale watching in iceland is mayseptember. What species of whales can be spotted around iceland. The ultimate guide to iceland in april guide to iceland. This article helps you evaluating whether whale watching is worth your time and money. They are found in the coastal waters near the capital of iceland.
The whales of iceland exhibition, open since 2014, features lifelike fullsized models of the whale species around iceland, an interactive installation, vr and audio guide. Whale watching in december iceland message board tripadvisor. Marine wildlife is most prolific in the summer months but even outside of this you might be lucky enough to spot orca, blue whale and white beaked dolphin. November is the perfect time to go on a natural hot spring hunt and you also have high chances of catching glimpses of them northern lights while in the water. Whale watching in november reykjavik message board. Whale watching and puffin tours allow you to adventure into the worlds of some of the most magnificent creatures. Now you ve landed in iceland and you re eager to nap but oh, no.
Check out the whales of iceland exhibition, take a food tour of the city or go to a. I would however advise you walk with a face mask as these horses can go pretty fast and the cold breeze will freeze you face if unprotected. There are quite a few reason why i really enjoy whale watching in iceland especially during april. If you are lucky, you can see the huge humpback whales, waving their flukes and sometimes leaping, a sight that will amaze you. They feed on herring and capelin, which are more abundant around iceland in winter. To increase your chances of experiencing the best whale watching in hervey, you should plan your trip from late july to november. You can visit blue ice cave and conditions for taking pictures are at its best. Planning a trip to iceland when to book whats on in iceland. Whaletrips iceland the best tips for whale watching in. Travel, travel journal europe, iceland, reykjavik travel, food and home inspiration blog with doortodoor travel planner. Mar 01, 2018 minke whales in iceland like humpback whales, minke whales are very frequently spotted all around the coast of iceland. The most recent icelandic hvalreki event happened on 26 november 2015, when a beached whale appeared at seltjarnarnes.
How to go whale watching in iceland whats on in iceland. A new study shows that humpback whale migration can be traced through their songs, and that they share notes with each other. You have several hours to kill and nothing is open yet. The season runs from april to september, but if you are willing to go further offshore you can spot them as late as november.
This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a costa rica whale watching tour. If the weather gets to be too chilly you can always jump in for a hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea. Especially in the north, you have very good chances to meet blue whales. Here are some thoughts and info on whale watching in iceland. Get a boat and sail into this new exciting adventure. Faq frequently asked questions about whale watching in husavik, iceland the whale capital of iceland. Here you can also visit the whales of iceland exhibition for interactive displays and lifesized models of various whale species. Other good options for whale watching are the snaefellsnes peninsula on the west coast and the vestmannaeyjar islands located off the south coast of iceland.
Unless you live near the beach in northeastern florida, consider yourself blessed if you experience even one right whale sighting, experts say. On the go partnered with gj travel in iceland to provide and allaround amazing experience land of the northern lights 5 days. It might be pretty cold though but the whale watching tour are going all year. However, husavik located in the northeast of the country is the most popular and the largest center of whale watching in europe where tourists can go to the exciting sea excursion. Our experience and flexibility allows for a more comfortable and reliable winter whale watching adventure, but going from other harbours means that we may need to take a bus anywhere from 2060 min. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. The whaleplanner november a whale watching infographic. These photos are from the elding website, seen on one of their tours, during high whale season. When we spent november in iceland, the country was. During this time the calm waters between hervey bay and fraser island become a sanctuary for humpback whales, many of which will be nursing their calves. Each year continues to surprise us with the wildlife it offers. Northern norway is one of the best places to watch whales in the whole world. Mar 03, 2016 that would be the answer to many of the questions we have had.
Whale watching is completely in natures hands so unfortunately on my trip we were only able to spot 1 whale and 1 dolphin. A whale watching tour can get you up close to these massive sea mammals. If you went on the tour and there were no sightings at all, you will be offered a free ticket so that you can go on another tour. We offer scheduled whale watching tours from reykjavik and in north iceland. And it is always hard to say about the weather in iceland. First things first, make a booking with special tours. Cetaceans often sighted are minke whales, humpback whales. Currently, 23 species of cetaceans are being spotted in iceland.
A guide to watching northern right whales in florida. Im not too sure if whale watching would be that special if you. Whale watching at husavik can best be described as very successfully marketed, given that you have a better chance of seeing a greater variety of marine mammals almost anywhere else in iceland that runs trips. Blue whales the worlds best places for whale watching. Apr 29, 2019 the best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is july, august and september throughout the country. Its not every day you can be so up and close to these gentle giants in their natural environment, so if you re traveling to iceland, make sure get yourself on one of them boats.
After november, you can get private tours for groups. If you continue from the argentinean atlantic coast to the chilean pacific coast, you can meet blue whales. Humpback whale flukes are large, notched in the centre, and the whales nearly always show them when leaving the surface. Theyre pretty much the top people you can go with in iceland and theyre uberhelpful and so heres how to see whales and dolphins in iceland. During this time, you will see large whales such as the blue whale, minke whale and others. The shetland islands and the orkney islands provide whale watching opportunities, whereas moray firth is renowned for bottlenose dolphin population. Here are reasons why you should travel to iceland in winter. Why are there hardly any whale watching tours in iceland during winter. Apr 05, 2019 this applies specifically to humpback whales, for instance.
Along the article, you can also find my favorite tours from getyourguide. Whale watching is as essential a part of any trip to iceland as seeing northern lights, hot springs and glaciers. If you can consult a weather forecast close to the time, and are flexible about where you go, then you can choose your best chance near the time. It might be colder but it is the perfect month to skip the high season crowds and see the beautiful colorful northern lights and see some of the greatest music acts iceland has.