Iceland is lucky to have some of the best whale watching areas in the world. More than 20 different species of whales live in the waters surrounding Iceland, which are favourable feeding area for whales due to the relatively shallow depth of the water and the long daylight during summer.
How likely is it to see whales in Iceland? Beluga whales in Iceland are a rare sight as they are non-native to the area. As of 2019, however, tourists can visit a pair of the white whales at the new SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary on Heimaey Island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago.
Consequently, What seasons is the best to see whales? In the spring, when migrating whales pass through, you’ve got a good shot at spotting humpbacks, Sei, and the two largest species of whale: fin and blue. Peak season is April through September, but visit in April and May for the best chance of spotting a big blue.
When can you see whales in Reykjavik? The best time of year to see whales around Iceland is from April to October with the peak season in June, July and August. In Husavik tours are operated from end of March to the end of November but whale watching tours from Reykjavik are operated all year.
FAQ
Can you see whales in Iceland in winter?
The toothed whales that we see on our tours, the white-beaked dolphins and the harbor porpoises, do not migrate, and so stay around Iceland all year round. We tend to see many of them throughout the year, and these toothed whales are the two most commonly sighted species during the winter months.
Can you go whale watching in Iceland in March? Whale Watching in March in Iceland
Whale watching in Iceland is a great activity all year round. Even in the depths of winter, you can often spot pods of white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. However, in March, the great whales begin to return from their breeding grounds.
Can you see orcas in Reykjavik? The only area in Iceland where orcas are regularly seen is Snaefellsnes in the West of Iceland. Láki Tours is the only tour operator in this area that offers whale watching tours from Grundarfjordur during winter and trips from Olafsvik in summer.
Can you see whales from the shore in Iceland? Whale watching in Iceland is great. It’s really special experience to head out to see a whale move greacefully through gentle fjord waters or out across a bay, relatively close to the shore. It turns out that Iceland is a great place to see whales, one of the best destinations in Europe in fact.
Can you whale Watch in Iceland in January?
December and March have proven to be good months for winter sightings. But as you can see, we also have wonderful killer whale sightings in January. Read more about our tour by clicking this LINK. We highly recommend adding a whale watching tour in Snaefellsnes when coming to Iceland in January.
Is it dark in Iceland in March? Daylight in March in Iceland
There is a remarkable change between the 1st of March and the 31st of March in daylight but each day is adding about 10 minutes of light. In the beginning, you have about 10 hours of light but by the end of the month, you can expect about 13!
Is it worth going to Iceland in March?
Visiting Iceland in March is a great choice because of the reduced price tag alone. You will find so many fun things to do and you may even catch one of the last glimpse of the Northern Lights for the season. The weather during this time of the year is relatively mild, so you should be able to explore comfortably.
Is whale watching good in Iceland in February? Can you see whales and dolphins in February in Iceland? Yes! You can see many different species of whales and dolphins all year round in Iceland, however many adults go to warm waters to breed during the winter so there are fewer here. You can come whale watching with us on our yachts!
Can you see narwhals in Iceland?
Narwhal sightings in Iceland are rare, though they do occasionally occur in the far north.
Can you see penguins in Iceland?
There are no polar bears or penguins to be found in Iceland. Icelandic wild-life includes the Arctic fox, mink, mice, rats, rabbits and reindeer. However polar bears do occasionally drift on icebergs from Greenland to Iceland.
Is Iceland a green list country? Iceland has been put on the UK’s green list of countries, which comes into effect from May 17.
Can you see whales in Iceland in July? But July is also a great time to go whale watching in Iceland. July is one of the best months of the year for whale watching in Iceland. Weather-wise and also in regards to the number of whale species, summer provides great opportunities.
Can you see whales in Iceland in June?
Whale Watching from Ólafsvík in June
Ólafsvik is the only place in Iceland where orcas (killer whales) are regularly seen on whale watching tours. On top of that, June is also a great month to see them. In June 2019, the weather allowed us to operate our whale trips on 21 days of the month.
Can you see whales in Iceland in April? Whale Watching in April in Iceland
In the North, the most commonly spotted whales are humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises in this season. Orcas, or killer whales, have also been seen in these waters in April, as have the enormous blue whales.
When can you see orcas in Iceland?
Orcas can be seen in Iceland all year round however the best time to see Orcas in Iceland is during the winter months and the spring. To give yourself the best chance of seeing Orcas in the wild you should plan to visit Iceland no later than the end of April.
Where are killer whales in January? To watch killer whales during winter, Norway and as well Iceland are your best bets. Go high above the arctic circle to meet them!
Can you see Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik! In fact, Reykjavik is the only capital city besides Nuuk, Greenland where you can see the Northern Lights. Reykjavikers swear they can see the lights from their bedroom windows during bright auroras!
What is the warmest month in Iceland? The average temperature for Iceland in July is between 10°C and 15°C (about 50°-59° Fahrenheit) and can bring us about 18 hours of daylight (less by the end of the month). July is known as the hottest month in Iceland and one of the more popular months to visit.
Are the waterfalls frozen in Iceland in March?
You’ll pass breathtaking views such as Iceland’s waterfalls – which very well may be frozen in March – and the volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, which managed to stop all air traffic due to its ash in 2010.
Do you need a 4X4 in Iceland in March? Re: Need a 4×4 vehicle to drive Golden Circle in March? The Golden circle is all paved, and no need for 4X4. The same goes for all routes in March.
Is 4 days enough for Iceland?
Four days is more than enough time to have a holiday where you can immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and nature. Even though it is possible, you might not choose to encircle the whole island in four days. However, you may want to take multiple trips out of the capital city.
Is it dark in Iceland in February? Weather in Iceland in February
The long nights are cold and dark, though the hours of light will continue to increase during your trip by nine minutes every day. Snow, once settled, brings light to the dark.
Is the Blue Lagoon Open in February? The Blue Lagoon is open year-round, and the water stays warm regardless of the season.
Is Iceland too cold in February?
February is one of the coldest month in Iceland but the days are getting longer with more daylight. The weather is very unpredictable and can change very fast from rain, wind, snow and sun you can also still expect storms and blizzards. In February, the average temperature is 0.4°C (32,7°F).
