The best time for whale watching in Iceland and Greenland is from April to late September-early October, with June, July and August recognized as the peak season.
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How likely is it to see whales in Iceland?
Whale-watching tours that leave from Akureyri and Húsavík, into Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi Bay respectively, have the highest success rates in Iceland; from both locations, many operators experience sightings on 100% of tours in summer. In this season and from these destinations, the main appeal is humpback whales.
Is Iceland good for whale watching?
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.
When can you see orcas in Iceland?
The most reliable time to see orcas is generally March, April, May, and June. But from time to time we also have orca sightings in July and August. During this time of the year, our whale watching tours start from Olafsvik.
Can you see whales from shore in Iceland?
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 see whales in Iceland in winter?
Whale watching in December is a rewarding experience.The two best places for winter whale watching in Iceland are Faxaflói bay in Reykjavík and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Many tours run from the capital, leaving from the Old Harbour, and lasting between two and three hours.
Can you see whales in October in Iceland?
Whale Watching and in Iceland in October
You can see all of them well into October, including orcas, blue whales, and beaked whales with a little luck. Though the great whales are fewer in number, there will always be a few stragglers. Tours depart from all around the country.
What time of day are whales most active?
The best overhead light is from 11 am – 3 pm, for beautiful blue waters. The calmest sea conditions tend to be before noon and towards sunset. The whales are active throughout the day and their behavior changes as groups of whales encounter each other.
When can you see blue whales in Iceland?
When to see whales in Iceland
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.
Are there sharks in Iceland?
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is the most cold tolerant shark species in the world and the only one found regularly in the ocean north of Iceland. It is a member of the shark family called sleeper sharks because of their extremely slow swimming and lazy nature.
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.
Are there grizzly bears in Iceland?
Believe it or not, there are only a few types of wildlife in Iceland that are native and many that were brought to the country by humans.Unlike other Arctic locations like Alaska or Canada, there are no bears in Iceland!
When can you see aurora borealis in Iceland?
You can see the Northern Lights from late August to May, but it’s best to visit between October and April. The night skies will be much darker, improving your chances. If you really want an excellent shot at a sighting, visit as close to midwinter as possible.
Where can you see blue whales in Iceland?
A few years ago, you had the best chances to see blue whales in the waters off Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This area was even among the best places in Europe to meet them. But their migration seems to have changed a bit, now they’re are mostly seen around Skjalfandi Bay / Husavik in the north.
What is the best month to go to Iceland?
Midnight sun and warmer temperatures make summer the best season to visit Iceland. Although hikers will want to consider July and August as the best time to visit Iceland whereas February, March, September and October are typically the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights.
What months does it snow in Iceland?
As you might imagine, the winter is when the capital experiences the most snowfall, between the months of late October through to late April. December and January typically experience the most snowfall, with an average 1-inch accumulation, though sometimes up to two inches or more during these periods.
Is December a bad time to visit Iceland?
December is a terrific time to be in Iceland. Reykjavik is covered in both snow and christmas decorations making it an beautiful winter wonderland. Icelanders also go all out with fireworks and celebrations for NYE. In addition, It’s also one of the best times of year to see the northern lights.
Is it better to visit Iceland in September or October?
The summer months — July and August — are Iceland’s warmest, and have long been the most popular time to visit.Iceland can stay relatively warm through the first week of October, so planning a September visit can be ideal (most of the crowds have thinned as children return to school).
Is October a good month to see the northern lights in Iceland?
You’ll have the best chance of seeing the night lights when it’s cold and dark outside and the aurora activity is high.The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from October to March.
What weather is best for whale watching?
Whale Watching with clouds and rain
Sometimes a cloudy day is the best whale watching weather. The whales don’t care if it is raining. It sometimes helps to remember that our Humpback whales spend much of their time in Alaska so they are used to cooler waters, a little wind and rain.
Where is the best place to see whales?
Top Whale-Watching Destinations
- Santa Barbara, California.
- Monterey Bay, California.
- Kodiak Island, Alaska.
- San Juan Islands, Washington.
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
- Virginia Beach.
- Long Island, New York.
- Cape May, New Jersey.
