The Best Sites for Whale Watching
Whales surround Iceland, frolicking in the surf. The biggest species, the blue and humpback whales, hang out just off the Snaefellsness peninsula. Check out these behemoths by catching whale-watching tours based in Stykkisholmur, such as the trips from Seatours (Smidjustigur 3, 340 Stykkisholmur; tel. +354 438 1450; fax +354 438 1050; www.randburg.is/is/saeferdir). The big-whale season runs from mid-June to the end of August.
Numerous smaller minke whales, plus dolphins and porpoises, swim in the waters near Husavik, in Iceland's north country. Start your whale odyssey there by visiting the Husavik Whale Centre (Hafnarstett, 640 Husavik; tel. +354 464 2520; www.icewhale.is), a handsome museum with several bleached whale skeletons and clear, informative displays on the history of whaling in Iceland.
Then take a ride with North Sailing (Gamla Bauk, 640 Husavík; tel. +354 464 2350;www.northsailing.is), the original Icelandic whale-watching company. Family-run North Sailing uses old wooden fishing boats to get closer to whales than metal boats can, and they run trips from May 1 through September 30.
