Horses and Whales

#### Blue Skies and Lumbering Whales

Thar she blows!
It takes about an hour to sail from Reykjavik harbour to the usual stomping grounds. The joy of the hunt is half the thrill. There is no guarantee that whales will be spotted but the odds are good. And sure enough, an hour in the first burst of water can be seen erupting, indicating the presence of the giants of the sea. It takes all the self-control one can muster to not shout out “Thar she blows!”

Seagulls roam but puffin hide

One of the best indicators that whales might be in the vicinity is the presence of schools of fish, and these can be identified by scores of birds flying overhead, seagulls mainly. Sadly, puffins are farther out to sea this time of year but the first appearance of a humpback tailfin jutting out of the drink makes the tour live up to its name. Humpbacks are considerably larger than the more numerous minke whales, although dwarfed by the only occasionally sighted blue whale.

Telling the time by tailfins

Humpbacks are in season now, although, of course, we are not here to hunt but to observe. The ship draws closer and the engines are shut off. The guide calls out times of day so that landlubbers know where to look. “Four o clock” sends us racing to one side of the boat, “ten o’ clock” to the other. A particular highlight is a humpback rolling over like a dog.

Whale enthusiasts work the bar

It’s not seen as polite to disturb any particular group of whales for more than half an hour, but there are plenty more fish (and mammals) in the sea. The guides, who take turns pointing out whales and manning the bar so you can ask your barman any question about the life aquatic, know individual whales by their looks and personalities. For us layfolk it’s all we can do to distinguish species, and as well as the lumbering humpbacks.Sprightly white-beaked dolphins put on a show, jumping up from the sea for all to see. This is close to heaven for whale enthusiasts, and birders can also get their kicks from passing fowl whose kind may be known to them but not me.

What time was it?

After about an hour out the ship turns around and the glacier recedes in the distance, Hallgrímskirkja starts growing taller again, a beacon to home. This writer wishes he could refrain from pronouncing a whale of a time being had by all, but sadly lacks the restraint.

Whale Watching In Reykjavík

During our annual Reykjavík Grapevine Best Of Iceland awards, our panellists were unanimous about the best tour in North Iceland: whale watching. On this tour, come spot humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises and more cetacean life during a cruise on the Arctic Ocean. Seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns and eider ducks, may also be seen. 

This ship is the only high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship in Iceland. Capable of carrying 200 people, the boat will treat you with spectacular views from gorgeous viewing platforms. Its high speed guarantees that you'll be able to go wherever the whales might be located . With ample indoor and outdoor seating, a bar and a cafeteria, you'll be kept in luxury the whole time.

_Meet at the floating pier, Oddeyrarbót 2, next to the cultural centre HOF in Akureyri at least 15 min. prior to departure._

**\*This tour is operated by our sister company Akureyri Whale Watching\***

Akureyri Classic Whale Watching Trip

Wait—you're saying I get to bathe in some hot springs after a morning of riding horses? Say what? Yes, after a gorgeous ride through the Reykjadalur valley, where you'll get to experience the incomparable Icelandic horses and their special "tölt," you'll get to take a relaxing bath in a natural geothermal hot spring. 

On your ride, gaze about at a gorgeous panorama of classic Icelandic nature, including green meadows, sheep fields, and lava fields. If you're lucky the weather might even be good enough to see the Westman Islands! 

Make sure to bring a swimsuit as you don't want to miss the unforgettable experience of bathing in a classic Icelandic hot pool. Make sure to bring your camera—you'll want to Instagram this.

Horseback Riding & Bathing In Hot Springs Full Day Tour

Thousands of people come to Iceland every year with the hopes of meeting one of Iceland’s most interesting creatures. Not the trolls or even the elves but rather it’s the humble Icelandic horse. 

Best known for their calm and friendly demeanor and ability to run at a unique gait, Icelandic horses’ mild temperament reflects the relaxed lifestyle that most Icelanders lead.

You will get to know these horses extremely well as we ride through the lava fields that can be found outside of the city of Reykjavik. You don’t even need to be a horse riding pro to have a good time as the horses are amazingly well trained and you will be given a brief lesson ahead of the ride.

The ride will have around an hour and a half and will end with a light meal, so you can sample some icelandic food.

  
![](https://youtu.be/6uflD7sGd6I)