The Whales of Eyjafjörður
Eyjafjörður is one of the best places in Iceland to observe whales in their natural habitat. The deep, sheltered fjord provides ideal feeding grounds during the summer months, attracting both migratory and resident cetaceans. Each season brings a different mix of species, behaviours, and encounters, making whale watching here a truly dynamic experience.
The Most Common Whales of Eyjafjörður
The species we most commonly see on our whale watching tours from Akureyri are humpback whales, minke whales and harbour porpoises.
Humpback whales are often the highlight, with their impressive size and spectacular surfacing. Minke whales are smaller and often spotted travelling through the fjord, while harbour porpoises are quick and playful as they appear near the boat.
Every tour is different, and you never know what you might see!
Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is a large and acrobatic baleen whale known for breaching and slapping its fins and tail. It migrates thousands of kilometres between feeding and breeding grounds and is famous for its songs. Humpbacks feed mainly on small fish and krill and are often seen in coastal waters.
Minke Whale
The minke whale is the smallest baleen whale in the North Atlantic, reaching up to 10 metres in length. It is known to be fast moving and quite elusive. It feeds on small fish and krill and is most often seen alone or in very small groups. Minke whales are one of the most common whale species in Iceland.
Harbour Porpoise
The harbour porpoise is one of the smallest marine mammals, reaching up to 2 metres in length. Shy and elusive, it is often seen alone or in small groups near coastal areas. It has a small, triangular dorsal fin and feeds on fish and squid. Harbour porpoises are common in Iceland all year-round.
Other Whales of Eyjafjörður
Throughout the seasons, other species may also make an appearance in Eyjafjörður. Some are less commonly seen in the fjord and may simply be passing through, often following food found in these nutrient rich waters.
This means that every trip can bring a surprise - you never quite know what might be travelling through the fjord on the day you head out.
White-beaked Dolphin
The white-beaked dolphin is a robust and energetic species found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. Easily recognised by its short white beak and tall dorsal fin, it often travels in pods and is known for bow-riding and leaping. These dolphins feed on fish and squid and are frequently seen near the Icelandic coast.
Northern Bottlenose Whale
The northern bottlenose whale is a deep-diving beaked whale found in the North Atlantic. It has a bulbous forehead, a dolphin-like beak, and can reach up to 10 metres in length. Known for its curiosity around boats, it feeds mainly on squid and is capable of diving to great depths for over an hour.
Orca (Killer Whale)
The orca is a powerful and intelligent apex predator found in oceans worldwide, including around Iceland. Easily identified by its black and white markings and tall dorsal fin, it lives in social groups called pods. Orcas have diverse diets and hunting techniques, making them one of the most adaptable marine mammals.
Fin Whale
The fin whale is the second-largest animal on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 27 metres. Sleek and fast, it is known as the “greyhound of the sea”. Fin whales have a distinct ridge along their back and an asymmetrical jaw colouring. They feed on krill and small fish and are seen regularly in Iceland.
Blue Whale
The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, growing up to 30 metres long. These gentle giants feed on tiny krill and can be seen in oceans around the world. Though once hunted to near extinction, blue whale populations are slowly recovering thanks to global protection efforts.
Long-Finned Pilot Whale
The long-finned pilot whale is a highly social and intelligent species found in the North Atlantic. Recognisable by its bulbous head and long, slender flippers, it travels in tight-knit pods. These whales feed mainly on squid and can dive deeply in search of food. They are occasionally seen in Icelandic waters, often in large pods.
Sei Whale
The sei whale is a sleek and fast baleen whale, reaching up to 20 metres in length. It has a dark back, upright dorsal fin, and often leaves a low, bushy blow. Sei whales feed on krill and small fish by skimming through the water. They are occasionally seen in Icelandic waters during the summer months.
Sperm Whale
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale, known for its massive square head and deep-diving ability. Males can reach over 16 metres in length. They feed mainly on squid, including giant squid, and use echolocation to hunt in deep waters. Sperm whales are occasionally seen off Iceland, usually alone or in small groups.