11,5K 
On the go with the whale protection pioneers in the fjord!
Seeing humpback whales once in a lifetime - the north of Iceland offers the best chances for this. Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and an ideal place for whale watching. The fjord is around 60km long, offering access to the open sea while providing protection and a magnificent view as a bonus. At the southern end of the fjord lies the town of Akureyri. On the western shore is the settlement of Hauganes and the fishing village of Dalvik. The oldest whale watching operator in Iceland is based in Hauganes.
The most commonly seen whale species in this area are the large ones humpback whales. They are regularly sighted from spring to autumn. Minke whales, porpoises and white-beaked dolphins also stay in the fjord. If you are interested, a combination of whale watching and deep sea fishing is also possible. Enjoy the beautiful fjord landscape and its inhabitants on board traditional Icelandic wooden boats.
Experience humpback whales in Hauganes
“Soft waves kiss the glitter of the sun and the first snow adorns the peaks on the edge of the fjord. We enjoy the view with the wind in our face. Then the environment becomes secondary. Two humpback whales glide side by side through the water. Blow mists in the wind... fins appear... black backs shimmer in the light. Now they go to the diving station. A nice fluke waves goodbye and sweetens our waiting. The minutes pass... the ship stays where it is and our guide urges patience... we search the water surface excitedly... Suddenly a loud snort tears us out of our tension, water hisses and the massive body dives out of the water right next to the boat. A breathtaking moment.”
“Soft waves kiss the glitter of the sun and the first snow adorns the peaks on the edge of the fjord. We enjoy the view with the wind in our face. Then the environment becomes secondary. Two humpback whales glide side by side through the water. Blow mists in the wind... fins appear... black backs shimmer in the light. Now they go to the diving station. A nice fluke waves goodbye and sweetens our waiting. The minutes pass... the ship stays where it is and our guide urges patience... we search the water surface excitedly... Suddenly a loud snort tears us out of our tension, water hisses and the massive body dives out of the water right next to the boat. A breathtaking moment.”
On a whale watching tour with Hauganes Whale Watching, AGE™ got an up-close look at two large humpback whales. One of the sea giants surprisingly emerged from the water right next to the boat. A great spectacle! The fins of two minke whales were also briefly visible. Please remember that whale watching is always different, a matter of luck and a unique gift from nature.
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale Watching Hauganes
Whale watching in Iceland
There are several good spots for whale watching in Iceland. Whale tours in Reykjavik are ideal for a trip to the capital of Iceland. The fjords at Husavik and Dalvik are known as great whale watching spots in North Iceland.
Numerous Icelandic whale watching providers are trying to attract guests. In the spirit of the whales, care should be taken when selecting nature-conscious companies. Especially in Iceland, a country where whaling has not yet been officially banned, it is important to promote sustainable ecotourism and thus the protection of whales.
AGE ™ took part in a whale tour with Whale Watching Hauganes:
Hauganes is the oldest whale watching operator in Iceland and was ahead of its time. Hauganes has been operating whale tours since 1993 and is a pioneer in ecotourism and whale conservation. The family business relies on two traditional Icelandic oak boats and remains true to its company policy. As a member of IceWhale, Hauganes adheres to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching. Whenever possible, biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil from restaurants is used to power the boat's engines, and the company plants a tree for each tour to reduce its carbon footprint.
The two wooden boats are 18 to 22 meters long and, due to their solid construction, are particularly calm in the water. An insider tip for everyone who fears seasickness. The chance of calm seas is also significantly higher within the fjord than at many other whale watching locations. Hauganes dresses its guests in warm, windproof overalls.
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale Watching Hauganes
Whale Watching Hauganes Experiences:
A special experience
A special experienceTraditional wooden boats, calm waters and the best chance of spotting humpback whales. Off to the largest fjord in Iceland! Trust the experience of the oldest whale tour operator on the island and let yourself be enchanted.
How much does whale watching in Iceland cost at Hauganes?
How much does whale watching in Iceland cost at Hauganes?
A tour costs around 10600 ISK for adults including VAT. There are discounts for children. The price includes the boat tour and the rental of windproof overalls.
As of 2022. You can find current prices here.
How much time should you plan for the whale tour?
The whale watching takes about 2-3 hours. Participants should arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to tour start time. Alternatively, those interested in deep-sea fishing can book a 2,5-3 hour combination whale watching & fishing tour.
Is there food and toilets?
Hauganes takes care of the physical well-being of its guests during a break on the high seas with free hot drinks and cinnamon rolls. A toilet is also available during the journey. In addition, the sanitary facilities at the office can be used before and after the tour.
Where is Whale Watching Hauganes located?
Hauganes is located in North Iceland about 400 km from Reykjavik. It is only 34 km from Akureyri, the largest city in the north. The ships are anchored about 15 minutes from Dalvik. Hauganes is centrally located on the west side of Iceland's largest fjord. Depending on where the whales were last sighted, the boat tour goes either north towards Dalvik or south towards Akureyri. Here you are always in the right place at the right time.
Which sights are nearby?
If you are looking for an unusual wellness break, you will find relaxation in the 6 km further beer spa Just 14km from Hauganes, the Dalvik fishing village for a stroll. If you are gripped by the longing for civilization, half an hour's drive south of Hauganes awaits you Akureyri city. It is considered the capital of North Iceland. Not enough whale watching? About 1,5 hours away there is another great opportunity for Whale watching in Husavik.
Interesting information about whales
What are the characteristics of a humpback whale?
The Humpback Whale belongs to the baleen whales and is about 15 meters long. It has unusually large fins and an individual underside of the tail. This species of whale is popular with tourists due to its lively behavior.
The humpback whale's blow reaches a height of up to three meters. When descending, the colossus almost always raises its tail fin, giving it momentum for the dive. Typically, a humpback whale takes 3-4 breaths before diving. Its typical dive time is 5 to 10 minutes, with times of up to 45 minutes being easily possible.
Find out more in Humpback Whale Wanted Poster
Good to know
AGE™ has written three whale reports in Iceland for you
1. Whale Watching at Dalvik
On the go with the whale protection pioneers in the fjord!
2. Whale watching at Husavik
Whale watching with wind power and an electric motor!
3. Whale watching in Reykjavik
Where whales and puffins say hello!
Exciting places for whale watching
• Whale watching in Antarctica
• Whale watching in Australia
• Whale Watching in Canada
• Whale watching in Iceland
• Whale Watching in Mexico
• Whale watching in Norway
In the footsteps of the gentle giants: Respect & Expectation, Country Tips & Deep Encounters
Nature & animals • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • to Iceland • Whale Watching in Iceland • Whale Watching Hauganes
This editorial contribution received external support
Disclosure: AGE™ were given discounted or free services as part of the report. The content of the contribution remains unaffected. The press code applies.
Copyrights and Copyright
Texts and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in words and images is entirely owned by AGE ™. All rights are reserved. Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.
Liability
The content of the article has been carefully researched and is based on personal experience. However, if information is misleading or incorrect, we assume no liability. If our experience does not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. Since nature is unpredictable, a similar experience cannot be guaranteed on a subsequent trip. Furthermore, circumstances can change. AGE™ does not guarantee topicality or completeness.
Source reference for text research
Information on site, as well as personal experiences on a whale watching tour in July 2020.
AGE ™ (14.10.2020/15.10.2020/XNUMX), The humpback whale. [online] Retrieved on October XNUMX, XNUMX, from URL: https://agetm.com/natur-tiere/buckelwale/
Whale Whatching Hauganes (oD) Homepage of Whale Whatching Hauganes. [online] Retrieved on October 12.10.2020, XNUMX, from URL: http://www.whales.is/