Why Birds Flock to Iceland The North Prepares for ... - Land og saga

Northern LightsLife of WhalesWatch whales, porpoises and dolphins from the ‘andrea’Whales and humans coexistharmoniously in Faxaflói bay in thesefirst sunny days of summer. The whales havebeen playing and enjoying riding along Life ofWhales’ ship ‘Andrea’, while the humans enjoythe view of these magnificent animals.The whales by the shores of Iceland, arewithout a doubt, some of the most spectacularsights Iceland has to offer. Four types of whaleslive in Faxaflói bay, which makes them quiteaccessible from Reykjavík. Those species are:the Minke Whales, White-Beaked Dolphins,Harbour Porpoises and Humpback Whales.Tour the bay on a stable shipLife of Whales is a small family company,which runs three tours a day from the oldharbour in Reykjavík, each one lasting threehours. In addition to the whale watching,they visit the puffin islands in the bay,where one can easily see the peculiarpuffin among other seabirds, hundredsand thousands of which have alreadynested in these islands.The ‘Andrea’ is the biggest whale watchingship in Iceland; thus it is very stable,comfortable and—most importantly—has16 www.icelandictimes.comexcellent viewing decks, providing you with agreat sailing experience. Guests can have a nicecup of coffee or hot chocolate indoors or borrowa sweater to wear outdoors on colder days.Notes from a guide’s diaryAccording to the guide’s diary to be found onLife of Whales website, the beginning of Junewas really exciting on the bay. One day, forexample, a Minke whale stayed with the shipfor awhile during a thick fog, a descriptionone normally only encounters in mystic fairytales! Another entry tells of some harbourporpoises competing with Minke whales toshow off only ten metres from the ship infront of the eager human audience.Yet another entry tells of a playgroundof Minkes, a group of five staying a secure60 metres distance from the ship, while agroup of three others dared to come muchcloser, surfacing at the same time in the samedirection. This same tour also witnessed somedolphins, mothers and calfs alike jumping outof the water and turning in the air. Whales arejust like us humans, some of them are moresuspicious, keeping their distance from the shipwhile others are more daring, playing along andperhaps even communicating with us!Make your visit completeStaring at the unbelievable sight of a whalesurfacing from the sea is something oneshould not miss while staying in Iceland.On board the ‘Andrea’, you are providedwith both the comfort and facilities toenjoy that experience to the fullest.–NHHLife of WhalesÆgisgarði 1 • 101 Reykjavík+354 562 2300hvalalif@hvalalif.iswww.hvalalif.isSeljalandsfossDay tours / Activities / Airport ExpressWe are one of the leading tour operators in Iceland and offer professional services, flexibility andsafety for travellers in Iceland.Allow us to provide you with a transfer from the airport and introduce you to the variety thatIceland has to offer; from its richness in culture and history to its breathtaking beauty in natureand daily life.Enjoy Iceland withIceland Excursions – Gray Line Icelandwww.grayline.isGeysir area