Life under the Midnight Sun - North Iceland's ... - Land og saga

North IcelandGentle Giants of the SeaWhale Watching in Skjálfandi BayWhales are mysterious creatures inmany ways and much of theirbehaviour has yet to be explained. Scientistsare still researching the migration patternsof many species and no one really knowswhere the whales around Iceland go duringthe winter. But after 150 years of experience,the family now running the Húsavík whalewatching company, Gentle Giants, knowsthem better than most people will ever do.Stefán Guðmundsson, Managing Directorof Gentle Giants, comes from a long line offishermen who originally went to sea inrowing boats and then later, motorboats. Hesays they discovered that individual whalesand whale species have unique characteristics.“We’ve seen that the older animals are usuallymuch calmer and seem to be more indifferentto visitors than the younger. But eachindividual has its own character and someare really curious about our boats, much likedolphins,” says Stefán.Asked why whales jump in the air, Stefánsays there are many theories. “It couldbe that they have an itch which they aretrying to relieve by crashing on the water’ssurface. Others say it could be related tocommunication or a power struggle betweenanimals. But in my experience, I think, inmany cases, they are just playing around andshowing their might and majesty to thosewho want to see,” says Stefán.“Humpback whales are the most commonspecies on Gentle Giants’ tours and often,also the most enjoyable. Sometimes whenhumpbacks swim close to our boats, we turnoff the engines and watch them while theyfrolic in the ocean,” says Stefán.Up Close and Personal with GiantsThe largest animals on earth are the bluewhales and they are fairly frequent visitorsto Skjálfandi Bay, where Gentle Giantsoperate. “They don’t seem to mind us and wecan often get fairly close to them. It is trulya lifetime experience to witness the biggestanimals on earth,” says Stefán. Just to giveyou an idea of their size; a blue whale’s heartis around the size of a small car and a fullgrown animal can weigh up to 190 tons.Other species commonly seen in SkjálfandiBay are minke whales, white-beakeddolphins and harbour porpoises, whileorcas, fi n whales and northern bottlenosewhales are less common.Puffins also play an important role in GentleGiants’ excursions. Around 250,000 puffi nsnest around the bay during the breedingseason and passengers can get the chance toencounter these “Clowns of the Ocean”.Gentle Giants offer guided tours departingseveral times a day during the season. Witha 98% success rate of spotting whales, thecompany’s aim is to raise general awarenessand interest in whales and their habitat.Gentle Giants–SSTúngötu 6 • 640 Húsavík+354 464 1500info@gentlegiants.iswww.gentlegiants.is264