What time are whales most active?

Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.



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Many tourists often regard the early morning hours, typically between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. as the best time to whale watching in Iceland. During this period, the ocean is relatively calm, and the weather conditions are usually more favorable, allowing for better visibility.

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There is no time of the day when we are more likely to see the whales. They come and go and the situation in the bay can change very fast. Sometimes we see many whales, sometimes few. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are exactly the same – every trip is a new adventure.

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Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.

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Minke whales Typically coming to Iceland during the summer, many often stay long into the autumn and winter. While they're quite a shy species, there are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 minke whales around the coasts of Iceland. That means you have a really good chance of seeing them.

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While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it's at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting—check out the policy before booking.

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North Iceland In fact, the town of Húsavik, on Skjálfandi Bay, is often named as the best place to see whales and other marine mammals in all of Europe. Whales are in these waters throughout the year. So, whenever you come, you're very likely to glimpse an animal or two yourself.

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A Gratuity is not required on most whale watching tours, but the crew works very hard, and they are the ones who make the experience possible, so it is recommended that you tip between $3-$5 per person.

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