|
Whales and Waterfalls
 Duration: Approx.
8.25 hours with lunch
Our tour starts with a drive through the town, passing the
Akureyri church which dominates the skyline, and we then cross the fjord
and head for Godafoss, ‘the waterfall of the gods,’ a raging but majestic
waterfall which hurls down a huge volume of water. The name celebrates the
throwing of Thorgeir’s pagan gods into the falls in the year 1000;
Thorgeir was president of the Althing that decided in favour of
Christianity. From Godafoss, we travel across Köldukinn, taking the most
direct rout to Husavik, a delightful fishing village of 2,500 inhabitants
where on arrival you will be welcomed at the Whale Centre. Over the past
six years Husavik has become the ‘whale watching capital of Europe’, and
in this excellent non-profit information centre you will learn something
of the habitat of the whales around Iceland, and what to expect during
your whale watching cruise. Following the visit, a delicious three-course
lunch including fresh fish of the day and coffee or tea will be served at
a nearby restaurant, before you board one of the restored wooden fishing
vessels for the two-and-a-half hour journey heading due west across the
Skajalfandi Bay towards the magnificent mountains of Kinn, rising more
than 1,000 metres above sea level. No two voyages are ever the same, and
as you set sail you will be given information about the various species
that may be seen on the trip. Soon the excitement mounts for both crew and
passengers as they keep a lookout for whales ‘blowing’ or tail fins
flipping out of the sea. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, the
success rate is very high, and Minke whales are seen on virtually every
excursion and often approach and play around the boat, giving excellent
photographic opportunities. Among the larger whales Humpbacked are most
common, but Sei whales, Fin whales, and even the mighty Blue whales have
been spotted in the area. At the end of the voyage, you rejoin your coach
for the return drive to Akureyri, where you arrive at the ship in the
early evening.
By coach/boat, subject to a minimum of 30/maximum of
120. Please note: This tour
is dependent on fair weather conditions. Warm clothing and flat, non-slip
shoes are
strongly recommended. |
