Setting Sail on the Icelandic Waters

The thrill of the open sea is something that never fails to get my adrenaline pumping. As a former professional athlete, I’ve always been drawn to experiences that push the boundaries of excitement. So when I heard about the Iceland Wildlife Tour in Reykjavíkurborg, I knew it was a must-do. My fiancée and I, both seasoned adventurers, were eager to embark on this two-hour whale and dolphin watching escapade aboard a RIB speed-boat.

The day began with a crisp breeze and the promise of adventure. As we boarded the sleek, powerful RIB boat, I could feel the anticipation building. The vessel, designed for speed and maneuverability, was perfect for covering vast areas of the Icelandic waters. With only 12 passengers, the experience was intimate, allowing us to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

Our expert captain and wildlife guide briefed us on what to expect, and soon we were off, slicing through the waves with exhilarating speed. The wind whipped through my hair, and the salty spray of the ocean was a refreshing reminder of the wild adventure that lay ahead.

A Dance with the Puffins and the Skua

Our first stop was the island of Akurey, home to a vibrant community of puffins and other sea birds. As we approached, the air was alive with the calls of these feathered creatures. Watching the puffins go about their business was both entertaining and awe-inspiring. These little birds, full of vigor and nimbleness, darted through the air with remarkable agility.

But the real showstopper was the Arctic Skua, the so-called pirate of the skies. This bird, with its menacing presence, added an element of drama to the scene. Watching the puffins evade the Skua’s pursuit was like witnessing a high-stakes aerial ballet. The Black Backed Gulls, in contrast, seemed almost tame in their antics.

We spent a delightful ten minutes observing this avian spectacle before the sea mist began to roll in. It was time to leave the seabird island and venture into deeper waters in search of the majestic whales.

The Majesty of the Whales

As we sped towards Faxaflói Bay, the fog enveloped us, adding an air of mystery to our quest. The ride was exhilarating, the RIB boat cutting through the mist like a knife. We reached the spot where whales had been reportedly seen, and the anticipation was palpable.

Suddenly, a blow echoed through the fog, and there it was—a dorsal fin slicing through the water. The whale surfaced briefly, offering us a glimpse of its majestic form before diving back into the depths. We waited, hearts pounding, for it to reappear.

And reappear it did, not once but twice more. Each time, the whale’s fluke rose gracefully above the water before disappearing below. It was a breathtaking sight, a reminder of the raw beauty and power of nature.

As our time on the water came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude. The Iceland Wildlife Tour had delivered an unforgettable experience, one that combined the thrill of speed with the wonder of wildlife. It was a perfect blend of adventure and discovery, and I left with memories that will last a lifetime.