Whale Watching in Olafsvik, Iceland

Olafsvik is a town on the northern side of Snaefellsnes peninsula, close to the magnificent glacier, Snaefellsjokull. It is the administrative centre of the municipality of Snaefellsbaer which also includes the villages of Arnarstapi, Hellnar, Rif, and Hellissandur. The town is an old fishing town and still has a thriving fishing industry. Therefore, many of the interesting places in town have a strong connection to fishing and the harbour, one of which includes whale watching.

Our Olfasvik Whale Watching tour takes you into the water around Snaefellsnes where ocean giants swim in the shadow of the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier. Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see toothed-whales such as orcas, sperm whales, and pilot whales than along this beautiful coastline.

What Whales Will You See?

Killer whales, also known as orcas, are the top predator in the ocean. In some areas they eat large whales and even great-white sharks. However, in west Iceland they mostly feed on fish, predominantly herring. Orcas are highly intelligent, have complex vocalisations and are known to have culture, with different eco-types around the world having different prey, vocal repertoire and traditions. The Olfasvik Whale Watching tour is the only excursion in Iceland that sees orcas regularly.

The humpback whale is probably the most watched species of whale and a favourite, because they are the whale that jumps out of the water more than any other species. They also perform other surface activity, such as pec-slapping, spy-hopping, lob-tailing and tail throws. Humpback whales come to Iceland to feed, mainly krill, herring, mackerel, sand eels and capelin.

The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and considered the largest predator in the ocean. There are many amazing facts about sperm whales, their ability to dive to great depth (over 2km), hold their breath for up to 2 hours and their huge brains. They are also the only whale species to have wrinkled skin, but the reason why is still a mystery.

The Minke whale is a small species of baleen or filter feeding whale, found all around Iceland. Generally solitary Minke whales come to Icelandic waters to feed, going south to warmer water in the winter to breed. We know relatively little about Minke whales and exactly where they spend winter is unclear. Calves are also very rarely ever seen.

When To Go?

The best time to go Whale Watching in Olfasvik is between 15 February and 30 September. The orcas (killer whales) are more often seen in winter, spring, and early summer, February to early July, but there is a chance of seeing them all the way through the summer months. Male sperm whales can be seen between about March and June out in deeper water. During late summer and into autumn we are mostly looking for Minke whales, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins but who knows what else might appear!

How to Book?

If you’d like to book a Whale Watching tour in Olfasvik, visit the Iceland Holidays website here. Alternatively, get in touch with us by emailing info@icelandholidays.com.