| Picture: Image Bank |
With its lunar landscape, geysers and glaciers, Iceland has
some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
But it’s not just the landscape and water that
gives Iceland its natural appeal – the country offers an
excellent opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s
most fascinating wildlife. Popular activities include whale and
dolphin-watching, bird-watching and Icelandic horse riding.
Wildlife Worldwide managing director Chris Breen said: “From
our point of view wildlife is the only attraction, especially the
whale-watching. Iceland is a beautiful country and the whales are
there throughout the summer.”
Icelandair Holidays manager Gaynor Brunt said: “Visitors
shouldn’t miss out on Iceland’s wildlife.
Whale-watching is one of the most popular activities but it’s
also peaceful taking an Icelandic horse out for a
ride.”
The wildlife is very seasonal, so it’s worth checking that
excursions to see specific animals are actually running. Generally
the best time to visit is summer.
Follow Travel Weekly’s guide to Iceland’s wildlife to
help you assist your clients in getting the most out of their
trip.
Whale-watching
There are whale-watching ports all along the Iceland coastline, but
the main places include Husavik and Olafsvik. Go to Olafsvik to see
blue whales, roughly the size of Boeing 737s. The length of the
excursion varies but can take anything from a morning to the whole
day. According to Icelandair Holidays sightings run at about
85%.
The trips only operate at certain times of the year. Some
excursions only run between June and August, which are the best
months for sightings. The whale-watching season in the southwest
starts in April and ends in October.
Blue whales, humpback whales, fin, sei, orca and minke whales can
all be seen off Iceland. An added attraction
is the Whale Museum in Husavik.
Dolphin-watching
Most dolphin activity can be witnessed on whale-watching trips.
Visitors are likely to see more dolphins than whales in the waters
surrounding Iceland. At Keflavik clients should look out for
white-beaked dolphins, while at Olafsvik you see
white-beaked and Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
On the return leg of boat trips out of Reykjavik harbour clients
should keep a look-out for Puffin Island where thousands of puffins
lay their eggs.
Icelandic horse riding
Referred to as horses, even though they are usually only pony
height, Icelandic horses are the purest breed in the world. They
are known for their stamina, strength and surefootedness. They are
also renowned for their special gait, called a tolt, which makes
for such a smooth ride at speed that it is said the rider can hold
a pint while on horseback without spilling a drop.
Horse-riding tours are offered throughout the country and can last
from one hour to several days. The horses tend to be easy-going and
tours can be adapted to suit all levels.
Bird-watching
Iceland boasts a number of records to get even the most experienced
twitcher quivering. These include the largest known birdcliff in
the world at Latrabjarg in the west fjords, which includes the
world’s largest razorbill colony. Iceland’s largest
puffin population can be found on the Westman Islands, and
there’s the world’s largest skua colony on sands in
south Iceland.
At Lake Myvatn there are more species of breeding ducks than
anywhere else in Europe. Visitors can see goldeneye, common scoter
and red breasted merganser, or harlequin duck and whooper swan.
Also try the island of Grimsey, which is beside the Arctic Circle.
Although only 120 people live on the island, there are 35 different
species of birds. The best time of year to bird-watch is early
summer. Other activities include fishing. In the winter Lake Myvatn
freezes over and there are activities such as skidooing. The
surrounding area is covered with little volcanoes and bubbling
mud.
