Humpback whales are among the whales most often seen on Icelandic whale-watching tours, especially from the northern ports of Húsavík and Akureyri. In Iceland, they come to feed in summer, roughly May to September. Adults grow about 14 to 17 metres long and can weigh up to around 40 tonnes.
What humpback whales are
Humpback whales are among the whales most often seen on Icelandic whale-watching tours.
Size and long fins
Adults grow about 14 to 17 metres long and can weigh up to around 40 tonnes. Their long pectoral fins are the longest of any whale, reaching up to about a third of their body length.
How they feed
They are baleen whales that filter krill and small fish from the water, and one can eat up to about 1.5 tonnes of food a day. Some use bubble-net feeding, blowing bubbles to herd fish before lunging through them.
When they visit Iceland
Humpbacks come to Iceland's cold, food-rich waters to feed in summer, roughly May to September. They are known for acrobatic displays such as breaching and tail-slapping.
Seeing humpbacks on a whale tour
To compare options, see whale-watching tours.
Pack with the trip in mind
The Iceland Packing List helps you choose practical layers and essentials for a day that includes Humpback Whales in Iceland: Key Facts.
