Sei whales are large baleen whales found in Icelandic waters. They are usually seen off Iceland further offshore in deeper water. Sightings are never guaranteed on any whale-watching trip.
Telling sei whales apart
The sei whale is slender and among the fastest of the great whales. It feeds by filtering small fish and plankton through its baleen. Unlike some whales, sei whales rarely dive deeply or lift their tail out of the water when they surface.
Sei whales in Icelandic waters
They are baleen whales like the blue, fin, and humpback whales also recorded around Iceland. Sei whales are less common on coastal whale-watching trips than minke and humpback whales. They often feed by skimming near the surface rather than diving for long periods.
Seeing sei whales and whale-watching tours
You can compare whale watching tours to see the current options.
Plan what to pack
Check the Iceland Packing List while preparing for Sei Whales in Iceland, then adapt it to the forecast and your activity.
