FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because of the great demand for many of our trips, we recommend you do. A few days notice is usually sufficient, even in the high season of July and August.
2. How do I book?
By telephone: + 354 464 7272
By e-mail: info@northsailing.is
By fax: +354 464 2351
3. Are we certain to see whales?
No! But the odds are very good - as good or maybe even better than anywhere else in the world. We are proud of our record over the past years and you are welcome to visit our logbooks to check out our sightings. In the unlikely event that you don´t see any whales on your trip, we will offer you another trip, free of charge.
4. What can we expect to see?
Every tour is unique, so it is difficult to say. Humpback whales have over the past couple of years been the main attraction followed by the minke whales. White beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are frequently seen and blue whales have been regular guests in our bay, especially in June and early July. Apart from the whales, expect to see a wide variety of sea-bird life: puffins, gannets, arctic terns, shags, cormorants, fulmars, common guillimots and razor bills.
5. How long are the tours?
The tours normally take 3 hours, but be prepared to give or take about 20 minutes either way.
6. How much does the tour cost? (NS-1)
Price:
Adults: €58 / 9.280 ISK.
7-15 years: €29 / 4.640 ISK.
Under 7 years: FREE.
7. What happens in case of bad weather or heavy seas?
Your safety is our first concern! If we consider conditions not appropriate, tours will be cancelled. If you are travelling long distances on the day of your whale watching tour, we strongly advise you contact our booking office to check weather conditions (Tel: +354-464 7272).
8. If my sailing is cancelled, is my booking automatically carried over to the next sailing?
No, unfortunately not. When tours are cancelled we will do our very best to get you out on the next tour and this is often possible. You must get in touch with our booking office and ask for your booking to be transferred.
9. What is the best time (month, hour) to go whale watching?
It's impossible to say. Sightings depend on weather and sea conditions which are constantly changing. Number and species of whales in the bay vary from day to day since the whales come here to feed and the feeding conditions are impossible to predict.
10. Which clothing is best to wear?
A rule of thumb is to dress as warmly as possible before heading out. It can often be really cold staying out on sea for three hours. Any kind of normal shoes is fine although we don’t recommend wearing sandals. Aboard we keep raincoats and warm overalls if necessary.
11. Do you offer tours to Grímsey?
We don’t have scheduled tours to Grímsey but we offer tours to Grímsey for groups upon request. Individuals can possibly join these trips so it doesn’t hurt to ask at our ticket office or simply call us or send an e-mail. We also have our scheduled tour NSE-1 Edge of the Arctic, a two day sailing, throughout the summer which includes a visit to Grímsey. See further information here.
12. Is it all right to bring young children?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome and it’s also fine to take strollers with you on board. We recommend to dress the children warmly and ask about weather and sea conditions before you decide to go.
13. Are the boats wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the crew will assist people in wheelchair but we recommend informing us beforehand.
14. Do you sell any refreshments on board?
No, we don’t. Your’re welcome to bring your own refreshments. We do however offer hot chocolate and cinnamon roles on the way back.
15. Is smoking allowed on board?
No, we ask people kindly not to smoke during the tour.
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