Atlantica - 01.09.2002, Page 59

A T L A N T I C A 57
As I begin to chat with Vignir Sigursveinsson, the manager of
Elding Whale Watching, he receives a text message from an
employee, reading “Jumping humpback. Very happy people.”
He goes on to explain that the humpback whale is one of the
most sought-after whale species on whale-watching tours,
and that the Elding boats have been spotting a large number
of them this summer. “This summer has been exceptionally
good. We see whales nearly every single time we go out.
There have been a lot of humpbacks here in Faxaflói bay, as
well as minke whales and porpoises. It’s very rare that we
don’t see anything at all,” says Vignir.
Elding runs two boats: one named the Elding I, which takes
around 100 passengers, and the Elding II, which suits smaller
groups of around 15-20. “Foreign whale-watching experts
have told me that the Elding I is the very best whale-watching
boat in the country. The smaller boat, or yacht, suits smaller
groups very well. It even has a bridal suite with a double bed,
showers and a kitchen,” says Vignir.
The boats mostly sail from Reykjavík harbour and within
Faxaflói bay. When weather conditions are not ideal, the trips
sometimes go from Sandgerdi and Grindavík, small fishing
towns on the west and south coast of the Reykjanes peninsu-
la. The trips last for around three hours, during which the
company’s trained guides ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
Elding also offers evening tours for groups to Hvalfjördur
(Whale Fjord), jet skis and all kinds of activities to liven up
group whale-watching trips. The Elding boats set off from
Reykjavík at 9.00, 13.00 and 17.00, until the end of October,
after which group reservations can be made. AÓJ
Shiny,
Happy People
and Jumping
Humpbacks
passion distilled
GRANT’S FAMILY RESERVE
TAKE
GRANT’S.
WHALE WATCHING i-site ❍
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