Whales in Reykjanes

The waters surrounding the Reykjanes peninsula are home to dolphins and various species of whales in the warmer months of the year, and in winter as well.  Commonly found in the waters off Garður are white beaked dolphins and minke whales, even as close as outside the harbour in Keflavík and nearby.  The area is an important habitat for these marine mammals, mainly as a seasonal feeding ground, rich in plankton. These waters provide excellent conditions for such fish species such as sand eel, herring, capelin, haddock and cod to thrive.  Humpback whales are also commonly seen in July and August, and occasionally seil whales , fin whales and the enormous blue whales appear at the surface.