Iceland offers a sublime setting for whale watching—an experience that brings you face-to-face with the ocean's gentle giants and highlights our planet's stunning biodiversity. Imagine yourself immersed in an extraordinary adventure, surrounded by the dramatic Icelandic scenery shaped by eons of volcanic and glacial activity.
At Golden Circle Day Tours, we've meticulously identified the best locales for spotting whales like humpback whales, minke whales, or fin whales and dolphins like white-beaked dolphins and porpoises, all conveniently close to Reykjavík. As you gear up for this once-in-a-lifetime excursion, dressing appropriately is crucial.
Here are expert tips on how to dress for whale watching in Iceland, ensuring you stay comfortable and enjoy every moment out on the water.
What to Wear on a Whale-Watching Tour
Thermal Wear
Proper attire is crucial when preparing for a whale-watching tour. Layering is essential, beginning with a base layer of thermal clothing. This foundational layer protects you from weather conditions and enhances comfort in colder environments.
Thermal wear comes in numerous varieties, but the optimal choice often includes garments made from Merino wool or a Merino wool blend. This material is favored for its breathability and lightness.
Once your base layer is set, add additional layers, such as a sweatshirt or pullover, to ensure warmth and adaptability to changing weather in Iceland at sea.
Hat and Gloves
Regardless of the season, it is highly advisable always to include a hat and gloves among your essentials. During the warmer months, from May through September, a pair of lightweight gloves will suffice to provide comfort without overheating.
However, as the climate shifts to colder conditions in the winter months, opting for thicker gloves becomes necessary to maintain warmth. Similarly, hats play a crucial role in regulating body temperature and providing protection from the elements, making them indispensable for any whale-watching tour.
Consider a wool hat for optimal warmth during the colder months.
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Water and Windproof Jacket
As you layer for your marine adventure, the next indispensable item is a water and windproof jacket. Given the likelihood of encountering splashes or unexpected rainfall during a boat tour in the North
Atlantic Ocean, this type of jacket is essential. Opt for one equipped with a hood to ensure comprehensive protection.
A good-quality water—and windproof jacket not only keeps you warm and dry but also acts as a shield against the brisk sea winds, enhancing your comfort and ensuring you can enjoy the tour without the distraction of being cold or damp while visiting Iceland.
Long Pants
While the temptation to wear stylish dresses, skirts, or chic shorts for a whale-watching adventure is understandable, practicality takes precedence. Long pants are the most advisable attire for such outings.
Opting for a pair that is not only long but also windproof can significantly enhance your comfort. These pants provide essential protection against the brisk sea breezes and splashing water, ensuring your focus remains on the majestic marine life rather than the elements.
Such attire is a critical component of warm clothing for these maritime excursions.
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Scarf or Neck Warmer
While often overlooked, a scarf or neck warmer becomes indispensable during the colder months, especially in windy or snowy conditions characteristic of Icelandic weather. The neck is a critical area where heat can be lost rapidly, so ensuring it is well-covered is essential for maintaining overall warmth.
Adding a scarf or neck warmer to your attire protects against the chill and adds an extra layer of insulation, helping to retain body heat effectively during your outdoor adventures. Make sure to choose a fabric that provides both comfort and warmth, wrapping it snugly to safeguard against the brisk marine breeze and keep your ears warm.
Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable footwear is pivotal in enhancing any excursion's enjoyment and safety. The importance of suitable shoes cannot be overstated—painful, sore, or wet feet can detract significantly from the experience, turning your focus from the breathtaking sights to discomfort.
Moreover, well-chosen shoes prevent injuries that could arise from slipping or tripping. For whale watching, it is advisable to opt for flat shoes equipped with rubber soles to ensure stability and prevent slips on potentially wet deck surfaces.
Ideal choices include sturdy sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes that provide adequate support and feature closed toes for added protection against the elements and accidental impacts.
Sunglasses
Contrary to what you might hear from some locals, sunny days are not a rarity in Iceland! Experiencing a day out on the water under the bright sun without proper eye protection can lead to unnecessary squinting.
Investing in a quality pair of polarized sunglasses to enhance your viewing experience and comfort is wise. Polarization minimizes the harsh glare from the water's surface, significantly improving your ability to see through the water.
This clarity can be especially advantageous as it makes spotting minke whales, dolphins, or porpoises easier, allowing you to observe them even before they surface to breathe. Remember that a durable and practical pair of sunglasses can make a substantial difference when preparing for your whale-watching adventure.
What to Bring on a Whale-Watching Trip
Planning a whale-watching trip? Here's a quick guide on what to bring on a whale watch to enhance your experience out on the water:
Sunscreen
Always apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, even when the sky appears overcast. It's crucial to use a generous layer before you embark on your journey and reapply regularly throughout the day to maintain protection while on the water.
Sunglasses
It is essential to wear sunglasses to safeguard your eyes from UV rays, which can be particularly harsh when reflecting off the water's surface. Good-quality sunglasses protect your eyes and enhance your ability to see through the glare of the water, improving your chances of spotting marine life during your tour.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is vital during any outdoor activity, especially on a whale-watching tour, where you will be exposed to the sun and wind for several hours. Carry at least one water bottle and drink regularly to maintain hydration, ensuring you enjoy the experience without discomfort.
Blanket
Bring a warm blanket if your whale-watching adventure is scheduled during the colder seasons. A good blanket will help shield you from the cold and windy conditions, making your experience on the water more comfortable and enjoyable as you await sightings of majestic marine creatures.
Extra Pair of Socks
Packaging extra socks on your whale-watching journey is always a good idea. Keeping an additional pair handy ensures that if your first set becomes wet from spray or rain, you can quickly change to stay dry and maintain warmth throughout your adventure.
Snacks
Packaging your snacks is smart since food options may not be available on all whale-watching tours. Choose easy-to-eat items that won't spoil quickly, such as granola bars, nuts, or fruit, to keep your energy levels up during the tour.
Medicine for Seasickness
Seasickness can detract from the enjoyment of your whale-watching experience, mainly if you are not accustomed to being on a boat. To prevent discomfort, bring along seasickness medication and consider taking a dose before you embark, mainly if you know you are susceptible to motion sickness.
Camera
Bring a camera to ensure that your whale-watching tour's awe-inspiring moments are not fleeting memories. Capturing photos or videos of these magnificent creatures as they breach the surface or swim alongside the boat will allow you to relive the experience and share it with others for years.
Binoculars
Carrying a pair of binoculars on your whale-watching excursion is crucial when blue whales appear at a distance. With binoculars, you can get a closer look at these magnificent creatures, enhancing your viewing experience significantly and allowing you to observe details that the naked eye would miss.
Extra Batteries or Charger
Since whale-watching tours can extend for several hours, it's advisable to bring extra batteries or a portable charger. This ensures that your electronic devices, such as cameras, smartphones, and GPS units, remain functional throughout the trip, so you never miss a moment to capture or navigate.
Waterproof Bag
A waterproof bag is essential for storing valuables and electronic gadgets during whale-watching tours. This protective measure guards against water damage from splashes or rain, keeping your items safe and functional and allowing you to focus on enjoying the adventure without worry.
Final Thoughts
Preparing properly for a whale-watching tour can significantly enhance your experience. By packing essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a warm blanket, you can ensure comfort and protection against the elements.
Additional items such as extra socks, snacks, sea sickness medicine, and a camera are crucial for maintaining comfort and capturing memorable moments. Don't forget to bring binoculars for a better view, extra batteries or a charger to keep devices powered, and a waterproof bag to safeguard your belongings.
With these preparations, you're set to fully enjoy the majestic sights of whale watching, making your trip enjoyable and truly unforgettable. Ready to explore more of Iceland's natural wonders?
Book your spot on one of our Golden Circle Tours and discover the breathtaking landscapes and iconic sites Iceland has to offer. Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime—reserve your tour today!
FAQs
What is whale etiquette?
Whale etiquette involves maintaining a respectful distance from the whales to avoid disturbing them, minimizing noise and sudden movements, and following the guidelines provided by the tour guide to ensure the safety and well-being of both the whales and the observers.
Do you get wet on whale-watching tours?
Yes, it's possible to get wet on whale-watching tours due to sea spray and changing weather conditions. It's advisable to wear waterproof clothing and prepare for varying degrees of moisture, especially when standing on open decks.
What time of day is best for whale watching in Reykjavik?
The best time of day for whale watching in Reykjavik is typically in the morning when the sea is calmer, and visibility is better. However, whale sightings can occur throughout the day, so it's worth checking with local tour operators for the most recommended times during your visit.
