Balaenoptera acutorostrata

SIZE: Male- 7.5-8.5m, Female- 8.5-9.5m

The minke whale is one of the smallest species of baleen, or filter-feeding, whale and can be found all around Iceland.

Generally solitary, minke whales come to Icelandic waters to feed before travelling south to warmer waters in winter, where they are believed to breed. We still know relatively little about their lives, and exactly where they spend the winter remains unclear. Calves are also rarely seen.

Minke whales feed on schooling fish such as herring and mackerel, as well as plankton and krill.

Minke whales can be elusive and difficult to watch. They are fast and streamlined, often surfacing quickly before disappearing again. However, like many other whales, they can sometimes become curious around boats.

Minke whales can be encountered in Breiðafjörður throughout the year, although their presence and behaviour can vary between seasons.

Minke whaling is still legal in Iceland, although no minke whales have been hunted here in recent years. We ask our guests not to eat minke whale meat or visit restaurants that serve it while visiting Iceland. Most minke whale meat served to tourists is imported from Norway, and choosing not to eat it helps reduce demand for an industry that continues to target these animals. Meet us, don’t eat us.