Top Things To Do In Akureyri

Witnessing the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat was an unforgettable and profoundly moving highlight of my life. These gentle giants appear to be eagerly greeting the throngs of tourists from all corners of the globe, who flock here for a chance to catch a glimpse of a whale’s back breaking the water's surface. Those fortunate enough may even witness the awe-inspiring sight of a whale breaching. During our adventure made possible through Tratoli's expertly organized travel package, we were graced by the sight of the iconic water spouts and the magnificent flukes of not one, but three humpback whales: a male and two females. I must add, even if the whales prove elusive (although your chances are high during peak season), the boat journey alone is spectacular. The surrounding fjord, with its captivating natural beauty, becomes even more magical if you're there early enough to witness the enchanting sunrise. To top it off, the company provided an array of traditional Icelandic treats aboard, accompanied by aromatic coffee and indulgent hot chocolate. The selection included cinnamon pastries and treats reminiscent of the 'castagnole' savored at Carnival back home. The melding of unforgettable wildlife encounters and local culinary delights made this experience a feast for all the senses.

2021-01-04

Experience the Majesty of Wildlife with Tratoli: A Riveting Puffin and Whale Watching Adventure Review Embarking on an exhilarating oceanic journey in May, my whale and puffin watching tour with Tratoli became a memory etched in time. Steering our rip boat through the waves, Captain Sarah and our knowledgeable guide Mateo made certain we were well-equipped for the sea's chilly embrace. Dressed in cozy, warm overalls and shielded by ponchos provided by Mateo, we braved the wind and sea spray in comfort. Our first stop was the enchanting Lundey, affectionately known as Puffin Island. Here, Mateo was a fountain of knowledge, sharing intriguing insights into the puffins' lifecycles and behaviors, enriching our visit with his expertise. But the marvels didn't end there; majestic humpback whales graced us with their presence, and our guide shared fascinating facts about these gentle giants, making each sighting feel uniquely informative. The pinnacle of our voyage was the rare encounter with a blue whale, revisiting the very spot Mateo and Sarah had spotted it earlier that day. Witnessing such a majestic creature in its natural habitat was nothing short of awe-inspiring. This extraordinary experience underscored the value of the tour, affirming that while not the least expensive option, the rich experiences and personal attention delivered by Tratoli made it a worthwhile investment. Reflecting on the tour, I can emphatically say it was a phenomenal encounter with nature, brimming with educational moments and the thrill of the open sea. The journey with Tratoli was not just a tour; it was an investment in lifetime memories that I would eagerly relive. Truly, an amazing experience that surpassed every expectation and justified every penny.

2024-05-13

Booking our travel package through Tratoli turned out to be an exceptional choice, as every aspect of our excursion was top-notch. From beginning to end, the experience was fabulous, deserving a heartfelt accolade to Johann and the captain who ensured our safety and welcomed us like family. The gear, including jumpsuits, and the ship exceeded all our expectations in quality. Proximity to the whale-watching vantage points made sightings frequent and thrilling—the whales were plentiful, and the surprise catch during our fun fishing activity added to the adventure. This five-star experience has left us filled with gratitude. Thank you!

2023-10-10

We had a delightful whale watching experience on a traditional oak wood boat departing from Hauganes, booked through Tratoli, on a cold but beautiful day at the end of November. The excursion lived up to the excellent reviews, much to our satisfaction. The crew was incredibly friendly, with special mention to Julia, who provided articulate explanations on what to look out for, the type of whales we were observing (in our case, two humpback whales), and shared a wealth of knowledge in an amiable and approachable manner. Before embarking, we were equipped with heavy-duty suits that offered excellent protection against the cold, and there was an opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage with cookies. The boat also included a small restroom facility, and guests spent most of the time outside, enabling full immersion in the experience. Besides the thrill of whale watching, the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains from the fjord were absolutely stunning and added to the value of the trip! After the tour, independent travelers who arrived in Hauganes without a tour group could try their hand at deep-sea fishing for about half an hour. Even as a first-time angler, I managed to catch two cod within ten minutes. While I chose to release them back into the sea, there is also an option to have them filleted on-site and take your catch home. I highly recommend this beautiful and serene adventure in the magnificent Eyjafjordur to everyone. It's an experience well worth it, one that you'll remember forever 👍🏻.

2019-12-03