Watching Whales In The Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are the most popular spot to head to in Norway to take part in whale watching expedition, as the Lofoten Islands have became known primarily because it developed as a hot spot for whaling and hunting area. However, since whale watching has become so popular, the authorities of Norway have delineated a specific region that is now reserved for whale watching. This stretch near the Lofoten Islands now has a regular stream of boats and ferries that are used for cruising the region and whale spotting.
The Lofoten Islands are a cluster of islands that can be found just over the Arctic Circle. One can travel six nautical miles from the shore and reach the egion where whale spotting is most popular. This ride to the spot takes only one hour and one reaches a region where the continental shelf can go as deep as 3,000 feet. In other parts of Europe, such a trip can take at least nine hours, and hence, the Lofoten Islands have become immensely popular. This spotis full of nutrients, and therefore a popular ground for the whales.
Watching The Sperm Whales Off The Lofoten Islands
Huge sperm whales are the most common species in the area. The sperm whales that come to this region are only the males. It has been established that the female sperm whales prefer to remain in the warmer waters that are found towards the south, closer to the Canary Islands and the Azores. While the female sperm whales stay out in the warmer waters with the young whales, the males travel up north. Whale hunting in the region used to be very popular, but with efforts being made to prevent hunting, and an increasing interest in nature and wildlife, the area has become popular with nature lovers, photography fans, and tourists from all over. Given the all-male population of whales in this region, the waters have often been jokingly referred to as a ‘bachelor’s society’.
Regions For Whale Watching In Norway
To be able to make the most of the whale watching opportunities in the region, it is advisable to plan a trip in between May and September. Apart from the famous sperm whales, one can also spot orcas, humpback whales, giant sperm whales, and porpoises in these waters from time to time.