Páll Steingrímsson to launch Akureyri whale tours in May

Former captain Páll Steingrímsson plans to start whale-watching trips from Akureyri on May 1, 2027, mbl.is reports. He has founded Sturlunga ehf. with his wife, Yngveldur Myrra Sturludóttir, and will operate under the name North & Sea – Akureyri Whale Co.

The company plans to begin with two boats. The 27-metre passenger vessel Arctic Circle EA, built in 1991, is nearly ready and is awaiting its seaworthiness certificate. Work remains on the second boat. Both vessels are enclosed for passengers.

Steingrímsson said the decision to start the business came together quickly. He has worked for the whale-watching company Arctic Sea Tours in Dalvík for the past three years.

He said Akureyri offers strong conditions for whale watching, with little bad weather and humpback whales in the fjord for most of the year. Blue whales are also sometimes seen, while killer whales and sperm whales can be found in northern Eyjafjörður in spring. He also noted that there are many puffins in the fjord.

The company will focus on whale watching at first, though it may offer sea angling trips later. Steingrímsson said he does not intend to fill the boats to their permitted passenger capacity, preferring to prioritise the passenger experience.