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Quick facts

Length18–24 m
Weight40–80 tonnes
Lifespan70–100 years
Typical dive depth50 m
Maximum dive depth500 m
Typical dive5 minutes
Maximum dive20 minutes
Gestation11–12 months
Offspring1 young
Common around IcelandYes
Whale watchingYes
Best timeSpring to autumn, particularly summer.

About Fin Whale

The fin whale is an enormous and fast-swimming baleen whale regularly found in Icelandic waters. It often occurs farther offshore than species commonly encountered on coastal whale-watching tours.

Habitat

Open ocean and continental shelf waters.

Diet

Krill and small schooling fish.

Water-depth habitat

Open ocean and continental shelf waters, particularly productive feeding areas.

Distribution around Iceland

Common on feeding grounds around Iceland during the warmer part of the year.
SourceLast verified: 08/09/2026