Imagine standing on the edge of an icy fjord. The Arctic air bites at your cheeks. You gaze upon the endless North Atlantic. Beneath the surface, a mysterious creature quietly prowls — The Greenland Shark!
These giants of the deep are a wonder of Arctic marine life. They are the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Their ancient, weathered eyes tell stories of centuries past.
Visiting Iceland offers a rare glimpse into their lives. Far from Reykjavik’s markets, the Greenland shark is a piece of Iceland’s heritage. For those brave enough, there are experiences that bring you face-to-face with these ancient mariners.
Essential Facts
- The Greenland shark can live up to 500 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate.
- Typically found in the depths of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, they can reach lengths of up to 21 feet and weigh over 2.200 pounds.
- Greenland sharks inhabit cold waters, often diving to incredible depths over 7.000 feet.
- Despite their size, Greenland sharks pose no typical threat to humans.
- Their meat requires special preparation to be consumable, a practice honored in Iceland.
- Another strange creature is the Mola Mola, which you can spot while diving in Lembongan with the Legend Diving team.
The Best Shark Watching Tours in Iceland
Many tourists in Iceland dream of seeing the Greenland shark in icy waters. Specialized tours are available that focus on finding these ancient creatures. These Iceland shark tours teach visitors about the shark’s role in the ocean and its life story.
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum Visit
Visiting the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum lets you dive deep into Icelandic culture. It focuses on the Greenland shark and the hákarl tradition. This family-run museum in Snæfellsnes is both educational and hands-on. It shows how shark meat is made, fermented, and dried.
Price:
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum costs ISK 1.800 for adults. This price gets you into the exhibits and guided tours. You’ll learn a lot about Greenland sharks and their conservation.
Chances of seeing a shark:
The museum doesn’t promise shark sightings. But, it offers a deep dive into shark hunting and conservation history. You’ll see preserved sharks and multimedia that teach about the Greenland shark’s importance in Iceland.
Availability:
The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. In summer, it stays open until 8 PM. It’s a two-hour drive from ReykjavÃk, perfect for a day trip. Always check the current hours before you go.
Common species:
The museum mainly talks about the Greenland shark, or “hakarl.” These sharks can be up to 21 feet long and weigh over 2.200 pounds. They can live up to 500 years, making them the longest-living vertebrates.
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is key in saving Icelandic culture and shark conservation.
Greenland Shark Diving Expedition
Diving expeditions in Iceland offer a thrilling adventure for those eager to see the Greenland shark. These sharks live in Arctic waters and can live up to 400 years. They grow up to 6.4 meters long and weigh up to 1.000 kg, but move slowly and dive deep.
Price:
These underwater tours are pricey. The cost for diving with Greenland sharks is between $3500 and $5000 per person. This includes guide fees, equipment, and meals. You might also need to pay for accommodation and travel insurance.
Chances of seeing a shark:
Seeing a Greenland shark is not guaranteed, but guides increase your chances. They dive deep, so you’ll need patience. Yet, about 70% of tours are successful.
Availability:
These tours are rare and have a small group size, up to 8 divers. Here are the tour dates for 2025, 2026, and 2027:
- 2025:
- 12th March – 19th March: 4 spaces available
- 2nd April – 9th April: 1 space available
- 2026:
- 25th March – 1st April: fully booked
- 1st April – 8th April: fully booked
- 2027:
- 17th March – 24th March: fully booked
- 31st March – 7th April: fully booked
- 7th April – 14th April: 8 spaces available
Common species:
These tours also show other Arctic marine life. You might see lion’s mane jellyfish, cod, and basking sharks. But, the Greenland shark is the main attraction.
Silfra Fissure Snorkeling and Diving
Explore the stunning Silfra fissure, a top spot for snorkeling and diving in Iceland. It’s located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Here, you can see up to 150 meters underwater, thanks to the clear glacial waters.
The water is so clear because it passes through lava underground. This creates an amazing underwater world. Every dive here is a unique experience you won’t forget.
Price:
Snorkeling tours at Silfra start at 19,490 Icelandic krona without pickup. With pickup, it’s 29,480 Icelandic krona. Companies like Arctic Adventures offer great deals, starting at 18,990 Icelandic krona per person.
This price includes all the gear you need and safety briefings. It makes sure your adventure is safe and fun.
Chances of seeing a shark:
While you might not see sharks at Silfra, the clear water and unique rocks are magical. You’ll see colorful plants and interesting rock formations instead.
Availability:
Snorkeling and diving at Silfra are available all year. Summer is the busiest time, with many tourists. Each tour lasts about three hours, including getting ready and the dive itself.
The actual time underwater is 35 to 45 minutes. It’s a great way to see the fissure’s beauty.
Common species:
Seeing a Greenland shark at Silfra is very rare. But, you can spot small fish and algae. The main attraction is swimming between two continents.
Types of Sharks to Watch in Iceland
Iceland is a great place for shark watching. You can see many shark species in the Arctic waters. From the huge Greenland shark to other interesting ones, Iceland’s waters are full of marine life.
Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
The Greenland shark is a top choice for shark watching in Iceland. It’s the second-largest carnivorous shark, growing up to 7 meters long. It lives for up to 400 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate.
They live deep, up to 2,600 meters, in cold waters. Temperatures range from -1.6°C to 16.1°C.
Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
The basking shark is another big fish in Iceland. It’s the second-largest fish in the ocean. These filter feeders can grow up to 12 meters long.
They swim slowly near the surface, eating plankton. Basking sharks are important for Arctic marine life and visit Iceland in summer.
Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus)
Porbeagle sharks are fast and agile. They prefer cooler waters and can be seen in Iceland. These sharks are up to 3 meters long and are key to marine ecosystems.
Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
The blue shark visits Icelandic waters seasonally. It has a sleek body and amazing migratory patterns. Blue sharks are up to 3.8 meters long and are seen in warmer months.
They eat fish and squid, adding to the Arctic marine biodiversity. Seeing different shark species in Iceland is a unique experience. Each shark plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem, making shark watching exciting and educational.
Strange Creatures to See Beside Sharks Around the World
The oceans and landscapes around the world are full of strange and fascinating fish. By going on global wildlife tours, you can see unique marine life and exotic sea creatures.
Mola-Mola in Indonesia
Mola-Mola can be found in the waters of Nusa Lembongan. The Mola Mola has long been an attraction for scuba divers, drawing visitors eager to witness this giant ocean sunfish up close.
To see this strange fish, divers often join dive centers like Legend Diving to guide them in spotting these elusive creatures. The best time to see Mola Mola is between July and October when they rise to shallower depths for cleaning by smaller fish. Their massive, disk-shaped bodies and gentle nature make them a truly unforgettable sight..
Nudibranchs in Scotland
In Scotland’s cold waters, you can see colorful nudibranchs. These sea slugs are loved by underwater photographers and divers. They have amazing colors and shapes, adding to the diving experience in Scotland.
Giant Gippsland Earthworm in Australia
In Australia, you can find the Giant Gippsland Earthworm. It can grow up to 9 feet long. Seeing this giant in its natural habitat is a highlight for those interested in unique creatures.
Here’s a table comparing some of these exotic sea creatures:
Creature | Location | Special Feature | Typical Length |
Mola Mola | Indonesia | Unique shape and large size | Up to 10 feet |
Nudibranchs | Scotland | Vibrant colors | Varies, generally small |
Giant Gippsland Earthworm | Australia | Massive length | Up to 9 feet |
Going on global wildlife tours lets you see these exotic sea creatures up close. It’s a chance to learn about some of the world’s most mysterious and captivating species.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Greenland shark and other amazing sea creatures shows us how vital sustainable tourism and conservation are. Iceland’s marine life is a treasure trove of wonders. It lets us see these incredible animals while learning about local traditions and how to protect them.
The Greenland shark is truly remarkable, growing up to 6 to 7 meters long and living up to 200 years. It’s a symbol of the incredible marine life in Icelandic waters. But, we must practice responsible tourism to keep these wonders alive for others to see.
Visiting places like the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum teaches us about the Greenland shark’s importance. Here, you can try traditional fermented shark, or kæstur hákarl. These experiences highlight the need to support conservation, local communities, and a balanced ecosystem. Sustainable tourism makes our travels better and helps protect these amazing sea creatures for the future.
Greenland Shark Q&A
What is the lifespan of the Greenland shark?
The Greenland shark can live up to 500 years. It’s one of the longest-living vertebrates.
Where can I find Greenland sharks?
You can find Greenland sharks in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They live in cold, deep waters.
Are Greenland sharks dangerous to humans?
No, Greenland sharks are not typically a threat to humans. Despite their size.
What is hákarl?
Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish. It’s made from fermented Greenland shark meat. But it’s toxic unless treated specially.
Can you recommend a place to learn more about Greenland sharks in Iceland?
The Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum in Snæfellsnes is great. It teaches about Greenland sharks and hákarl.
What can I expect from a Greenland shark diving expedition?
Diving expeditions let you see Greenland sharks in their home. Guides share insights on their behavior and conservation.
Is it possible to snorkel or dive at the Silfra Fissure and see Greenland sharks?
Seeing Greenland sharks at Silfra Fissure is rare. But, divers enjoy clear water and explore a unique underwater world.
What other shark species can I see in Iceland?
In Iceland, you can see basking sharks, porbeagle sharks, and blue sharks. It depends on the season and area.
Are there specialized tours for shark watching in Iceland?
Yes, many tours focus on finding Greenland sharks and other species. They teach about conservation and observing wildlife responsibly.
What are some other incredible marine creatures to see around the world?
Around the world, you can see the huge Mola Mola in Indonesia. Also, vibrant nudibranchs in Scotland and the Giant Gippsland Earthworm in Australia.