The electric boat Andvari on a tour.
(Photo:North Sailing)
Whale watching can be a magical experience.
There are few animal experiences which can match watching a whale breach or breeze by with a curious calf.
The electric boat Andvari on a tour. (Photo:North Sailing)
However, whale watching boat tourslike many other activitiesare not environmentally neutral.
Standard fuel-based engines produce carbon dioxide emissions.
The noise of these engines can also be disrupting to the local ecosystems, whales included.
Close encounter with a humpback whale. (Photo:North Sailing)
Founded in 1995, North Sailing changed the way Husavik approached their local whales.
These species include blue, fin, humpback, and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins.
Other species make appearances such as sperm whales and puffins.
A humpback whale fluke in front of the hybrid-electric sailboat Opal. (Photo:North Sailing)
Now about 100,000 tourists visit Husavik each year to see the sea creatures.
The Norse name Andvari means a silent breeze that glides silently through the air.
The silent whale watching tours aboard Opal and Andvari have been a hit with tourists andit seemsthe whales.
Minke Whale sunbathing. (Photo:North Sailing)
This could be very true, as scientists have notedwhales seem to prefer quiet waters.
North Sailing has a fleet of antique boats in addition to their silent electric options.
So far, they are responsible for the planting of 15,000 trees.
The hybrid-electric sailboat Opal while whale watching. (Photo: Nick Bondarev)
North Sailing is truly thinking about the whales and the future of eco-tourism.
North Sailing boasts Iceland’s only whale watching tour boats powered by renewable energy.
Close encounter with a humpback whale.
The Húsavík harbour, home of North Sailing. (Photo: Rafnar Orri Gunnarsson)
A humpback whale fluke in front of the hybrid-electric sailboat Opal.
The hybrid-electric sailboat Opal while whale watching.
The Husavik harbour, home of North Sailing.
A humpback whale. (Photo: Ales Mucha)
(Photo: Rafnar Orri Gunnarsson)
A humpback whale.
(Photo: Ales Mucha)
h/t: [The Guardian]
