ORCA (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Length: 6–9 meters
Weight: 3–9 tons.
Worldwide population: Unknown
Life expectancy: About 50 years

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are members of the dolphin family and belong to the toothed whales.

They are easily identified by their tall dorsal fin, which can be up to 1,8 m tall, and the dominant black and white color. Orcas are the fastest swimmers, and can reach a speed of 50 km/h. They can remain submerged for up to 20 minutes, but usually surface in 5 minute periods. The breathing cycle is 3 -4 consecutive times before diving.

Orcas are family bound, staying together in groups, known as pods. These pods either consist of females and their offspring or bachelors. The males temporarily leave their pods during mating season.

Their diet ranges from various fish species (e.g. herring, salmon) and squid to other marine mammals, like sea lions and smaller whale species or calves. Though according to scientists, the pod members will either specialize on fish ("resident pods") or marine mammals ("transient pods"), to be able to co-exist.

The Icelandic orca population (resident pods) is believed to be around 5,000 individuals. They can be spotted anywhere in Iceland, but most frequently in the rich herring grounds off the East Fjords, and the South and West coasts of Iceland. In summertime, orcas tend to be close to shore, in inlets and bays, but preferring deeper waters during the winter months.

Orcas are probably one of the best studied whale species world-wide, which is not only the result of extensive research, but also the attention generated by captured orcas in aquaria across the world. The most famous one, Keiko, the star of the Free Willy movies, returned home to Iceland in fall 1998, when he was brought to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands on a U.S. Air Force cargo plane. Keiko has made excellent progress since his arrival, and is under constant care of the Ocean Futures team.

They are not usual guests at our tours but occasionally the appear on our tours