Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Two boats, one very full wildlife day. This Reykjavík whale and puffin cruise combo gives you two distinct sea trips from the Old Harbor: a small boat ride to puffin islands and a longer search for whales in Faxaflói Bay. I like the warm overalls, the friendly guides, and the sensible free return ticket if the whale search comes up empty. The main catch is simple: wildlife follows its own schedule, and puffins can look smaller and farther away than you expect.

I also like the choice between the roomy Andrea and the faster whale-watching boat. The guides, including Patrick, Alex, Oscar, Celine, and others, have earned praise for mixing facts with humor. Still, the puffin boat can feel crowded, and the whale trip may involve rough water, so this is not a perfect fit for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before sailing

• Two separate boat tours: You can take both on the same day or use them on different days.
• Puffin boat Old Skúli: Its shallow draft allows it to approach the islands where puffins gather.
• Whales commonly seen: Minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises are the usual targets.
• Choose your whale boat: The classic Andrea trip lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, while the express option uses a faster boat and lasts 2 to 2.5 hours.
• Free whale return ticket: If no whales are spotted, you receive another ticket to try again.
• Best season: April through September generally offers the strongest whale-watching chances, while puffins are seasonal birds.

Two cruises from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

The tour begins at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. That location is handy if you are already exploring the waterfront, and the check-in process has been described as easy. You should still arrive ready for an outdoor activity, with warm layers and comfortable clothing.

This is not one continuous cruise. It is a combination of two separate outings, each with its own boat and guide. Depending on the departure you choose, you may return to the harbor between trips for a short changeover.

The published schedule works like this:

• The 9:00 AM departure starts with classic whale watching, followed by Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• The 10:00 AM departure uses the express whale boat first, followed by Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• The 12:30 PM departure begins with Puffin Express, followed by express whale watching at 2:00 PM.

The full combination is sold as a four-hour activity, though the exact rhythm depends on the boat option and any transfer time. You do not have to use both tickets on the same day, which is useful if your Reykjavík schedule is tight or the weather changes.

Puffin Express on Old Skúli

The puffin portion uses Skúlaskeið, better known as Old Skúli. It is a small boat with a shallow draft, which lets it get close to the little islands where puffins breed. That design matters more than it may sound. A large whale boat would not offer the same view of the rocky bird colonies.

The ride to the islands takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes in some accounts, followed by time near the birds and a ride back to the harbor. The boat may also stop near more than one island, depending on conditions and where the birds are active.

Puffins are not trained performers. They fly, swim, land, and lift off when they please. You may see hundreds in the air or bobbing on the water, along with other seabirds such as black guillemots and gulls. On especially active trips, the air around the islands can feel packed with birds.

The best view is usually not a close-up portrait. Several people found the puffins harder to photograph with a phone than expected. The birds may remain on the island or skim across the water, and the boat cannot simply pull right up to the nesting ground. The crew supplies binoculars for the puffin tour, either as part of the setup or on request, and they make a major difference.

I would treat the puffin portion as a wildlife-viewing cruise rather than a photo shoot. You get to see the birds in their home environment, not in a staged enclosure. That is the real value, but it also means you need reasonable expectations about distance.

The guides add much to the trip. Patrick, sometimes introduced with the playful nickname Patrick Pirate Puffin, has been praised for his bird facts, humor, and ability to keep children interested. Other guides have also received strong marks for explaining bird behavior and pointing out species beyond puffins.

One caution: the small boat may feel packed, and if you sit outside, wind and engine noise can make the commentary difficult to hear. If the guide’s talk matters to you, try to stay where you can see and hear the speaker clearly.

Whale watching aboard Andrea or the express boat

The whale trip takes you out toward Faxaflói Bay, the broad body of water off Reykjavík. The classic trip uses Andrea, described as Iceland’s largest whale-watching boat. It has plenty of indoor seating, a cafeteria, and an educational focus, making it a good choice for families and anyone who wants room to move around.

The classic whale cruise lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours. Much of that time is spent traveling to the whale-watching area and returning to port, though the boat gives you time to watch once wildlife is found.

The express option uses a faster boat. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours overall and reaches the viewing area sooner, while still giving you the same amount of time in the whale area. If you have limited time in Reykjavík, I can see the appeal. You spend less of the outing simply getting there.

The usual sightings in Faxaflói Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. A lucky trip can bring repeated sightings of humpbacks, including breaches, tail slaps, fin slaps, sprays, and rolling whales. Some trips have produced large groups of humpbacks and dolphins swimming beside the boat.

But whale watching is never a stage show. On slower days, you may see only a blow, a tail, or a distant back. You may also see no whales at all. The company offers a free ticket for another attempt if nothing is spotted, which is a meaningful safeguard given the uncertainty of nature.

The captain decides whether to sail based on weather, sea conditions, safety, and passenger comfort. One trip was cancelled because of rough seas, with clear communication and an automatic refund for the whale portion when rescheduling was not possible. That is frustrating if your itinerary is packed, but it is the right call on Icelandic water.

What the boats mean for comfort

The two boats create very different experiences. Old Skúli is nimble and well suited to the puffin islands, but it offers less space and can rock noticeably. Andrea is larger, steadier in feel, and better equipped for a long trip, with indoor seating and a cafeteria.

The express whale boat saves time, but faster does not always mean smoother. You should bring warm layers even if Reykjavík feels mild at the dock. The crew supplies insulated overalls, and these were repeatedly praised for keeping people warm and dry during windy, wet conditions.

You can sit inside, step outdoors for a better view, and return inside when the cold takes over. That flexibility is important because standing outside for several hours can turn a thrilling trip into an endurance test.

If you are sensitive to motion, ask the crew about seasickness medicine. Pills have been available on some departures, and one trip gave passengers advance notice about rough water. The sea can become choppy once the boat slows near the whales, which is often when you most want to keep your eyes trained on the water.

Bring waterproof outerwear despite the supplied overalls. A rainproof layer, warm socks, gloves, and a hat will make the trip more pleasant. Your camera or phone should also be protected from spray.

The guides make the wildlife easier to understand

The guides do more than announce a whale’s location. They explain how to spot a blow, why a whale surfaces in a certain pattern, and what the animals may be doing. That guidance is especially useful for first-time whale watchers, since a distant back can vanish before you know where to look.

Several guides have been singled out for their personality. Alex has been praised for detailed marine facts and obvious enthusiasm. Patrick brings humor and strong bird information. Oscar, Celine, and other crew members have also been described as clear, energetic, and happy to answer questions.

This matters because a whale-watching trip can involve long quiet stretches. Good commentary turns waiting into part of the experience rather than dead time. It also helps you understand why the captain may move, slow down, or keep a respectful distance from the animals.

The tours also encourage responsible viewing. You will not be promised guaranteed whale behavior or a close encounter. The puffin guarantee means the company expects you to see puffins, not that the birds will sit still for your perfect photograph.

Is $153 a fair price?

At $153 per person, this is not a budget activity. Iceland’s excursions are costly, and one person felt the combination was overpriced. That criticism is fair if you are mainly after a quick boat ride or if you have already seen puffins and whales elsewhere.

The value improves if you want both kinds of wildlife without arranging separate bookings. You get two cruises, guides on both, warm overalls, indoor seating for the larger boat, and binoculars for the puffin trip. The free whale return ticket also reduces some of the risk when sightings fail.

I think the price makes the most sense for a first Iceland visit, families, and people who want a half-day wildlife outing with little planning. It makes less sense if your budget is tight, if you dislike boats, or if your main goal is close wildlife photography.

The strongest value comes on an active day. Seeing humpbacks breach, dolphins swim beside the boat, and hundreds of puffins circle the islands can make the cost feel justified. A quiet whale day will feel more expensive, even though the crew may work just as hard.

When should you book it?

April through September is identified as the best period for whale watching, with lower chances at other times of year. Puffin sightings also depend on the birds being present around the breeding islands, so the timing of your visit matters for both halves.

Book with enough flexibility to accept a weather change. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those terms are useful in Reykjavík, where wind can change plans quickly.

If you are choosing between whale schedules, take the express boat when your day is crowded. Choose the classic Andrea when you prefer a larger vessel, more indoor room, a cafeteria, and a gentler family setup.

Who will enjoy this combo most?

This tour fits you well if you:

• Want both whales and puffins in one Reykjavík activity
• Enjoy nature even when sightings are not guaranteed
• Prefer guided wildlife viewing to an independent boat rental
• Are traveling with children who benefit from indoor seating and lively commentary
• Have only half a day for a marine excursion
• Like the idea of trying again for free after a no-whale outing

You may want another activity if you dislike cold, wind, or boat motion. You should also think twice if your priority is close-up wildlife photography. Puffins can remain at a distance, and whales may surface too briefly for a perfect shot.

Should you book the Reykjavík whale and puffin combo?

I would book this if you want a well-organized introduction to Icelandic sea life and can accept nature’s uncertainty. The guides, warm clothing, binoculars, choice of whale boat, and free whale return policy give the package practical strength.

Book it for the overall experience, not a promise of cinematic whale breaches. The puffin islands provide a reliable wildlife focus, while the whale trip supplies the bigger thrill when conditions line up. If you are short on time, choose the express whale option. If comfort matters most, choose Andrea.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor.

How long does the combo tour last?

The advertised duration is four hours. The classic whale cruise lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, while the express whale option lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Can I take the two tours on different days?

Yes. The whale and puffin cruises are separate tours, so you do not have to take them on the same day.

What animals might I see?

Common whale-tour sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The puffin trip focuses on puffins and may also include other seabirds.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

The tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin trip. The birds may still be at varying distances from the boat.

What happens if no whales appear?

You receive a free ticket to try the whale-watching tour again if nothing is spotted.

Which whale boat should I choose?

The classic option uses the large Andrea boat, with indoor seating and a cafeteria. The express option uses a faster boat and reaches the whale area sooner while keeping the same viewing time there.

Are warm clothes provided?

The crew supplies warm overalls and offers warm inside seating. You should still bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes.

Are drinks included?

No. Hot drinks and refreshments are available to buy on board but are not included in the price.