Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Puffins, whales, and one useful bargain. This Reykjavik combo pairs a short cruise around Akurey with a longer search for whales in Faxafloi Bay. I like the two-tour price of $156.19, and I like having binoculars, warm overalls, blankets, and onboard guidance included. The catch is simple: wildlife makes the schedule, not the brochure. You could see humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and porpoises, or spend hours watching an empty sea.

The two trips feel quite different. The puffin boat is small, cozy, and focused, while the whale vessel gives you more room, Wi-Fi, toilets, warm coveralls, and time to search the bay. Guides such as Jo, Lucas, Blanca, and Patrick have earned praise for clear wildlife explanations and sharp eyes, though the quality of narration can vary. Bring warm layers and motion-sickness medicine, even in summer.

Key points before you book

• Two separate boat trips: You take a whale-watching cruise and a puffin cruise, usually on different vessels.
• Flexible order: You can choose which tour comes first, but you must reconfirm the exact cruise times with Special Tours.
• Akurey is viewed from the water: You circle the protected island, but you do not go ashore.
• Whales are never guaranteed: Minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and seals are possible sightings.
• Wildlife viewing can be distant: Binoculars help with puffins, but the boat may not get close enough for clear photographs.
• Good value for a half-day: At $156.19, the package makes sense if you want both experiences and accept nature’s uncertainty.

Two Reykjavik cruises with two very different moods

This experience begins at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area and lasts about four and a half hours, though the exact timing depends on the order of the boats and the day’s schedule. Hotel pickup is not included in the base price, but you can arrange it directly with the operator for an extra fee.

The whale trip is the longer outing. You board a larger vessel and head out into Faxafloi Bay, scanning the water for signs of life. The puffin cruise uses a smaller boat and usually lasts about an hour. That shorter trip is more targeted, taking you around Akurey, one of the islands where puffins gather during the breeding season.

I like this pairing because it gives you two different ways to experience Iceland’s sea life. The whale cruise feels like a proper open-water outing, while the puffin boat is a compact visit to a bird colony. If you only want one boat trip, the whale cruise offers more time and facilities. If puffins are high on your list, the smaller cruise gives you a better chance to focus on them.

The puffin cruise around Akurey

The puffin boat heads toward the rocky shores of Akurey and circles the island for viewing angles. The island is a protected breeding site, so you stay on the boat. That restriction is important, not a missed part of the tour. It protects the birds from foot traffic and keeps the boat at a respectful distance.

Your guide explains puffin behavior, feeding habits, and body features as you approach the island. You may see birds sitting on the water, flying close to the boat, or returning with fish. Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars can also appear, giving the short ride more variety than puffins alone.

The boat provides binoculars, which are useful when the birds gather on the island or sit farther from the vessel. Still, you should set your expectations carefully. Some outings bring puffins close enough for a satisfying look. On others, you mainly see birds flying around the island or resting at a distance. A few binoculars may be shared among passengers, so bringing your own pair can make the experience easier if you have one.

The small boat creates a more personal feel, but it can also feel crowded. One account described the vessel as too full for comfortable viewing, while another found the small size helped it approach the island more closely. Your best view may depend on where you can stand or sit, the tide, and the birds’ own movements.

I especially like the puffin cruise for families. One eight-year-old found it to be the favorite part of the day, and the clear, lively delivery of guides such as Patrick adds fun without turning the ride into a lecture. Just do not expect to step onto the island or pose beside puffins. This is wildlife viewing from the water.

Whale watching in Faxafloi Bay

The whale-watching section takes you farther from Reykjavik and gives you more time to search. The usual targets include minke whales and humpback whales, with white-beaked dolphins and porpoises also possible. Harbor seals and several bird species may appear as well.

The boat has warm overalls, free Wi-Fi, and indoor space where you can warm up. Some departures also have snacks and drinks available for purchase, though food and drinks are not included in the tour price. A provided blanket is mentioned for the puffin outing, while the whale vessel relies mainly on warm coveralls and indoor shelter.

The best guides make a real difference here. Jo and Lucas were praised for keeping the search lively and pointing out several humpbacks and minkes, including tail slaps. Blanca received similar praise for spotting whales, dolphins, and birds. Other accounts describe a funny narrator who knew when to speak and when to let the sea provide the entertainment.

That last point matters. Whale watching includes long stretches of scanning. You may see a blow, a fin, a back, or a tail before the animal disappears. You may also see nothing larger than a bird for a while. A successful trip can produce four humpbacks and dolphins, while another can produce only a possible glimpse of a minke.

The operator offers a free return ticket if you do not see any whales in Faxafloi Bay. That is helpful, but it does not guarantee that a second outing will produce a sighting. You also need enough time in your schedule to use the ticket, so this promise has more value if you are staying in Reykjavik for several days.

Wildlife is the star, and wildlife sets the rules

This is not a show with trained animals or fixed viewing points. Whales move freely, and the puffins decide where to sit and fly. The crew can exchange information with other boats and steer toward signs of activity, but nobody can order a humpback to surface beside your camera.

You should also expect responsible distance. The boat may not approach close enough for a sharp photograph, especially around the puffin island. That can feel disappointing if you imagined puffins perched within arm’s reach, but keeping distance protects a sensitive breeding area.

One concern raised about whale watching was the number of boats around the animals and how closely some vessels traveled. The operator says it follows the IceWhale code of conduct, and the guide works to find animals while observing wildlife rules. If ethical wildlife practices are a major factor for you, ask about current procedures before departure and pay attention to how the crew behaves on the water.

The most realistic goal is not a dramatic leap or a perfect photograph. Look for a puff of air, a dark back, a dorsal fin, a tail, or a group of dolphins moving across the bay. Those smaller moments can still make the trip worthwhile.

Comfort, weather, and seasickness

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the bay may be calm or rough. Several departures had smooth water, but others experienced strong motion on the whale boat. The crew may provide ginger candy, sick bags, or motion-sickness tablets, and warm overalls help once you are outside.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the issue seriously. The whale cruise is longer and goes farther from shore, so it carries more risk than the short puffin outing. Ask the crew about available medication before departure, and bring your own preferred remedy if you normally use one.

Wear warm clothing even if Reykjavik feels mild. Add layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and a hat. The cabin can provide relief, but you will want to step outside when a whale appears. A warm passenger is also a more patient wildlife watcher.

The tour is offered in English. A special tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Guide delivery can vary, and one account found a whale guide’s English difficult to follow, while others praised clear and entertaining narration. The app may help fill in information if you miss part of the commentary.

Timing, order, and the short break between boats

You have flexibility over which cruise comes first, but you do not simply board both boats at any time. Special Tours requires you to reconfirm the cruise times, so check the voucher and confirm before the day begins.

Some schedules put the whale cruise first, followed by a brief break and the puffin boat. One outing described only about ten minutes between boats, so do not plan a leisurely meal in the middle. Other schedules may reverse the order. Keep the half-day open rather than booking a tight lunch reservation or another activity immediately afterward.

The total duration is listed at about four hours and 30 minutes, but the individual whale cruise may run around two and a half to three hours, with the puffin trip near one hour. Boat changes are part of the plan. The two excursions are not one continuous cruise.

The meeting point and end point are both at the Reykjavik harbor meeting area unless you add hotel transfers. Public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The boat group is capped at 33 people, though the smaller puffin vessel can still feel busy when everyone wants the same view.

Is $156.19 good value?

The price is fair if you genuinely want both activities. Separate whale and puffin trips can add up quickly, and this package gives you warm gear, binoculars, commentary, Wi-Fi on the whale boat, and the chance to try again for whales if the first outing has no sighting.

The value drops if your main goal is close-up puffin photography. You may see many birds but still struggle to capture them clearly from the boat. The puffin cruise is also short, so it works better as an added experience than as a full day focused on seabirds.

The whale portion offers more time and a stronger range of possible sightings. A humpback, minke, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds can make it a very good use of half a day. Yet the cruise is also the part most affected by sea conditions and empty water.

I would call the price worthwhile for a flexible visitor who wants a broad introduction to Icelandic marine life. I would be less enthusiastic if you dislike boat rides, need guaranteed sightings, or have only one chance to photograph puffins at close range.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to families, first-time visitors to Reykjavik, and anyone who enjoys being on the water even when the animals keep their distance. The combination gives children two chances to spot wildlife, and the shorter puffin boat breaks up the longer whale search.

It also suits people who value convenience. The harbor meeting point is central, the two cruises can be arranged in different orders, and the package includes useful gear. You do not need to organize separate operators or compare several schedules.

I would think twice if you are very sensitive to motion, have limited time, or want a quiet, uncrowded boat. The whale vessel can be busy, and the puffin boat may feel tight. If your priority is photography, bring your own binoculars and accept that the best sightings may still be distant.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.

My booking verdict

Book this combo if you want a well-priced introduction to Reykjavik’s sea life and can treat sightings as a bonus rather than a promise. I especially like the strong guides, the warm gear, the return option after a whale-free outing, and the chance to see protected puffin colonies without disturbing them.

Book only the whale cruise if you care most about time at sea and larger marine animals. Choose the full package if puffins are a personal highlight, but remember that the birds may stay far enough away that binoculars do most of the work. With warm clothes, realistic expectations, and a flexible schedule, this is a solid half-day outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combined experience last?

The listed duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The whale cruise and puffin cruise are separate boat trips, and exact timing depends on the schedule and order selected.

Can I choose which tour I take first?

Yes. You have flexibility over the order, but you need to reconfirm the cruise times with Special Tours using the details on your voucher.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price. They may be arranged directly with the supplier for an additional fee.

What happens if I do not see any whales?

If you do not spot whales in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Snacks may be available to purchase on the whale-watching boat.

What equipment is provided?

The whale cruise includes free Wi-Fi and warm overalls. The puffin cruise provides binoculars and a warm blanket. A Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.