Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Trying to capture the essence of Iceland’s wildlife without spending days on the water? This Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the country’s most iconic marine creatures in just half a day. Set out from the vibrant Old Harbor, and in a few hours, you’ll spot whales, puffins, dolphins, and probably learn a lot along the way.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides go beyond the basics, offering insights into animal behaviors and local wildlife. Second, the value for money really hits the mark—two separate, well-organized tours packed into a half-day adventure. Third, the comfort and safety are thoughtfully taken care of, with supplied overalls, binoculars, and inside seating options.

A possible consideration? The success of whale sightings depends heavily on weather and season, meaning there’s always a chance you might see fewer animals than hoped, or none at all. Still, the tour offers a full re-try with a free ticket if no whales are spotted, which adds peace of mind.

Ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of wildlife encounters and scenic views without committing to longer trips, this combo is perfect for families, bird lovers, or anyone looking for an efficient yet authentic Icelandic adventure.

Key Points

• Wildlife Diversity: Expect to see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Celine and Patrick bring energy, passion, and wealth of knowledge.
• Comfort & Convenience: Warm overalls, inside seating, and binoculars make the experience comfortable and accessible.
• Flexible Options: Choose between the classic Andrea boat or a faster express boat for whale watching.
• Wildlife Guarantee: If no whales are visible, you get a free ticket to return.
• Best Time to Go: Summer months (April to September) offer the best chance for sightings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Reykjavik Whale and Puffin Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. This central location makes check-in smooth, and the meeting point is easy to find. The tour lasts about 4 hours, but check the schedule for the specific departure times—most mornings and early afternoons are available, with the classic whale tour followed by the puffin trip or vice versa.

The tours are designed to be traveler-friendly, with options to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to adapt your Iceland itinerary. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if plans change.

The Whale Watching Experience

The main whale tour takes place aboard the Andrea, the largest whale watching vessel in Iceland. This boat is spacious, family-friendly, and equipped with a cafeteria, making it comfortable even on choppier days. The focus here is on education and interaction, with guides providing detailed, science-based commentary.

Most common sightings during the season include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Several reviewers praised guides like Celine for their enthusiasm and deep knowledge. As one reviewer said, “The guides on both tours were extremely knowledgeable about the thriving bird and whale life around Reykjavík.”

The Speedy Alternative

If you’re pressed for time or prefer a quicker trip, the express whale watching option leaves about an hour after the classic tour. It’s on a faster boat, allowing you to reach the whale area more quickly—saving you roughly 30 minutes of travel time—while still giving plenty of time to spot marine life.

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Puffin Watching on Old Skúli

After the whale tour, the experience continues with a puffin tour on the small boat Old Skúli (Skúlaskeið). This boat’s shallow draught means it can get closer to small islands where puffins breed, giving you fantastic up-close views.

Guides like Patrick are praised for their interesting facts about puffins and bird life, making it both educational and entertaining. Binoculars are provided to help you spot the tiny birds flying and nesting around the islands. Many reviews mention how close and active the puffins were—flying around, swimming, and calling out—creating a lively, memorable scene.

Wildlife Guarantee and Weather Considerations

Weather can always influence marine tours, and Iceland’s unpredictable ocean conditions mean sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, the tour’s sightings guarantee ensures that if no whales are seen, you can rebook for free. Several reviews mentioned plans being adjusted due to weather, with the crew communicating clearly and offering rescheduling options if needed.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

Reviewers consistently loved the enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides. Dani called the experience “one of the highlights of her Iceland trip,” noting that guides like Celine made the trip memorable with her energy. Maarja appreciated the educational aspect, especially the detailed explanations about whales and puffins, which added depth to the experience.

Seeing dolphins, black gullimots, and multiple whale species during the tours was a common highlight. Many travelers also appreciated the ease of check-in, comfortable onboard facilities, and the overall organization.

Practical Details and Value

The cost of the combo tour is justified considering it includes two tours, gear, and expert guides. The included overalls keep you warm, essential in Iceland’s often chilly and windy weather. The binoculars provided for puffin spotting significantly enhance the bird-watching experience, making it easier to see these small, quick birds in action.

The duration of 3 to 3.5 hours for the whale tour plus the puffin cruise makes it an efficient way to experience Iceland’s marine wildlife without feeling rushed or exhausted. The small group atmosphere and professional guides ensure personalized attention, which many reviews praised.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

This tour suits solo travelers, couples, families, and even groups interested in wildlife and photography. The family-friendly nature of the Andrea boat, along with the educational guides, makes it perfect for kids and curious adults alike.

For bird lovers, the puffin tour offers unforgettable glimpses of these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. For marine life enthusiasts, the chance to see whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Iceland’s pristine waters is a rare treat.

Weather and Seasonality

The best chance for sightings is during Iceland’s summer months (April to September). Outside this window, the chances diminish, but the tour still offers a beautiful boat ride and the opportunity to learn about local wildlife. As some reviews pointed out, weather conditions dictate sailing plans, and the crew always prioritize passenger safety.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo delivers a well-rounded wildlife experience that balances quality, comfort, and value. You’ll appreciate the expert guides like Celine and Patrick, whose enthusiasm and knowledge bring the wildlife alive. The variety of animals seen—from whales to puffins—offers a snapshot of Iceland’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

The included gear and flexible rebooking make it accessible and stress-free, especially if weather isn’t cooperating on your first try. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply want a memorable adventure, this tour provides a genuine, satisfying taste of Iceland’s ocean life.

For travelers seeking a short but rich outdoor experience, this combo is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who value educational guides, comfortable amenities, and the chance to see iconic seabirds and whales in a single outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Summer months (April to September) offer the highest chance of whale sightings and puffin activity.

What happens if I don’t see any whales?
You receive a free ticket to try again on a future tour, giving peace of mind if weather or marine conditions are less favorable.

Are the boats suitable for families?
Yes, especially the Andrea vessel, which is spacious, safe, and equipped with a cafeteria, making it family-friendly.

What gear is provided?
The tour supplies warm overalls and binoculars for puffin watching, ensuring comfort and better viewing.

Can I switch between the classic and express whale tours?
Yes. You can choose the faster express boat if you prefer to minimize travel time but still want ample time for whale spotting.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The whale tour runs approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, and the puffin cruise is around 1 hour, with time for transition in between.

Is there indoor seating during the tours?
Yes, both boats have inside seating to keep you warm and dry, especially important in Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

What animals might I see on the whale tour?
Most common are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
The tour operates in English, with additional app support in German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through platforms like GetYourGuide, with options to pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

In sum, this combo tour provides a well-organized, engaging, and value-packed way to tick off Iceland’s marine wildlife from your bucket list. Expect knowledgeable guides, close encounters with puffins, and hopefully, some whales splashing close by—all wrapped in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a snapshot of Iceland’s ocean life, without the long haul, and with a good dose of fun and education.

You can check availability for your dates here: