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

Faxafloi Bay gives you two very different wildlife outings in one package: a roomy boat searching for whales and dolphins, followed by a smaller vessel circling Akurey for puffins and seabirds. The best moments can be simple, a humpback’s tail, a burst of dolphins, or a puffin skimming low over the water.

I like the discounted two-tour format, especially if you want a full morning on the bay without arranging separate bookings. I also like the practical touches: binoculars on the puffin cruise, warm overalls and Wi-Fi on the whale boat, and guides such as Jo, Lucas, Blanca, and Patrick who have been praised for sharp wildlife spotting and clear narration.

The catch is simple: these are wild animals, not performers. Whale sightings may be distant or absent, and puffins can remain farther from the boat than you hope. The puffin cruise is also short, and the smaller boat can feel crowded.

Quick points before you book

• Two boats, two moods: A larger whale-watching vessel covers open water, while a smaller boat circles the puffin island of Akurey.
• Puffins stay protected: You do not land on the island, and the boat keeps its distance from the breeding ground.
• Whales are not guaranteed: You may see humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds, or you may spend the cruise scanning empty water.
• The order is flexible: You can choose which tour comes first, but you need to reconfirm the cruise times with Special Tours.
• Bring your own optics if you have them: Binoculars are supplied on the puffin trip, though there may not be enough for everyone to use one pair alone.
• Weather matters: Warm clothing is essential, and rough seas can make the whale trip uncomfortable even when the wildlife cooperates.

Why this Reykjavik wildlife combo works

This package combines two separate boat trips from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. Together, they take about four and a half hours, though the exact schedule depends on the sailing times you receive.

The whale cruise is the longer outing. It carries you out into Faxafloi Bay, where the crew searches for minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises. The puffin cruise is shorter and more focused. You circle Akurey, a rocky island used by puffins and other seabirds, while the guide explains bird behavior and points out movement around the shore.

I see the package as a good fit for someone who wants variety. You are not putting all your hopes on one kind of wildlife. If whales do not appear, the puffin trip may still deliver. If the puffins are distant, the longer cruise may produce dolphins or a memorable whale sighting.

At $156.19 per person, the value depends on your priorities. It is not a bargain in the ordinary sense, but two separate marine excursions at a combined price can make sense during a short Reykjavik stay. You also save the time and effort of fitting separate bookings into your schedule.

The value is weaker if you want close-up animal photography. Boats must keep a respectful distance, and the puffin island is protected. You may see plenty of birds, but not necessarily the sharp, near-frame images you imagined.

Setting out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

The listed meeting point is Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. The whale trip boards at the Old Harbour, an easy area to reach by public transportation. Hotel pickup can be added directly through the supplier for an extra fee, but it is not part of the standard price.

You should arrive ready for a change in weather. Iceland can feel cold and windy on the water even when the city seems comfortable. Wear warm layers, sturdy shoes, and clothing that handles spray. Warm overalls are provided for the whale cruise, but they do not replace a good base layer, gloves, and a hat.

The whale vessel is described as comfortable and roomy, with a warm indoor cabin. You can step inside to warm up, then return outside when the guide spots activity. Wi-Fi is included, and snacks and drinks may be available for purchase on the whale boat, though food is not included in the tour price.

The atmosphere can vary with the sea. On calm days, the ride is easy and pleasant. On rougher days, it becomes a real ocean trip. Ginger candy, sick bags, and motion-sickness tablets have been available on some departures, but I would not rely on a boat operator to solve seasickness after it begins. If you know you are sensitive, plan ahead.

The whale cruise across Faxafloi Bay

The whale-watching portion usually takes the bigger share of the day. Your guide scans the bay and explains the animals you may encounter, including how whales surface, breathe, and feed.

The most common possibilities listed for this area are minke whales and humpbacks. White-beaked dolphins and porpoises also appear, along with many seabirds. Encounters can be brief. You might see only a fin or a back before the animal disappears. A more fortunate outing could bring several humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and even dramatic tail slaps.

This is where the guide makes a real difference. Good wildlife narration helps you understand what you are watching, but a sharp-eyed guide also saves you from staring at the wrong patch of water. Guides named Jo, Lucas, and Blanca have been praised for spotting animals and directing attention quickly. Another guide, Patrick, was singled out for mixing humor with clear information during the puffin portion.

Still, no guide can promise a whale. One departure may produce four humpbacks. Another may bring only dolphins. Another may show nothing larger than a distant blow. The company offers a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise if you do not see any whales in Faxafloi Bay. Check the exact redemption terms with the operator, since this does not turn a missed sighting into a guaranteed replacement encounter.

The long wait can test your patience. Some outings spend nearly two hours searching before anything appears. Keep your expectations modest and treat the boat ride itself as part of the experience. The changing view of Reykjavik from the water, the sea birds, and the chance to watch the crew work with other boats all add interest.

There is also an environmental point worth considering. Some passengers have felt that boats should keep greater distance from whales and reduce the pressure of several vessels around one animal. The operator follows the IceWhale code of conduct, but wildlife encounters can still raise questions about boat traffic and animal welfare. If responsible viewing matters to you, listen to the crew’s instructions and avoid treating every sighting as a photo contest.

The smaller boat to Akurey

The puffin cruise has a different feel. Instead of spending hours in open water, you take a shorter trip toward Akurey, a rocky island near Reykjavik. The boat circles the shore rather than landing, since the island is a protected breeding ground.

Puffins may sit on the water, gather on the rocks, or fly close to the boat. You may also see Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars. The guide explains puffin behavior, feeding, and physiology while you watch the birds work around the island.

This outing is often the more immediately satisfying part of the package. Puffins are active, colorful, and easier to spot than a whale that surfaces for seconds. On a good trip, you may see many birds around the island and watch them skim across the water.

But close is a relative term. The boat cannot simply pull onto the breeding ground, and it may not reach the island as closely as you expect. Binoculars are supplied, which helps, but some passengers have found that there are not enough pairs for everyone to use one continuously. If you own compact binoculars, bring them.

The boat is smaller than the whale vessel. That gives you a more intimate ride and can put you nearer to the island, but it also means fewer seats and less room to shift around. Crowding has been a concern on some departures. If you care about a clear view, get settled early and be prepared to share sightlines.

The puffin cruise itself can last about an hour or less, depending on the schedule and conditions. It is not a landing, a colony walk, or a chance to see nests up close. Think of it as a respectful boat-side look at seabirds in their natural setting.

Choosing the tour order

One useful feature is the freedom to choose which trip comes first. Your schedule may place the whale cruise in the morning and the puffin trip afterward, or reverse the order.

This flexibility helps if you have other plans in Reykjavik. It can also matter for your stomach. If the forecast or sea conditions look rough, you may prefer to handle the whale cruise early, then finish with the shorter puffin outing. On the other hand, a calm morning could make the longer cruise more pleasant.

Do not assume the order shown when you book is final. You need to reconfirm the cruise times with Special Tours using the details on your voucher. This matters because the two tours use different boats and may have a short gap between them.

One schedule described by a passenger included a three-hour whale trip, a short break of roughly ten minutes, and then the puffin cruise. That leaves little time to wander away from the harbour. Keep your day loose, and do not place a tight restaurant reservation immediately afterward.

Guides, narration, and the onboard feel

The strongest part of the experience is often the human one. Guides explain what you are seeing, point out animals, and help turn waiting into something useful.

The puffin narration has received especially warm praise when delivered with humor and clear English. Patrick was remembered as both funny and informative. On the whale boat, Jo and Lucas were praised for keeping the group informed and locating several kinds of whales. Blanca was also noted for directing attention to whales, dolphins, and birds.

Quality can vary by departure. One passenger found the whale guide’s English difficult to follow, while another felt the narration was too quiet or unengaging. That is a fair warning for anyone who depends on commentary to get the most from the outing. The included Special Tours app may help, with English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese available.

The boats also shape the experience. The large vessel offers a warm cabin and more stable viewing areas, while the small puffin boat brings you closer to the island but gives you less personal space. Neither setup guarantees a better sighting. You are balancing comfort against proximity.

Photography and what you will actually see

Bring a camera, but set your expectations sensibly. A whale may surface far away, and puffins may be visible mainly through binoculars. You are more likely to capture a memorable sequence than a perfect portrait.

For whales, watch for the guide’s direction rather than staring through your viewfinder the whole time. A humpback’s back, blow, or tail can appear and vanish in seconds. For puffins, a fast shutter speed helps with birds in flight, but the distance may still limit image quality.

The best approach is to enjoy the sight first and photograph second. If you spend the entire trip checking your screen, you may miss the short moment that made the outing worthwhile.

Who will get the most from this package

I would recommend this combo to:

• Families who want two different wildlife experiences in one outing
• First-time visitors with limited time in Reykjavik
• People who enjoy being on the water even when sightings are uncertain
• Anyone especially interested in puffins, seabirds, whales, or dolphins
• Budget-minded visitors who would otherwise book both tours separately

The package may not suit you if you need guaranteed sightings, have severe motion sickness, or want close animal contact. It is also less appealing if you mainly want professional wildlife photos. The distance, weather, and protected island rules are part of the deal.

Most travelers can participate, and the maximum group size is listed as 33 people. That is not a tiny private outing, but it is manageable compared with a very large sightseeing cruise. Hotel transfers are optional and cost extra, so check the full price before you decide.

Practical value, weather, and cancellation

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The real practical expense is not just the ticket. Add possible hotel pickup, food, drinks, and any motion-sickness remedy you need. You should also allow time before and after the four-and-a-half-hour activity, since boat schedules can shift with sea conditions and wildlife searching.

I like that warm overalls, Wi-Fi, binoculars, and the repeat whale ticket are built into the offering. Those touches reduce some of the usual costs and soften the disappointment of an empty whale search. They do not remove the basic uncertainty of wildlife watching.

Should you book the Iceland Super Saver?

Book it if you want a convenient Reykjavik wildlife day and can accept that nature sets the schedule. The whale trip offers the larger sense of adventure, while the puffin cruise gives you a focused look at Iceland’s seabirds from a smaller boat.

I would give the package its strongest recommendation to families and first-time visitors who want variety. If your main goal is puffins, the shorter cruise is a worthwhile add-on, but do not expect to land on Akurey or see birds at arm’s length. If whales are your priority, the free return ticket is useful insurance, though you still need time for another attempt.

Wear more clothing than you think you need, bring personal binoculars if possible, reconfirm both sailing times, and keep your schedule open. With those expectations, the $156.19 price can be fair value for a full half-day on the water. Just remember that the ticket buys the search, not a guaranteed animal performance.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combined experience take?

The total duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The exact length and order of the two boat trips can vary, so reconfirm your cruise times with Special Tours.

Can I choose which tour comes first?

Yes. The package allows flexibility in choosing the order of the whale-watching and puffin cruises. Confirm the assigned times before you go.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Whales are wild animals, and sightings are not guaranteed. If you do not see any whales in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

What animals might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars.

Are binoculars and warm clothing provided?

Binoculars are included on the puffin cruise. Warm overalls are provided on the whale-watching cruise. You should still wear warm clothes, since conditions can be cold and windy.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the listed price, but you can purchase pickup directly from the supplier for an additional fee.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.