Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Reykjavík’s harbor gives you a rare two-part wildlife outing: a small boat edges close to puffin islands, then a larger vessel searches Faxaflói Bay for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Old Skúli is the star of the first trip, thanks to its shallow draft and easy access to the birds’ rocky homes.

I like the way the package balances two very different outings, and I like the practical touches: warm overalls, indoor seating, and binoculars are supplied. Guides such as Patrick, known for his playful Patrick Pirate Puffin character, can make the bird trip lively as well as useful.

The main catch is that whales are wild animals, not scheduled performers. Sea conditions can be rough, sightings vary by season, and the classic boat spends a fair amount of time reaching the whale area, although the express option cuts that travel time.

Key points to know before you book

• Two separate cruises: Take both on one day or schedule them on different days.
• Old Skúli reaches the puffin islands: Its shallow draft lets the boat approach the birds more closely than a large vessel can.
• Andrea is spacious and family-friendly: The large whale-watching boat has indoor seating, a cafeteria, and an educational focus.
• Express means less time in transit: The faster whale boat reaches the viewing area sooner but keeps you there for the same amount of time.
• Best whale season is April through September: Sightings can be less likely outside those months.
• A free whale retry protects your budget: If no whales are spotted, you receive another whale-watching ticket.

Two Reykjavík cruises, two very different wildlife experiences

At $148 per person, this combo is not a cheap harbor outing. It is a full marine wildlife day built from two separate trips, and the value depends on how much you want both puffins and whales.

The puffin cruise is shorter, more focused, and less dependent on luck. The whale trip is longer and more dramatic when conditions cooperate, but it asks you to accept a real possibility of limited sightings. I see the package as a sensible choice for a first visit to Reykjavík, particularly from April through September, when the whale prospects are better.

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. The activity returns you there after each boat trip, so you are not committed to a one-way transfer or a distant marina. That makes the arrangement easy to fit into a city stay.

The two tours do not have to happen on the same day. That matters if you want to split up the time at sea, or if the forecast looks better on one day than another. If you take both together, pay close attention to the departure schedule so you understand which boat comes first.

Choosing your schedule: 9:00, 10:00, or 12:30

The schedule gives you three main patterns:

• The 9:00 AM departure begins with Classic Whale Watching, followed by Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• The 10:00 AM departure uses Express Whale Watching first, followed by Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• The 12:30 PM departure starts with Puffin Express, followed by Express Whale Watching at 2:00 PM.

The 10:00 AM option is attractive if you want the faster whale boat and prefer to finish with puffins. The 12:30 PM option lets you begin with the shorter bird trip, return to the harbor, and then head out for whales.

The 9:00 AM schedule uses the classic whale trip rather than the faster express boat. That vessel, Andrea, takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. The express whale trip lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours because the boat reaches the whale area faster, but you still get the same amount of viewing time there.

I would choose the express option if your main concern is time on the water before reaching the animals. I would choose Andrea if you want more room, a cafeteria, and a calmer educational setting for children or a mixed-age group.

Keep a little flexibility around the published schedule. The two trips return to the same harbor, and the changeover can be fairly quick. One account described roughly a half-hour between tours, so do not wander far for lunch or shopping.

Old Skúli and Reykjavík’s puffin islands

The puffin trip uses Skúlaskeið, better known as Old Skúli. This small boat has a shallow draft, meaning it can operate close to the low islands where puffins gather. A large whale boat would not offer the same access.

The trip to the puffin area takes about 15 minutes, according to the operating details described for the tour, and the full outing lasts about an hour. That short ride is a benefit if you are unsure about seasickness or have younger children who may lose interest on a long cruise.

You should expect to see puffins in their natural setting, flying around the islands, resting on the water, and gathering near the colony. The boat can get close, but do not expect every bird to fill your camera frame. Puffins are smaller than many first-time visitors expect, and binoculars make a real difference.

The crew supplies binoculars for the puffin trip. Bring your own if you have a good pair, but the included equipment means you can still follow the action without extra gear. The guide points out the birds and explains the surrounding bird life, which helps you understand what you are seeing rather than simply watching a dark blur zip past.

Puffin sightings are generally more dependable than whale sightings because the birds return to known breeding islands. Still, this is a wild colony, not a petting zoo. The boat observes from the water, and the experience is about seeing the birds where they live rather than stepping ashore.

You might also see other seabirds. Black guillemots were spotted on one outing, adding interest for anyone who enjoys birdwatching beyond the headline puffin. The water around the islands can be lively with calls and wings, and guides use the time to explain the birds’ behavior.

Guides can shape this short trip. Patrick, also called Patrick Pirate Puffin, is known for mixing science-based facts with jokes and stories. Other guides may lead your departure, but the setup allows for both a serious look at bird life and a light tone that works well for families.

Whale watching aboard Andrea or the faster boat

The whale portion takes you from Reykjavík into Faxaflói Bay, the broad bay outside the city. Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

The classic trip operates aboard Andrea, described as Iceland’s largest whale-watching boat. Its size gives you more room to move about, indoor seating when the wind bites, and a cafeteria for drinks and refreshments. Hot drinks are not included, but you can buy them onboard.

Andrea also has an educational and interactive focus. That matters because whale watching includes plenty of waiting. A good guide fills the quiet stretches with explanations about the animals, the bay, and the behavior you should watch for. The crew may point out a blow, tail, dorsal fin, or splash that you would otherwise miss.

The express boat is a different proposition. It is faster, so you reach the whale area sooner than on the classic vessel. The stated whale-watching time remains the same, but the overall trip is shorter, around 2 to 2.5 hours instead of 3 to 3.5.

That makes express a good fit if you have limited time or want to reduce the long ride across open water. The tradeoff is simple: a faster, smaller boat can feel less spacious than Andrea. The provided details do not promise a particular boat layout beyond the express format, so choose the classic trip if indoor room and a cafeteria matter most.

At the whale area, patience helps. On one good outing, people saw humpback and minke whales along with a school of dolphins. Another group watched six minke whales. Humpbacks may show a tail, spray, back, or splash, and dolphins can appear in groups, but there is no fixed pattern.

Some days produce a memorable close pass. A humpback whale has surfaced right beside the boat on a fortunate trip. On other days, the whales stay shy, and you may see only tails, blows, or brief splashes. That difference is not a flaw in the boat operation. It is the basic uncertainty of watching free-moving wildlife.

The crew’s job is to search carefully and direct your attention when something appears. Guides such as Rebecca have been praised for explaining the whales and helping people follow the action. You should still keep your eyes moving, since a whale may surface well away from the first sighting.

Weather, warm gear, and seasickness

Iceland’s sea can change the character of this activity quickly. The captain decides whether to sail based on weather, safety, and passenger comfort. That means a departure can be delayed or altered when conditions are poor, though the exact response depends on the day.

You receive warm overalls and can sit inside, but bring warm clothing underneath. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare for wet weather. One practical tip is to dress for spray even if the forecast looks mild. The overalls help, but they are not a substitute for sensible layers.

The whale cruise can feel rougher than the short puffin trip. A longer run into the bay gives the sea more time to build, and the boat may continue moving even when it slows to watch whales. Several people can feel unwell in those conditions.

The crew has medicine for seasickness, and on at least one rough-weather outing passengers were offered free pills ahead of time. Since the information does not promise a particular medication policy for every departure, ask the crew before sailing if you are concerned. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, the express boat’s shorter total time may be the better choice, but it is still a fast boat on open water.

The trip’s warm indoor seating is especially useful for children, older adults, and anyone who does not want to spend the whole cruise on an exposed deck. I would still step outside when the guide announces a sighting, since the best views may be from different sides of the boat.

How much value do you get for $148?

The $148 price covers two cruises, guides on both, warm overalls, indoor seating, binoculars on the puffin outing, and access to an app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Drinks and refreshments cost extra.

The strongest value comes from combining two boat trips without having to arrange separate bookings. You get a short, fairly focused puffin visit and a much longer attempt at whale watching. If you see dolphins, several whales, and active puffins, the price can feel well spent.

The weaker value appears if you are mainly interested in puffins. The bird trip is only about an hour, and the boat does not land on the island. You see the colony from the water, with binoculars helping you pick out details. If you have already seen puffins elsewhere, you may find this part less essential.

The package is also less satisfying if you expect guaranteed whale action. The free retry helps: if no whales are spotted, you receive another ticket at no charge. But a guarantee of another attempt is not the same as a guarantee that the second trip will produce a close encounter.

I like the package most for someone who wants variety. You are not placing the whole day on one type of wildlife. If the whales are quiet, the puffins may still deliver a lively hour. If the birds are less active, the whale trip gives you a longer chance to find marine life.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when Iceland’s weather and your wider itinerary are still moving around, but check the available departure time carefully before booking.

What kind of day should you expect?

The day is well paced when the connection works as planned. The puffin trip offers quick access to the islands, a guide’s explanation of bird behavior, and time to use binoculars. You return to the harbor before changing boats for the whale search.

The whale trip has a different rhythm. The ride out can be long on Andrea, especially before you reach the viewing area. You may spend much of that time listening to the guide, watching the water, and staying warm inside before heading out to look for a blow or fin.

The guides are a major part of the experience. The best moments are not only the animals themselves, but the instant a guide spots something and gives you a clear direction. Lively storytelling can keep children involved, while science-based explanations give adults more reason to stay alert during quiet periods.

I would not book this as a quick filler between tightly scheduled city activities. The classic whale option takes several hours, and even the express version requires time at sea. Give yourself breathing room before and after the cruise.

This is a good choice for families, first-time whale watchers, bird lovers, and anyone who wants an easy departure from central Reykjavík. It also works for photographers, though you should bring a camera with a useful zoom and accept that wildlife photography from a moving boat is unpredictable.

When the tour is at its best

April through September is the recommended whale-watching period. That does not guarantee sightings, but it gives you the strongest seasonal reason to plan the trip during those months.

Calm weather can make a huge difference. Smooth water improves comfort, lets the boat slow down more easily, and makes it simpler to keep a whale in view. Rough water does not always ruin the trip, but it can make photography harder and can leave some passengers focused on the horizon rather than the wildlife.

For puffins, the built-in island visit is the reliable half of the package. You should still bring binoculars if you own them, even though the operator supplies them. A small pair can help you follow birds from your own position without waiting for shared equipment.

I would consider booking the whale portion early in your stay if you have several days in Reykjavík. If the first trip produces no whales, the free ticket gives you a chance to try again. The information supplied does not promise that a second sailing will fit your schedule, so leave enough time to use it.

Should you book the Whales and Puffins Express Combo?

Book it if you want two distinct wildlife experiences, appreciate a lively guide, and can accept that whale watching is a search rather than a show. The puffin cruise is short but special because Old Skúli can approach the islands, while the whale trip offers real chances for minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises.

Choose the express whale option if you want to spend less time getting out to the bay. Choose Andrea if you value space, indoor seating, a cafeteria, and a more family-friendly boat.

Skip the combo if you only want a guaranteed close whale encounter, dislike open water, or have a very tight Reykjavík schedule. For most first-time visitors who want to see Icelandic wildlife without arranging several separate tours, the $148 price is reasonable, especially in the April to September season and with the free whale retry included.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combo tour last?

The listed duration is four hours, but the whale portion varies by boat. Classic Whale Watching lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, while Express Whale Watching lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check the selected departure when booking.

Can I take the puffin and whale tours on different days?

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

What animals might I see on the whale cruise?

Common sightings in Faxaflói Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

What happens if no whales are spotted?

You receive another whale-watching ticket free of charge if nothing is spotted on the tour.

Are puffin sightings guaranteed?

The tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin trip. The boat visits the islands where the puffins live and uses binoculars to help you see them.

Which whale boat should I choose?

The classic trip uses Andrea, a large and spacious boat with indoor seating and a cafeteria. The express option uses a faster boat that reaches the whale-watching area sooner while allowing the same amount of time in that area.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes. Prepare for wet weather, even though warm overalls and inside seating are supplied. Hot drinks and refreshments are available to buy but are not included.