Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Reykjavík does wildlife well, and this combo tour gives you two very different kinds of encounters in one smooth plan: puffins in close range from a small skiff, then a proper whale search out in Faxaflói Bay. It is one of the easiest ways to see more species without bouncing between separate tour companies.

What I like most is the puffin setup. You’re not stuck far out at sea, and you get the gear that actually helps you see the birds clearly, including binoculars plus warm overalls. I also really appreciate the safety and comfort touches on the whale portion, since you’re on a larger boat for several hours and you can stay warm inside.

The one drawback to keep in mind is that whale sightings are weather dependent. Even with an expert crew, animals can be shy that day, and you should plan for the possibility that you may not see whales on your first try.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Two boat styles, two wildlife styles: puffins up close on a shallow-draft skiff, whales from a larger whale-watching vessel
• Old Skúli (Skúlaskeið) gets you near the small islands where puffins live
• 100% sightings guarantee for puffins so this part is much less of a gamble
• Whale backup plan: if nothing is spotted, you get another ticket for free
• Comfort included: warm inside seating and crew-supplied overalls for both legs

Two wildlife trips in 4 hours, without the big logistics headache

This is a rare kind of combo because it is built around how the animals are actually seen. Puffins are best when you can get near their breeding islands, and whales are best when you can cover water efficiently and keep searching in the right area. That’s why the tour uses two different boats.

The whole experience is designed as a tight loop starting and ending at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. You meet at the Special Tours office at the harbor, then you head out, return for a quick handoff between the two legs, and go out again. The total time is listed as 4 hours, so it fits neatly into a normal travel day.

For me, the value is not just that it is two tours. It is that the tour tries to reduce your effort. Overalls, inside seating, binoculars, and guided interpretation are included, so you show up dressed for Iceland, not for guessing what to do next.

Puffin Express from Old Harbor: Skúlaskeið and the close-up factor

The puffin portion, called Puffin Express, runs from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and focuses on seeing the birds really clearly. The boat is named Skúlaskeið, often described as Old Skúli. This matters, because it has a shallow draught, meaning the captain can get closer to the smaller islands where puffins live.

That one detail changes the whole experience. When you’re near the colony zone, puffins feel more like neighbors than dots on the horizon. And when the birds fly around you, the viewing goes from photographic to genuinely fun.

You’ll stay warm with inside seating and overalls supplied by the crew. You also get binoculars for the puffin tour, which is huge because puffins can look smaller than you expect at first glance. The guides talk about bird life in Reykjavík’s surroundings, and the tone from the experience is very science-and-nature based, with lots of room for questions.

Also, you get a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin portion. That takes the sting out of the day, because puffins are generally more predictable than whales.

Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay: Andrea boats, species you can actually name, and a free retry

After puffins, the whale portion shifts gears. You head out to Faxaflói Bay for classic whale watching, or you can choose the express-style option depending on your departure time. The larger whale boat used for the classic tour is the Andrea, described as the biggest whale-watching boat in Iceland, with a cafeteria on board.

Why this matters for you: you’re on the water long enough that comfort affects how much you enjoy it. Inside seating helps, and there’s space to move around and reset your focus when the guide spots something ahead.

The most common animals in Faxaflói Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. That list is useful because it gives you a mental checklist while you’re looking through the spray. When guides point out key tells, like the shape of dorsal fins or how dolphins travel, you end up seeing more than just random splashes.

The tour also has a safety-first approach. Captains decide whether to sail based on weather and sea conditions, always prioritizing passenger safety and comfort.

And here’s the important part for your peace of mind: there is a guarantee-style safety net. If no whales are spotted on your whale tour, you get another ticket for free to try again.

Choosing classic versus express whale watching: more speed, same whale-time

The tour notes that there’s an express option that uses a faster boat and gets you out to the whale watching area quicker. If you choose that express departure option, the whale watching time in the area is still the same, even though the transfer to the site is quicker.

Think of it like this: you’re trying to reduce wasted minutes on the open water while keeping the main viewing portion intact. That tends to feel better when conditions are choppy, because less time traveling can mean less time fighting the boat.

The timing is listed clearly for the express whale option: it is about 2 to 2.5 hours for whale watching, while the classic whale portion is 3 to 3.5 hours. Either way, you’re still getting a guided search, just with different pacing depending on which departure you select.

How the departure times change your order: 9:00, 10:00, or 12:30

This combo can run in different sequences depending on which departure you book. The tour’s schedule is laid out in a way that lets you match it to your day.

• 9:00 AM departure: Classic Whale Watching first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 10:00 AM departure: Express Whale Watching first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM departure: Puffin Express first, then Express Whale Watching at 2:00 PM

So if your morning is freer and you want whales as the headline act, choose the earlier departure. If you’d rather start with something steadier and visually satisfying, start with Puffin Express at 12:30 PM, then tack on the whale search after.

One small practical tip: because puffins are guaranteed and whales are not, starting with puffins can reduce stress. But if whales are your top priority, go the other way and hope for a good whale day.

What to wear for real-world Iceland wind and spray

This tour is simple on paper, but the North Atlantic can be rude. Dress like you’re going out in cold wind, not like you’re strolling city streets.

Bring warm clothing and comfortable layers. Even with inside seating, you will be moving and watching from areas where spray and wind can reach you. The overalls included for the tour are a big help, especially for the puffin portion where you’re often focused on close-range viewing.

Also consider the timing. The tour notes that the best whale watching season is April to September, when chances are higher. Off-season can still be stunning, but your odds can drop for whales.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it. The tour depends on weather conditions, and sea conditions can change quickly. You can also ask onboard crew if they have help available for those who feel it, and you’ll likely be glad you did.

The comfort, gear, and guide part that you pay for (and actually use)

At $148 per person for a 4-hour combo, this is not the cheapest thing to do in Reykjavík. But when I look at value, I see a clear logic: you’re paying for two guided wildlife outings plus the gear that makes the experience easier.

Included items that matter on the water:

• Warm inside seating
• Warm overalls supplied
• Binoculars for the puffin tour
• Guides on both tours
• App in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese)
• A puffin sightings guarantee
• A whale re-try ticket if nothing is spotted on the whale leg

What is not included: hot drinks and refreshments, which you can purchase onboard.

The “app in multiple languages” point is underrated. When you’re tired and cold, having extra info available on your phone helps you connect the guide’s explanations to what you’re actually seeing.

And the guides are a core part of why this works. Some guides are known for high-energy storytelling and jokes, including a guide referred to as Patrick Pirate Puffin in past experiences. Another guide mentioned in past outings was Rebecca. You may not get the same person, but the quality of guiding and the focus on what you’re seeing comes through in the way the tour is run.

Who should book this combo, and who should think twice

This tour is a strong match for:

• First-time Iceland visitors who want Reykjavík wildlife without complex planning
• Families, since the experience is guided and boats are set up for viewing and comfort
• People who want both birds and whales, not just one species
• Anyone who likes being active outdoors but still wants gear provided for warmth

You might want to think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily and don’t handle choppy water well
• You are going specifically for whales as a guaranteed sighting, because whales can be shy and whales sightings are still weather and animal dependent

For most people, the combination works because puffins give you a high-likelihood win and whales provide the wild-card finale.

Should you book the Reykjavik Whales and Puffins Express combo?

If you want a single, well-guided plan that mixes puffins close up with a genuine whale hunt in Faxaflói Bay, I’d book it. The puffin portion has a 100% sightings guarantee, and the whale portion includes a free ticket retry if whales do not show.

To tilt the odds in your favor, choose a time that matches your energy level. If you prefer less time in transit and quicker access to the whale area, look at the express whale option. And if your trip is in the best season months, aim for April to September for better whale chances.

Finally, come prepared for cold and wind. Iceland does not care about your itinerary, but warm layers, the included overalls, and inside seating make it an easy day out rather than a misery test.

FAQ

Where do I meet for this tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the Whales and Puffins Express combo?

The total duration is listed as 4 hours.

What time options are available?

The schedule notes these departures: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:30 PM. The order of the two parts depends on the departure time.

What’s included for the puffin part?

The puffin tour includes warm inside seating, warm overalls, binoculars, a guide, and a 100% sightings guarantee for puffins.

How does whale watching work on this combo?

You do whale watching on a whale-watching boat with a guide, searching for whales in Faxaflói Bay. Common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

What if the whale tour does not see whales?

If nothing is spotted on the whale tour, you get another ticket for free to try again.

Is the express whale option faster?

Yes. The express option uses a faster boat, which gets you out to the whale watching area quicker. The time spent in the whale watching area is the same.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes. The crew supplies warm overalls for the tours.

Are hot drinks included?

Hot drinks and refreshments are not included, but you can buy them onboard.