Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavík and looking to experience some of Iceland’s incredible wildlife, this Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour might just be a great fit. It offers a quick, yet comprehensive look at some of the region’s most adorable birds and majestic whales in just a few hours.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balance of different wildlife experiences—seeing puffins on a small, close-up boat trip and whales on a larger vessel. Plus, the added comfort of supplied overalls and inside seating makes it more enjoyable, especially if the weather isn’t ideal.

That said, a possible drawback is that this is a shorter tour, which means your chances of spotting whales might be lower during less ideal times of the year or under certain weather conditions. It’s not the best choice if you’re after an extensive whale-watching adventure, but it’s perfect if you want a well-organized, family-friendly dive into Iceland’s marine life without a full day commitment.

This experience suits travelers who want a practical, engaging, and relatively affordable way to see both puffins and whales without going on separate trips. If you’re new to wildlife tours or traveling with limited time, it’s a solid option.

Key Points

• Multiple wildlife encounters in one trip, including whales and puffins
• Expert guides with plenty of local knowledge
• Guarantee of sightings or free re-try, reducing worry about missing out
• Comfortable amenities like inside seating and supplied overalls
• Flexible options with standard or express whale-watching boats
• Family-friendly vibe on the larger whale boat, with a focus on education

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This combo experience is split into two main parts, both starting from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor: the puffin tour on a small boat called Old Skúli, and the whale watching on the Andrea, the largest whale boat in Iceland. You don’t have to do both on the same day, but most people combine them to make the most of their time and wildlife sightings.

Puffin Tour: Up Close with Iceland’s Charming Birds

The puffin trip takes you on the Old Skúli, a shallow-draught boat that can navigate close to islands where puffins breed. It’s a cozy, intimate experience that allows you to see these adorable birds flying and swimming around in their natural habitat. Guides are highly knowledgeable about seabirds, and you’ll get to use binoculars to spot puffins from a comfortable distance. Because of their nesting habits, puffins are easier to see, and most reviews highlight how close and lively the birds are during this part of the tour.

One reviewer called the puffin tour “fantastic,” praising the guide’s expertise and the close proximity to the birds. The 100% sightings guarantee ensures that even if the birds are shy or the weather isn’t perfect, you can come back for free to try again.

Whale Watching: Spotting Majestic Creatures in Faxaflói Bay

The whale tour operates on the Andrea, Iceland’s biggest whale watching boat. It’s spacious, family-friendly, and equipped with a cafeteria, making it comfortable for those who want a relaxed experience. The focus is on educating guests about the marine animals, with guides providing detailed commentary about what’s seen.

Most common whale sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. If whales are shy or weather conditions aren’t perfect, the crew’s experience helps them decide whether to sail, prioritizing passenger safety and comfort. Most reviews mention how professional and knowledgeable the guides are, often highlighting their storytelling skills and ability to pinpoint animals at sea.

You can opt for the standard tour (lasting 3-3.5 hours) or the faster ‘express’ tour, which reaches the whale area more quickly. The latter offers about 2-2.5 hours of whale watching but still provides plenty of time to see these incredible creatures.

How the Tours Are Structured

You’ll meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. Depending on your chosen departure time, your day might look like this:

• 9:00 AM: Classic whale tour + puffin trip at 12:30 PM
• 10:00 AM: Express whale tour + puffin trip at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM: Puffin tour first, then whale watching at 2:00 PM

You can switch between standard and express options, which adds flexibility based on your schedule and interest.

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What’s Included & What To Know

The package includes cruise trips, warm inside seating, overalls to stay dry, binoculars for puffin viewing, and guides on both tours. There’s also an app available in multiple languages, providing further info, which is a nice touch.

You’ll want to bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes, especially since weather at sea can be unpredictable. The tours are dependent on weather conditions, and the crew’s experience means they’ll cancel if it’s unsafe or unlikely to see wildlife. Still, if no whales are spotted, you get a full refund or free re-booking, which offers some peace of mind.

Refreshments aren’t included but are available for purchase onboard—easy to grab a hot drink after or during the tour if needed.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

Many travelers highlight how well-organized and informative the tours are, with guides sharing interesting facts that make the experience more meaningful. Several reviews mention seeing dolphins, multiple whales, and many puffins, making it clear how rewarding the trip can be if wildlife cooperates.

For example, one reviewer shared, “We saw dolphins several times and two kinds of whales. The guides were superb at explaining what we were seeing and how to spot them,” showing how comprehensive the experience is. Others appreciated the friendly guides and the opportunity to get close to puffins, thanks to the small boat’s design.

The value for money is often praised—you’re getting two distinct experiences in one trip, with the added assurance of a sighting guarantee and the comfort of warm gear and indoor seating.

However, some mention that the whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, which is typical for wildlife tours, but the free re-try policy makes it less frustrating. One review even said, “The whales were shy, but we still saw tails and sprays. The crew was very communicative about the situation,” emphasizing how transparent they are about potential outcomes.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who values well-informed guides, good amenities, and a chance to see both puffins and whales in a manageable half-day, this tour really ticks those boxes. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time but who still want a wildlife experience that feels authentic and well-organized.

It’s a particularly good choice if you’re visiting during the summer months, when whale activity peaks, and the weather tends to be more favorable. For families or those wanting a more relaxed, educational outing, the spacious whale boat with on-board facilities is ideal.

While it might not deliver full-day whale adventures or guaranteed sightings every time, the positive reviews and thoughtful planning make it a dependable and rewarding option for many travelers. The combination of seeing puffins up close and whales in their natural environment makes it a memorable Icelandic experience.

FAQ

Q: Is this tour suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, especially on the larger whale boat, which is family-friendly and spacious. Guides are knowledgeable, and the experience is engaging for all ages.

Q: Do I need to bring anything specific?
A: Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be on boats and exposed to sea winds. Binoculars are provided for puffin viewing, so just dress appropriately.

Q: What happens if no whales are seen?
A: The tour offers a 100% sightings guarantee for the whale tour. If no whales are spotted, you can get a free ticket to try again.

Q: Can I do the puffin and whale tours on different days?
A: Yes, they are two separate tours, and you can choose to do them on different days based on your schedule.

Q: How long does each part of the tour last?
A: The whale watching lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours (standard) or 2 to 2.5 hours (express). The puffin tour is shorter, around 1 hour.

Q: Is food available on board?
A: Not included, but hot drinks and refreshments can be purchased during the trip.

Final Thoughts

This Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour offers a practical, well-organized way to tick two iconic Icelandic wildlife experiences off your list. With knowledgeable guides, the comfort of indoor seating and supplied gear, plus the assurance of sightings or a re-try, it appeals to travelers looking for a reliable, engaging adventure.

While it’s not the full-day whale safari or a guaranteed wildlife encounter, it provides a balanced, enjoyable snapshot of Iceland’s marine life in just a few hours. It’s especially suitable for those wanting a family-friendly, educational experience with a good chance of seeing puffins and whales in their natural habitat.

If you’re after a value-packed tour that combines wildlife, scenery, and expert storytelling, this one deserves a spot on your Reykjavík itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: