Two-In-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to see some of its most iconic wildlife, this Two-in-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tour might just be a great fit. It offers a chance to tick off two major bucket-list experiences in one go—spotting puffins on a small boat trip and whale watching on a larger vessel—making it a time-efficient way to connect with nature.

What we really like about this tour is how it’s structured to give you two distinct wildlife encounters, all within a manageable half-day. Plus, the expert guides and the thoughtful amenities like heated indoor viewing areas and binoculars definitely stand out. However, keep in mind that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, especially with puffins that can be quick and shy. This tour is best suited for travelers who love boats, wildlife, and are okay with a bit of unpredictability.

Overall, if you’re keen on a well-organized, informative experience that balances adventure with comfort, this tour offers solid value. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see Iceland’s stunning creatures without spending a whole day on separate trips.

Key Points:

• Dual Experience: Combines puffin and whale watching in one tour, saving time and effort.
• Comfort & Safety: Heated indoor areas and protective gear keep you cozy regardless of weather.
• Wildlife Guarantee: If you don’t see whales, you can ride again for free—adding peace of mind.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff share interesting facts and stories, enhancing your understanding.
• Flexible Schedule: About 4 to 6 hours, with free time in Reykjavik for lunch and exploration.
• Good Value: At $140 per person, it packs two wildlife tours with amenities, making it a worthwhile deal.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Overall Setup

The tour kicks off at Elding Whale Watching’s base in Ægisgarður, in Reykjavik’s charming Old Harbour. From here, you’ll get a sense of Iceland’s vibrant maritime culture, with a lively harbor that’s perfect for a morning or early afternoon adventure.

The tour is split into two parts, each with its own boat. The first leg takes you on a smaller vessel to Lundey, a nearby island famed for its puffin colonies during breeding season. The second part involves a longer cruise out into Faxaflói Bay to chase whales and perhaps dolphins too.

The overall duration is roughly 4 to 6 hours, which includes free time for lunch and some flexibility. This pacing is quite convenient for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a taste of Iceland’s marine life without committing to a full-day tour.

Puffin Watching: Lundey Island

The first stop, about an hour, is dedicated to puffin viewing. The smaller boat is designed for closer encounters, sailing up to Lundey, one of Iceland’s prime puffin habitats. You’ll be on a vessel that’s more intimate and maneuverable, ideal for birdwatching.

Passengers often borrow binoculars provided on board or bring their own zoom cameras. The reviews highlight how close some managed to get—”the puffins were closer than I expected,” said one traveler—making this a delightful experience for bird lovers and photographers alike.

While puffins do tend to flutter quickly, their adorable appearance and lively behaviors make up for their skittishness. Expect to see hundreds of puffins during breeding season, and enjoy the chance to learn about their habits from the guides. Many reviewers mention how informative and friendly the staff is, sharing interesting facts that deepen the experience.

A key point here: if you’re hoping for close-up photos of puffins, be prepared for some challenge—they are small, quick, and often on rocky cliffs or flying around. Some reviewers noted they wished they could get closer, but considering the wild nature of these birds, it’s a fair limitation.

Free Time & Lunch in Reykjavik

After the puffin tour, you’ll have about 1.5 hours in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area. This is a perfect window for grabbing lunch at one of the many local restaurants—fish, seafood, and Icelandic specialties abound. Staff at Elding are happy to recommend spots, which adds a nice touch of local flavor to your day.

This break is also a good chance to stretch your legs, browse local shops, or simply relax before heading out for the whale watch. Keep in mind that weather can influence your experience, so dressing comfortably and warmly is wise—layers are your friends.

Whale Watching: Faxaflói Bay

The second part of the adventure takes you on a larger vessel out into Faxaflói Bay. Here, the cruise lasts around 3 hours, and your goal is to spot whales like minke, humpback, and possibly even dolphins and porpoises.

This leg of the tour is where most visitors report seeing a variety of marine mammals, sometimes multiple species in one trip. Several reviews mention incredible sightings: “We saw several humpback whales, a pod of dolphins, and hundreds of puffins,” one traveler raved. Others appreciated that the boat maintained respectful distances from the animals, so their natural behaviors weren’t disturbed.

What really adds peace of mind is the sighting guarantee—if you don’t see whales, you’re allowed to try again on another day for free. This policy is a smart way to handle the unpredictability of wildlife tours. Many guests found this reassuring, knowing they wouldn’t be leaving empty-handed due to chance.

The boat itself is well-equipped with heated indoor saloons and large viewing windows, so even if the weather is less than perfect, you’ll stay comfortable. Plus, complimentary WiFi helps you share photos live or catch up on messages during the cruise.

Guides & Commentary

All along, the guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Many reviews highlight how marine biologists or experienced guides enhance the trip by sharing fascinating stories and facts, making the experience both fun and educational.

For example, travelers note how the guides’ ability to identify and explain the wildlife adds a layer of richness. One reviewer even said, “The guides were incredibly informative, and the trips were comfortable. The whales were so majestic that my partner literally cried.” That emotional reaction speaks volumes about how impactful observing whales can be.

Wildlife & Sighting Success

While the natural world is inherently unpredictable, many guests report great success. Sightings of whales, dolphins, puffins, and porpoises are common, with some experiencing multiple species in one trip. The reviews paint a picture of exciting wildlife encounters, often exceeding expectations.

However, a few mention that, despite the effort, the puffins can be too far or too quick to photograph easily. One reviewer summed it up: “The puffins were a disappointment because they were too far or fluttered too fast,” but still appreciated the overall experience.

Weather & Rescheduling

Weather is always a consideration when sailing in Iceland. A couple of reviews mention that wind or other conditions prevented them from going out, but staff communicated swiftly and clearly, which is crucial. If canceled due to weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund, so flexibility is built in.

Price & Value

At $140 per person, this combo tour offers good value. You get two distinct wildlife experiences, use of binoculars, heated indoor spaces, and a wildlife guarantee—all included in the price. When you consider the cost of separate trips, this package makes a compelling case for efficiency and savings.

The reviews support the idea that it’s worth the price—many guests felt they received a lot of bang for their buck, especially with the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see multiple species.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Two-in-One wildlife tour is perfect for travelers who love being out on the water, appreciate expert guidance, and want a variety of wildlife encounters without committing to separate trips. It’s a good pick for anyone comfortable with boat rides—smaller vessels for puffins and larger ones for whales—and who isn’t overly concerned if every sighting isn’t guaranteed.

While not ideal if you’re set on close-up photos of puffins or aiming for a highly predictable encounter, it offers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and comfort. Families with older children, wildlife enthusiasts, and even those who just want a relaxing day exploring Reykjavik’s marine life will find this tour rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children under 13 are required by law to wear life vests at all times.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect around 4 to 6 hours, including free time for lunch and travel between stops.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, layers, and a camera or binoculars if you have them—though binoculars are provided onboard.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular, booked on average 56 days ahead.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
The tour has a sighting guarantee—if no whales are seen, you can go again free of charge.

Are there amenities onboard?
Yes, heated indoor saloons with large viewing windows, WiFi, and protective gear are included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations for poor weather are free if notified 24 hours in advance, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is food available?
Food and drinks can be purchased on board; bringing snacks is also a good idea.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

Can I upgrade or customize this experience?
The description suggests this is a standard package; for bespoke options, contact the provider directly.

In the end, this tour offers a practical way to experience some of Iceland’s most charming wildlife from the comfort of well-equipped boats. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a memorable outing in Reykjavik, it strikes a good balance of adventure and ease.