Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want to see its incredible marine life, this Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo offers a well-rounded glimpse of both. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply after a scenic boat ride, this tour promises memorable moments along Reykjavík’s coast. It’s a package that combines two distinct experiences—whale watching and puffin spotting—on comfortable, well-equipped boats.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances family-friendly comfort with authentic nature encounters. The bigger boat, Andrea, provides spacious, comfortable seating and educational guides, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed, informative experience. Meanwhile, the smaller Skúlaskeið allows for close-up puffin viewing, bringing you face-to-beak with these adorable birds. A potential concern? The weather can influence sightings, especially for whales, which means patience and flexibility are part of the package.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value wildlife encounters without the hassle of multiple bookings or long excursions. If you’re traveling with family, want an efficient way to see both whales and puffins, or simply enjoy boat rides in a scenic setting, this combo will hit the mark.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Combines whale watching and puffin spotting in one tour
• Family-friendly: Spacious boats and knowledgeable guides provide engaging info for all ages
• Weather-dependent: Success depends on ocean conditions, especially for whale sightings
• Value for money: Includes gear, binoculars, inside seating, and a 100% sightings guarantee
• Flexible options: Choose between a classic longer tour or a faster express whale watch
• Authentic wildlife encounters: Get close to puffins and possibly see whales, dolphins, and porpoises

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

The tour begins at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor, a central location easy to find within the busy dockside area. You’ll meet your guides and get suited up with warm overalls—crucial protection against Iceland’s brisk sea breezes—and settle into your seat on the boat, Andrea, which is the largest whale watching vessel in Iceland. Its spacious interior offers protection from the wind and rain, with the added comfort of an on-board cafeteria, so you can stay warm and refuel if needed.

For those opting for the puffin tour first, you’ll board the smaller Skúlaskeið, which is perfect for bird watching due to its shallow draft. It can approach nesting islands closely, giving you a better shot at seeing puffins in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll transfer to the larger vessel for the whale watching, or vice versa, depending on your schedule.

Itinerary Breakdown

Puffin Tour

The puffin trip typically lasts about an hour and takes you to a nearby island where these charming seabirds breed and nest. As reviews highlight, the guides are very knowledgeable about local birdlife, making the experience not just fun but also educational. The use of binoculars—supplied for free—helps you spot the smaller birds flying around the colonies. Many reviewers mention how close the boat gets to the puffins, with some saying they could see “loads of puffins flying and making noise,” which adds to the lively atmosphere.

One review even states, “The Puffin tour was more enjoyable than I expected,” emphasizing how even casual observers can enjoy the spectacle. The 100% sightings guarantee gives peace of mind; if no puffins are seen, you can get a free ticket to try again.

Whale Watching

The second part of the tour is the classic whale watching on the Andrea, lasting about 3 to 3.5 hours. The focus here is on spotting species like minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The experience is made more engaging because guides are well-versed, providing commentary about the whales and their behavior.

If you prefer to cut down on travel time, you might opt for the express whale watching instead. It’s a faster boat that gets you out to the whale area in about 1 hour, giving you about 2 to 2.5 hours in the whale zone. Several reviews praise this option, noting that it offers the same quality of sightings in less time. One happy customer described their experience as “seeing whales and dolphins, and even a humpback that liked to show off,” which underscores how lucky moments can happen.

What to Expect During the Trip

The boats are equipped with inside seating to offer shelter, which is particularly helpful given Iceland’s unpredictable weather. You’ll stay warm with your supplied overalls, and guides will have binoculars available to enhance your viewing experience. Onboard, you’ll also find educational commentary in multiple languages via an app, making the experience accessible for international visitors.

While the chances of whale sightings depend on ocean conditions—something the crew carefully monitors—the tour’s flexible re-booking policy allows you to return for free if no whales are spotted. This policy alone adds value, especially considering the sometimes elusive nature of whales.

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Authentic Encounters and Photos

Reviews often mention how close they got to the wildlife, whether that’s puffins flying just overhead or whales breaching from the water. Many travelers appreciate guides’ efforts to point out animals and tell stories that bring the scene to life. Bringing binoculars, as suggested in reviews, is highly recommended to see puffins’ small features clearly.

Cost and Value

At $148 per person, this combo tour isn’t the cheapest activity available in Reykjavík, but it offers notable value. You get two separate tours, gear, educational guides, and a sightings guarantee—all included. Considering that many wildlife tours can be pricey, this package’s combination of comfort, expertise, and the chance to witness multiple species makes it a solid investment.

Weather and Timing

The best months for whale watching are from April to September, with the likelihood of sightings peaking during summer. Outside this window, the chances decrease, and tours may be less predictable. It’s important to dress warmly and be prepared for the possibility of choppy seas or no sightings, as some reviews mention.

Flexibility and Booking

Tours run multiple times a day, with different start times. The “reserve now & pay later” option provides flexibility, and canceling up to 24 hours in advance is straightforward. This is helpful if your plans change or if weather conditions are unfavorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to wildlife lovers wanting to see the best of Iceland’s marine creatures in one go. It’s also great for families or groups who prefer a relaxed, educational environment with guides who know their stuff. If you’re interested in photography, the smaller puffin boat allows for close-up shots, while the larger whale boat provides room to comfortably observe and take pictures.

It’s ideal for travelers looking for value-packed excursions that combine adventure with learning. If your schedule allows and weather cooperates, it’s a highly recommended way to spend a few hours in Reykjavík, making your trip more memorable.

The Sum Up

This Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo offers an efficient and enjoyable way to explore Iceland’s rich marine wildlife. With comfortable boats, knowledgeable guides, and a flexible, value-focused approach, it suits travelers who want a memorable wildlife experience without the hassle of multiple bookings or overly long excursions. The combination of close-up puffin viewing and hopes of whale sightings makes it a well-rounded choice, especially during Iceland’s summer months.

While success can depend on the weather and ocean conditions, the tour’s policies and reviews suggest it generally offers good value and genuine opportunities for wildlife encounters. The educational aspect, friendly guides, and scenic boat rides make this experience worth considering if you’re eager to see some of Iceland’s most charming native creatures in their natural habitat.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love animals, enjoy being on the water, or want a family-friendly activity that combines education with adventure, this tour is a smart pick. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to experience Iceland’s wildlife without extensive time or expense. But keep in mind the weather can influence what you see, so a flexible attitude and good preparation are key to making the most of it.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with guided explanations and larger boats suited for all ages.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in comfortable clothes, as the weather on the water can be chilly and windy.

Are binoculars provided?
Yes, binoculars are included for the puffin tour to help you see the birds more clearly.

What happens if no whales are spotted?
You get a free ticket to try again, making the experience risk-free for wildlife enthusiasts.

How long is each part of the tour?
The puffin tour lasts about an hour, and the whale watching on the Andrea boat lasts roughly 3 to 3.5 hours. The express whale tour is about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Can I choose the departure times?
Yes, tours run at different times, including 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:30 PM, with the latter starting with puffins then whales.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, ocean conditions influence sightings, and the crew will decide whether to sail based on weather and safety.

What species of whales might I see?
Most commonly, minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Is food available on board?
Yes, the Andrea boat has a cafeteria, but hot drinks and refreshments are available for purchase.

Can I see other wildlife?
Yes, besides whales and puffins, you might spot dolphins and other seabirds, depending on the day.

This tour combines the best of Reykjavík’s marine wildlife in an accessible, well-organized package that promises memorable moments—if the sea cooperates.

You can check availability for your dates here: