Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

If you’re heading to Iceland and want a taste of its stunning marine life, this Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour offers a lively peek into the country’s rich wildlife. With around 4 hours of adventure, you’ll get a good balance of sightseeing and education, all from the comfort of well-equipped boats. It’s especially appealing for those who love marine animals but might not want to spend an entire day at sea.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines two very different experiences—the majestic, sometimes elusive whales and the charming, energetic puffins—into a single half-day. Plus, the guides are known for their knowledgeable and engaging commentary, making each trip informative and fun. The second advantage? The included gear like warm overalls and binoculars helps keep you comfortable and focused on spotting wildlife. A potential downside? Weather conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable, so the tours depend on the day’s weather and sea state, which might mean cancellations or less wildlife activity.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, wildlife-focused experience without dedicating a whole day. If you’re traveling with family, eager to learn about Iceland’s marine ecosystems, or simply want a memorable adventure on the water, this combo is hard to beat.

Key Points

• Combines whale and puffin watching for a diverse wildlife experience
• Operated by knowledgeable guides with a focus on education
• Includes warm clothing and binoculars for better viewing comfort
• Offers a 100% sightings guarantee for puffins, adding peace of mind
• Flexible options for whale watching (classic or express speedboat)
• Snacks and drinks not included, so plan to bring or buy refreshments
• Weather-dependent activity; the sea can be unpredictable
• Family-friendly with spacious boats and educational focus

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This combo tour is designed for travelers who want a well-rounded marine adventure without committing to a full day at sea. Starting from the Old Harbor in Reykjavík, you’ll first venture out on the Andrea boat, the largest whale watching vessel in Iceland. Known for its spacious, family-friendly setup, the Andrea offers inside seating, so even if the weather turns chilly, you stay warm and dry. During the 3 to 3.5-hour whale watching cruise, expect to see most common whales like minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and harbor porpoises.

If the weather isn’t cooperative or whales are being shy, don’t worry—you’re protected with a full refund or reschedule option. The 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour adds extra reassurance, making it a low-stakes adventure.

After returning to Reykjavík, you’ll switch to a smaller, quicker boat, Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli), for the puffin trip. This boat’s shallow draught lets it get close to islands where puffins nest, providing a prime opportunity for up-close encounters. Guides here are experts on bird life, and binoculars are provided so you can spot these adorable birds flying and swimming around their colonies.

The Whale Watching Segment

The main highlight for many travelers is the whale watching cruise. Operating from spring through early fall (April to September), this experience allows you to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The boat, Andrea, is equipped with an educational focus, making it suitable for families and anyone interested in learning about marine life.

Most common sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Keep in mind that whale sightings are never guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable. But if you don’t see whales this time, most operators will offer a free ticket to try again, which is a nice safety net.

Choosing between the classic and express whale watching options primarily affects travel time. The classic tour takes a bit longer, about 3.5 hours, while the faster boat gets you out to the whales more quickly—about 2 to 2.5 hours—giving you more time for wildlife viewing in the same overall trip length.

The Puffin Tour

Following the whale cruise, the puffin expedition takes about an hour aboard a smaller boat. Since puffins breed on small islands, this is where the shallow-draught Skúlaskeið boat shines, bringing you close enough to see these charming birds with ease.

Guides on this part are particularly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about bird life, offering interesting facts and stories. They also use binoculars for better viewing, and since puffins are quite active during the breeding season, you’ll likely witness them flying, swimming, or nesting.

The reviews rave about how close and abundant the puffins are, with one traveler describing it as a “perfect way to see the amazing puffins,” and guides being “amazing and giving a lot of interesting facts.” The sightings are usually excellent, and with a 100% sightings guarantee, even if puffins are shy some days, you get to try again for free.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour is run by Special Tours Iceland, and it’s easy to find the meeting point at the Old Harbor in Reykjavík. The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, with start times varying from morning to early afternoon.

You’ll want to bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes, especially since weather in Iceland can change quickly, and even in summer, it can be breezy on the water. The tour supplies warm overalls and binoculars to help keep you cozy and enhance your viewing experience.

Since food and drinks are not included, it’s wise to bring a bottle of water and perhaps a snack, especially if you’re sensitive to sea conditions or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. That said, the Andrea boat has a cafeteria, so you can buy refreshments if needed.

The tour is suitable for families and solo travelers alike, with a focus on safety and education. The small boat for puffins offers a more intimate experience, while the larger whale boat ensures stability and comfort.

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What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides. Many mention how much they appreciated the detailed explanations on both whales and puffins. For example, one reviewer said, “The guides on both tours were extremely knowledgeable and the price really was worth it,” while another called the experience “one of the highlights of my Iceland trip.”

Wildlife sightings are a mixed bag—some travelers see many whales and puffins, while others note less activity due to weather or season. However, the free rebook policy provides confidence that even if your trip doesn’t go perfectly, you won’t lose out.

Several reviews point out the value for money, given the combination of two tours and the quality of guides and equipment. One person summed it up as “great value for the experience you get,” emphasizing how well-organized and enjoyable the day was.

This Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour offers a balanced, engaging glimpse into Iceland’s remarkable marine life. It’s a great choice for those who want to see both whales and puffins without dedicating an entire day. The professional guides, comfortable boats, and inclusion of gear make it a practical and enjoyable experience.

While weather can influence the trip, the flexible policies and guarantees help mitigate disappointment. Travelers who appreciate educational tours, wildlife encounters, and well-organized outings will find this cruise combo a worthwhile addition to their Iceland itinerary.

If you’re traveling with family, or simply love the idea of spotting whales and puffins in their natural setting, this tour ticks many boxes. For those seeking a deeper, more personal connection to Iceland’s wildlife, the combination of big boat comfort and small boat intimacy creates a memorable adventure on the water.

FAQ

When is the best time to do this tour?
The most favorable months for whale watching are during summer, from April to September, when the chances of sightings are higher.

What if I don’t see whales or puffins?
The tour offers a full refund or free rebooking if there are no sightings, giving you peace of mind.

How long is each part of the tour?
The whale watching cruise lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, while the puffin tour is approximately 1 hour.

Can I choose between a classic and an express whale tour?
Yes, you can opt for the classic tour or the faster express option, which gets you out to the whales quicker but still allows plenty of time for wildlife spotting.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes. The tour supplies overalls and binoculars, but you may want to carry a camera or snacks.

Are the boats suitable for families?
Absolutely—the larger Andrea boat is spacious and family-friendly, and guides are focused on making it engaging and informative.

Is there food or drinks available?
Food and drinks are not included, but the Andrea boat has a cafeteria, and you can buy refreshments onboard.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the trips depend on sea and weather conditions. The crew will cancel if necessary for safety.

How many people typically go on each tour?
While the exact group size varies, the larger whale boat prioritizes comfort and space, making for a less crowded experience, especially compared to smaller puffin boats.

This tour combines the thrill of seeing whales with the charm of puffins, all with expert guides that help you understand what you’re looking at. It’s a well-organized, value-rich experience perfect for nature lovers eager to get a genuine feel for Iceland’s rich marine world.

You can check availability for your dates here: