Whales and puffins share one Reykjavik day. You sail into the Atlantic for humpback and minke sightings, then switch gears for a puffin run to the islands. It’s a simple format that still feels like you’re getting two real nature encounters instead of one long, slow search.

I especially like the practical onboard touches: free WiFi, complimentary seasickness tablets, and binoculars provided for the puffin part. I also like how the guides keep things moving with clear explanations of what you’re seeing (and why). If you end up with a guide like Daniel, expect that upbeat, hands-on energy that makes wildlife time feel more alive.

One drawback to plan for: wildlife isn’t guaranteed. On some days the sea can be too rough for the puffin-style boat, and sometimes you may wish you’d seen a few more whales—because that’s how open-ocean wildlife often goes.

Key points worth planning for

• Humpback + minke whale cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour on a larger vessel
• Puffins up close on a smaller, specially designed boat aimed toward the islands
• Binocular support: yours can be supplemented with what’s provided on the puffin boat
• Comfort extras: free WiFi and complimentary seasickness tablets on board
• A “no-sightings” safety net: free ticket to join again if you don’t see wildlife
• Fixed combo windows: 09:00 + 12:30 or 13:00 + 17:00 (two separate tours)

From Geirsgata 11 to Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: the start that sets your odds

This combo runs out of Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area, but your day begins at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11. Show up 30 minutes early so you can get checked in, get your coat sorted, and use the time to get your bearings before you step onto the dock.

There’s no pick-up service included, so you’ll want a plan for getting yourself there smoothly. In practice, that means you’re either walking (if you’re staying central) or using a quick taxi or ride option to stay on schedule. With an ocean tour, “almost on time” can turn into “standing around cold.”

Once you’re on board, the vibe shifts quickly. You’re trading city sounds for Atlantic wind and real-distance horizon views. And that matters—because when you’re hunting whales, you benefit from being ready the moment the crew starts scanning the water.

Whale watching on the Atlantic: where humpbacks and minke whales show up

The whale portion is on a larger vessel and lasts about 2 to 3.5 hours. When you sail out, you’re not doing a land-based spotting trick. You’re out in the Atlantic, and the guide’s job is to help you read the sea—surface activity, movement patterns, and the general “where whales are likely to be” rhythm that comes with open-water cruising.

You’ll be looking for humpback whales and minke whales. That’s a nice mix because you’re not pinned to one species. You also get a better chance of meaningful sightings when the sea gives you options.

One thing I like about the way this type of whale cruise is set up: you’re not just passively watching. You’re hearing guidance on behaviors and habitats, so a quick blow on the water or a spout in the distance becomes a clue, not just random excitement.

A couple practical tips to make the whale time better:

• Bring warm clothing and expect wind. Even on a decent day, the water can feel colder than the street.
• If you have your own binoculars, bring them. The puffin boat provides binoculars, but the whale section expects you to be able to scan too.
• If you’re even slightly unsure about motion sickness, take the onboard prevention approach early. This tour offers complimentary seasickness tablets, but the best results usually come when you plan ahead rather than after the wobble hits.

You’ll also appreciate the onboard free WiFi here. It’s not the reason you booked the tour, but it’s useful for grabbing photos quickly, checking messages, or just breaking the monotony between sightings.

Puffin island time: smaller boat, closer angles, faster magic

After your whale cruise, the puffin portion is the short, punchy one. It runs on a smaller boat for about 1 hour. That shorter time is intentional. The goal is to get you to the best island viewing zones and keep you close enough to actually enjoy the puffins, not just spot dots on a far horizon.

This boat is specially designed to get as close to the islands as possible. That matters because puffins are tiny and busy. The closer you are, the more you’ll notice the details: their movement on the rocky coasts, how they pop in and out of view, and the way the shoreline backdrop turns the whole moment into something you’ll remember.

The puffin stop also includes binoculars provided on board, so you’re not forced to bring your own gear to make the viewing work. Still, warm layers help here too. Even a one-hour boat ride can feel long if you’re chilly.

Also, be aware of how weather can shape the day. One part of this combo may run differently depending on sea conditions. In rough weather, the puffin segment may not be possible with the usual setup, especially when the tour needs a specific type of boat for getting close.

If you’re the type who wants maximum chances for close viewing, this is the part that tends to deliver best—when the sea cooperates.

Guides, binoculars, and onboard comfort that actually help

You’re not just buying a ticket to a boat. You’re buying time with experienced, professional guides who focus on the animals and how to spot them.

The clearest benefit here is context. When you understand what behaviors look like—how whales surface, how movement might indicate feeding or travel, and what puffins do around their colonies—you spend less time wondering and more time noticing.

On the comfort side, the included perks are more than marketing:

• Complimentary seasickness tablets are a big deal on an Atlantic cruise.
• Free WiFi can save you from draining your phone battery too early if you’re using maps, messaging, or quick photo uploads.
• For puffins, you get binoculars on board and a boat optimized for close coastal viewing.

And yes, snacks and beverages are sold on board, but they’re not included. So if you like having something on hand, plan to buy it rather than expecting it to come with the ticket. Bring water if you prefer the simple option.

The real-world schedule: how the combo works (and why it’s not one continuous trip)

This combo booking is two separate tours with two departures. You choose the whale watching departure time at booking, and the puffin portion then follows with its linked departure window.

You have two combo options:

• Whale Watching 09:00 departure, then Puffin 12:30
• Whale Watching 13:00 departure, then Puffin 17:00

That separation is important. It means you’re not automatically getting one continuous 4-hour block. You’re getting two shorter chunks of wildlife time in the same day. The total experience is still compact, but it’s not a single seamless ride from start to finish.

Also note: the whale tour is longer (about 2 to 3.5 hours), while the puffin tour is about 1 hour. So the day will feel whale-heavy, with a quick puffin payoff that gives you that close-up island viewing.

If you’re planning your Reykjavik itinerary around this, treat it like a half-day plan with downtime between boats. The exact downtime isn’t spelled out here, so keep your schedule flexible. One smart move is to avoid locking in something time-critical right between departures.

Weather, shared boats, and the part you can’t control

Iceland rewards preparation, not certainty. This activity explicitly notes that during certain times of the year, trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another activity partner for environmental reasons—fewer boats on the water.

That doesn’t automatically mean a worse experience. It often means the operation is working with sea-impact limits. Still, if you’re hoping for a very quiet, low-crowd vibe, shared operation is something to mentally factor in.

Then there’s the plain ocean reality: wind and waves decide what you can do. You’re on the Atlantic, so conditions can change. That can influence how many whales you see and whether puffin viewing can run exactly as expected with the usual boat setup.

Here’s the upside: you’re not left completely out in that case. The tour includes a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings. That’s a meaningful safety net for wildlife spotting, where probability is part of the deal.

Price and value: is $153 per person worth it?

At about $153 per person for the combo, you’re paying for more than “a seat on a boat.” You’re paying for:

• two different guided wildlife experiences (whales + puffins),
• experienced professional guidance,
• onboard extras like free WiFi and complimentary seasickness tablets,
• binocular support for puffins,
• and a re-sight guarantee if you don’t get sightings.

Where value shines is that you get two types of Iceland wildlife in one day. Whale cruises can be long and unpredictable; puffin trips can be quick and visually intense. This combo balances those realities: longer search time for whales, then a tightly focused puffin island run.

Where you should be honest with yourself is expectations. A higher price doesn’t mean whales will show up on demand. The ocean decides. Still, the included “join again” ticket helps reduce the risk that you walk away feeling like it was a waste of money.

Also consider location value. Sailing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour means you’re not spending your day transferring across the country. This is Iceland wildlife time with Reykjavik as your base.

Who should book—and who should skip this combo

This is a great fit if you:

• want two wildlife moments in one day (whales + puffins),
• like guided spotting with explanations of behaviors and habitats,
• appreciate practical onboard comfort perks,
• and can dress for wind and cold.

It’s less of a fit if you:

• are prone to seasickness. This tour is specifically noted as not suitable for people who are likely to react.
• prefer zero-weather-change plans. You’ll be flexible because the sea can be unpredictable.

If you’re traveling with kids, the puffin segment’s shorter duration (about 1 hour) can be an advantage—assuming everyone tolerates the boat. The whale portion is longer, so bring that reality into your family pacing.

If you’re traveling solo, this combo is also a good choice because guides and binoculars reduce the “I don’t know what I’m looking at” problem. You’ll have help actively interpreting what you see.

If you’re an older traveler, just remember the key requirement here is physical comfort in cold, windy conditions and your ability to handle time at sea. Warm clothing and motion-sickness prevention matter more than age labels.

Should you book Reykjavik’s whale watching and puffin excursion?

Book this if you want a Reykjavik day built around real wildlife, not just scenery. You get a proper Atlantic whale search followed by an optimized, close-contact puffin island viewing run, with guides who explain what’s going on and practical onboard support like seasickness tablets and WiFi.

Skip it or think twice if you know you react to boat motion. In that case, even the included prevention doesn’t change the reality that this is time on open water.

My final take: this combo is good value because it combines two distinct experiences into one coordinated day, and it includes enough comfort and “plan B” support (the free ticket if no sightings) to take the edge off the randomness of wildlife. If your schedule allows and you can dress for the wind, it’s one of the more satisfying ways to see Iceland’s animal highlights from Reykjavik.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office. Arrive 30 minutes early.

How long is the whale watching part?

The whale watching portion runs about 2 to 3.5 hours on a larger vessel.

How long is the puffin part?

The puffin tour runs about 1 hour on a smaller boat.

Are the whale watching and puffin tours on the same boat?

No. This combo booking includes two different and separate tours with two departures.

What departure times are available for the combo?

You can choose either Whale Watching 09:00 + Puffin 12:30, or Whale Watching 13:00 + Puffin 17:00.

Is pick up service included?

No. Pick up service is not included.

What’s included onboard?

Included features are free WiFi, complimentary seasickness tablets, and guided wildlife interpretation. For the puffin tour, binoculars are provided.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people who are prone to seasickness.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed.