Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Two boats, two kinds of Iceland wildlife. In a tight 4 hours, you swing from puffins near tiny islands to whale country in Faxaflói Bay.

What makes this combo tour feel especially smart is the pairing: Old Skuli for close puffin viewing and the bigger Andrea for whale time (plus onboard comfort).

I really like that you get the gear that matters. You’ll wear warm overalls and sit inside, so the cold and wind don’t run the show. I also like the “nature doesn’t do guarantees, but we do” approach: puffins come with a 100% sightings guarantee, and whales come with a free ticket if nothing is seen.

The main thing to consider is that whales are still wild. Weather and animal behavior can be shy, and the sea can get bumpy—so your experience may vary day to day even with a great guide.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Old Skúli is built for puffins: a shallow draught helps the boat get close to the small island sites.
• Warm overalls are included: you’ll stay comfortable even when it’s breezy out on the water.
• Binoculars for puffins are included: it makes a huge difference for spotting small details in a busy colony.
• The whale boat is the big one: Andrea: spacious, family friendly, and geared for education.
• If whales don’t show, you get another chance: a free return ticket is part of the deal.

Old Harbor Start: How the Day Flows Between Two Tours

You’ll meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor, which keeps the whole day simple. From there, the tour splits its attention fast: first birds, then whales. It’s a nice pacing choice because puffins are often easiest when you can get right to where they are active, while whales depend more on conditions out at sea.

Timing matters because the schedule can start with either the puffin tour or the whale tour. The 9:00 AM departure pairs Classic Whale Watching with Puffin Express at 12:30 PM. The 10:00 AM option swaps in the Express Whale Watching first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM. If you start at 12:30 PM, you’ll do Puffin Express first and then head out for Express Whale Watching at 2:00 PM.

One practical point I appreciate: the tours return you to the harbor for a quick transfer between boats. You’re not stuck with a long, one-size-fits-all day. You get time on each type of vessel—small for puffins, larger for whales—without turning the whole thing into nonstop travel.

If you’re thinking of doing it as a true “combo” but in two separate days, you can. The tours are described as separate experiences, so you can pair them on the same day or split them depending on your plans.

Old Skúli Puffin Express: Close to the Colony (Without Freezing)

The puffin portion runs on a little boat called Skúlaskeið, often referred to as Old Skuli. This choice is the reason the tour can feel so close and personal. A shallow draught helps the boat get near the small islands where puffins live, which means less distance between you and the action.

You’ll find that the puffin tour is built around comfort and clarity. Warm inside seating is part of the experience, and you’ll get overalls supplied by the crew. That combination is not just a convenience—it changes how long you can realistically stand out for views. You can actually watch the birds instead of doing the Icelandic cold-weather shuffle.

Binoculars are included for the puffin tour, which is a big deal because puffins are smaller than many people expect up close. I like that this tour doesn’t assume you brought your own gear. If you’re into photography or you just want to ID behavior (flying in, landing, diving, head-bobbing), binoculars help you stay engaged instead of squinting.

Guides play a big role here. The guides are described as very knowledgeable about the bird life around Reykjavík, and a sense of humor shows up in the stories. One guide referred to as Patrick Pirate Puffin is mentioned for his entertaining, science-based storytelling, and that kind of delivery can make a short puffin window feel longer and more meaningful.

What you’re looking for is straightforward: puffins on their feeding and flying routes around the colony islands. On some trips, you may also spot other seabirds near the island area. For example, black guillemots were mentioned in one account, so don’t be shocked if your “puffin tour” turns into a broader bird-watching moment.

Andrea Whale Watching: Big-Boat Comfort Meets Interactive Education

After puffins, the whale part kicks in on the Andrea boat. This is the largest whale watching vessel in Iceland according to the tour description, and it shows in how much it can support passengers. You get spacious seating and a cafeteria on board, which matters if the weather is cold or you’re out for hours.

The whale tour is also framed as educational and interactive. You’re not just watching from the rail; you’re learning what you’re seeing and why it’s there. Guides are expected to point out different animals and explain behavior, and reviews reflect that people appreciate the way guides locate wildlife while keeping the experience respectful.

Common sights in Faxaflói Bay include minke whales and humpback whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. One reason this location is popular is that it gives you a practical shot at multiple species rather than betting everything on one. And when whales do appear, you’re often watching more than just one moment—spray, tail, and quick surface breaks were all mentioned in accounts.

If the sea is rough, you can still have a good day. Some accounts note that sea conditions can lead to motion discomfort, but crews provided help like sea-sickness pills. That’s worth taking seriously: bring your warm layers and expect the ocean to be the boss.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. Whale encounters aren’t like a wildlife documentary. The best tour isn’t the one that guarantees jumps; it’s the one that positions you safely, reads the water, and keeps you engaged while you wait for the moment.

Express Whale Watching vs Classic: Choosing the Right Timing

This is where the tour can feel either very efficient or just a bit long, depending on what you pick.

The tour offers an Express Whale Watching option. It leaves 1 hour later on a faster boat, with the goal of getting to the whale watching area quicker. The description says you spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area, but the overall feel is often better because you reduce the “travel stretch” when the ocean is working against you.

The express format matters for your body. If you’re sensitive to motion or you simply want to get to the search zone sooner, the express choice can be the smarter fit. You don’t gain time spotting whales—you gain time not bouncing around on the way.

You’ll also notice the schedule differs:

• Classic starts at 9:00 AM, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• Express starts at 10:00 AM, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM starts with Puffin Express, then Express Whale Watching at 2:00 PM

So if you’re choosing between them, think about your day energy level and your tolerance for wind and waves. Express can be a good match for first-timers who want a smoother itinerary.

Wildlife Odds in Faxaflói Bay: What You Can Expect to See

Here’s the honest balance: this combo tour gives you two wildlife “tracks,” and they don’t behave the same way.

Puffins are usually the easier win. They breed around islands and show up actively in the colony area, so the tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin portion. One account even highlights that puffins can be noisier and livelier than expected once you’re close enough to see their patterns.

Whales are the wildcard. Even with the best routes and experienced captains, whales can be shy. The good news is that the tour includes a “no whales, try again free” approach for the whale portion. That turns disappointment into a second attempt, which is exactly what you want when you’re spending money on ocean wildlife.

When whales do show, Faxaflói Bay is set up for variety. You’ll most commonly aim at:

• minke whales
• humpback whales
• white-beaked dolphins
• harbor porpoises

In at least some experiences, humpback whales have been seen close to the boat, and dolphins have traveled alongside. But even if your encounter is brief, it can still be thrilling because you’re watching animals in their element, not behind glass.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants the best odds, you should also consider the season. The tour notes that the best time for whale watching in Iceland is generally April to September. Outside that window, the chances of spotting whales may be lower, even though you can still get lucky.

What to Wear and Bring: Staying Warm, Seeing More

This is an easy tour to get right—if you dress for Iceland wind.

You’ll get warm overalls from the crew, but you still need warm layers under them. Plan on comfortable clothes that won’t restrict movement when you’re standing for views. Warm outerwear, gloves, and a hat help because you’ll be out on deck when you’re tracking wildlife.

You’ll also have inside seating on board. That helps a lot when the wind picks up or your attention needs a break after you spot something exciting. The point isn’t to hide inside—it’s to keep yourself comfortable enough to keep watching.

A practical tip: bring wet weather gear if you have it. Some accounts say it was the key to a better day at sea. Even if the water isn’t rough, you can still get spray when conditions change.

For gear, the puffin portion includes binoculars. If you’re a camera user, you’ll likely want stable support (a comfortable stance, maybe a strap system), but the tour’s included binoculars will still let you confirm details even if your camera setup takes a moment to dial in.

Price and Value: Is $148 a Good Deal?

At $148 per person, you’re paying for more than “two boat rides.” You’re paying for two different vessels, two wildlife specialists, and a couple of risk-reducers that protect you from the most common downside—coming home with no sightings.

Here’s what’s built into the value:

• A classic whale watching segment with the Andrea boat, including educational guiding and a cafeteria option
• Puffin viewing on Old Skuli, using a small-boat approach designed to get near puffin island areas
• Warm overalls and warm inside seating to reduce discomfort costs
• Binoculars for the puffin tour
• Guides on both tours
• A 100% sightings guarantee for puffins
• A whale re-ticket if whales aren’t spotted

What isn’t included is also part of your value math: hot drinks and refreshments are available for purchase, not included. If you like cocoa or tea during boat time, factor that into your budget.

So is it worth it? For me, the best sign is the structure. You’re not relying on one chance. You’re stacking puffins (guaranteed) and whales (with a free retry). That combo is exactly how you buy back control in wildlife travel, where nature can be unpredictable.

If you’re on a tight schedule and want both puffins and whales without spending time researching and booking separate operators, this is also a clean solution. It’s efficient without being overly complicated.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This combo tour is a great match if:

• you want a single day built around two species types: birds and whales
• you’re okay with variability for whales but like that puffins come with a guarantee
• you value warm comfort and guidance, not just motion and hope
• you’re traveling with kids or want a family-friendly, education-forward tone (the Andrea boat is described as family friendly and spacious)

It might be less ideal if:

• you get very seasick and don’t want to risk choppy water at all
• you only care about guaranteed whale sightings (because whales are still wild, even if the tour offers a free retry)
• you dislike boats and would rather do a land-based wildlife plan

If you’re visiting in the April-to-September range, the odds for whale watching are generally better. That doesn’t remove the wild card, but it helps.

Should You Book This Reykjavík Whales and Puffins Cruise Combo?

I’d book it if you want the highest chance of leaving with real wildlife memories, not just views of a coastline. The puffin segment is set up to get close, stay warm, and help you see clearly with binoculars. The whale segment has the big-boat comfort of Andrea and a free return ticket if the day goes whale-quiet.

I’d hesitate only if you know you’re extremely sensitive to motion and you can’t handle even light sea chop. In that case, you might consider doing a different activity entirely or splitting your wildlife time so you can choose calmer conditions.

If your goal is simple—puffins, then whales, in one Reykjavík day—this combo tour is a strong, practical pick.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour?

The tour duration is listed as 4 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What boats do you use for the puffin and whale parts?

The puffin tour uses the little boat Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli). The whale watching tour is operated on the Andrea boat.

Are warm overalls provided?

Yes. Warm overalls are supplied by the crew, and you also have warm inside seating.

Are binoculars included?

Yes. Binoculars are included for the puffin tour.

Is there a guarantee if you do not see puffins?

Yes. The puffin tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee.

What happens if you do not see any whales?

If no whales are spotted on the whale tour, you get another ticket for free.

What animals are common to look for during the whale tour?

Common sightings in Faxaflói Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Do I get hot drinks with the tour?

No. Hot drinks and refreshments are not included, but they are available for purchase onboard.

When is the best time to go for whale watching?

The tour notes that the best time for whale watching in Iceland is during the summer months, from April to September. Chances may be lower outside that time.