Two wildlife cruises in one day sounds like a cheat code. You’ll start with puffins around Lundey on a smaller boat, then switch gears and chase whales in Faxaflói Bay on a larger one, all with live onboard commentary and gear that helps you stay comfortable. For wildlife junkies, it’s a rare setup: two different ecosystems, two different boat vibes, and a good shot at spotting real animals instead of just reading about them.

I particularly like that you get heated indoor viewing with big windows, so the cold or wind isn’t the whole story. I also like the whale sighting guarantee, which gives the whale portion real extra value if nature doesn’t cooperate. The main drawback to keep in mind: puffin viewing can feel distant or crowded depending on season and boat layout, so set expectations for what you can realistically photograph from open water.

Key things to know before you go

• Two separate boats, two separate experiences: a 1-hour puffin cruise and a 3-hour whale cruise, not one continuous sailing.
• Heated indoor saloon on the whale portion: you can warm up without missing the action through large windows.
• Binoculars and protective gear are included: they help a lot when animals are small and far.
• Whale re-try guarantee: if you don’t see cetaceans, you can try again for free on another day.
• Free time in Old Harbour between cruises: you can reset, grab lunch, and come back ready to board.

Combo Tour Logic: Puffins first, whales second, with a real break in Reykjavik

This is built like a two-act day. Act one is the puffin cruise from Lundey, a shorter sail aimed at spotting puffins near breeding islands. Act two is the whale watching in Faxaflói Bay, where the boat goes out farther and you’re scanning for minke whales, humpbacks, porpoises, and dolphins.

Why this order works: you’ll often feel like puffins are the easy win and whales are the big gamble. Doing puffins first lets you start your day with birds that are active close to islands and then spend the afternoon focused on larger, farther-ranging wildlife. You also get downtime between boats, including about 1.5 hours in Old Harbour, which helps if you want lunch or just a breather on land.

Getting to Elding Whale Watching: Ægisgarður 5c and how the day runs

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the same place, which keeps things simple. You’ll be in English for the live on-board commentary, and the group size is capped at 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience from feeling like a cattle line (at least compared with bigger group operators).

The day is also designed to reduce the usual Iceland stress. You’ll be given protective clothing for cold/wind, you’ll have access to a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, and you’ll have complimentary WiFi onboard during the whale portion. That means you can stay connected and still keep your eyes on the water.

One practical note: there’s no pickup/dropoff included, though it can be arranged for a fee. If you’re staying outside central Reykjavik, plan to arrive early so you’re not rushing in wet boots with cold hands.

Lundey Puffin Watching: how to spot fast birds from the smaller boat

The puffin part runs about 1 hour and takes you up toward one of three islands where puffins gather in breeding season. This is where you’ll see thousands of puffins in the right conditions, but it’s also the segment where expectations matter most.

Puffins are small, they move quickly, and they don’t always hang around in a tight photo pose. The tour includes binoculars (you can borrow them), but many people do better if they bring their own zoom camera or a camera with real reach. In reviews, the people who came prepared were happier with what they captured, especially since puffins can appear as quick flashes against the water and sky.

Comfort-wise, you should expect a smaller boat experience on this leg. That can be great for getting views, but it can also mean tighter seating. Some riders noted that the boat felt crowded, and that parts of the viewing area (like the top deck) can involve climbing a ladder. If you’re traveling with anyone who has mobility concerns, it’s worth considering that the puffin viewing setup may not be as universally convenient as the whale boat.

Old Harbour break between cruises: turn downtime into a mini Reykjavik meal plan

Between the puffin and whale portions, you get a block of free time in Old Harbour (about 1 hour 30 minutes). This is a smart part of the combo, because it’s not just “stand around.” It gives you a chance to refuel, warm up, and reset your mood before the longer whale sail.

Old Harbour is perfect for a quick lunch strategy:

• Pick something easy to eat fast since you’ll have to return to the meeting point for boarding.
• If it’s windy, choose indoor seating when possible.
• Keep your coat ready. Even in town, the weather can shift fast.

Also, you’re not losing anything “about the wildlife” during this pause. You’ll get back on a larger boat and spend another 3 hours hunting cetaceans, so this break is really there to improve the full day, not to delay it.

Faxaflói Bay whale watching: what you’re really searching for

The whale cruise is about 3 hours and sails out into Faxaflói Bay, described as the biggest bay in Iceland. Your crew searches for minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

Here’s what I think makes this segment genuinely valuable: it comes with a sighting guarantee. If you don’t see cetaceans on your tour, you can try again another day free of charge. That doesn’t remove uncertainty—wildlife always does that—but it reduces the financial sting if your timing or conditions are off.

You should also know that whale watching has a different rhythm than bird watching. Whales can be visible for a moment—then gone. The best results usually come from staying alert and letting your eyes work like the guide expects: scanning likely spots, watching for surface movement, and following the crew’s directions quickly.

In practice, you’ll often get a mix of sightings rather than one long show. Reviews point to everything from dolphins to minke whales, and even a mother-and-calf humpback situation. Even when sightings are brief, the bigger point is that you’re out in the right waters with a crew actively looking.

Comfort and gear on Iceland water: heated windows, protective clothing, and staying upright

Iceland boats are never just about the animals. You’re also battling wind, spray, and that wet-cold feeling that can drain your focus if you’re not dressed right.

This tour helps with protective clothing and an onboard heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows. That combo matters. It means you can step inside when you need warmth without giving up the view. It also means you can better handle the tempo changes between the puffin and whale portions, especially if the wind turns sharper on the whale sail.

On the whale side, many riders mentioned warm drinks and snacks being available for purchase, and some specifically praised windproof/waterproof overalls. Food and drinks aren’t included, but the fact that you can buy coffee/snacks onboard is a comfort upgrade when you’re out for hours.

One more thing that can make or break your day: seasickness. The data here doesn’t promise medication, but if conditions are rough, plan for it. Even with heated rooms, you’ll still be on open water for multiple hours.

Wildlife guides, WiFi, and the onboard stories you’ll actually remember

The whale and puffin tours both come with excellent live commentary in English. That’s not a minor add-on. When you’re on the water with a guide telling you what you’re looking for—how puffins behave, what whale surfaces often look like, and where crews scan—you see more even if the animals never show up exactly where you want them.

You also get access to a Wildlife Exhibition, and there’s complimentary WiFi onboard. WiFi won’t replace the view, but it’s useful if you want to upload a photo right away or coordinate lunch plans during the gap between cruises.

A nice extra noted in reviews: some people received photos taken by the crew after the tour, free of charge. Even if you don’t rely on it, it’s a relief if your camera struggles with distance or fast movement.

Value check: is $140 worth it for puffins plus whales?

At $140 per person, you’re paying for two guided outings plus gear and extra support if whales don’t show. The value here isn’t just the total price—it’s what’s included and how uncertainty is handled.

What you’re getting for that money:

• Two tours: 1 hour puffins + 3 hours whales
• Protective clothing and binoculars
• Heated indoor saloon on the whale tour with big windows
• Complimentary onboard WiFi
• Whale re-try guarantee if you don’t see cetaceans
• Live English commentary
• Wildlife Exhibition access

If you’re deciding between separate tours, this combo can be efficient because you get both in one day without having to re-plan transport or timing. The whale guarantee also tilts the value toward people who want to hedge their chances—especially if this is your only realistic wildlife day.

Who it suits best:

• First-time visitors who want both birds and whales without extra homework
• Wildlife-focused travelers who don’t mind that sightings aren’t guaranteed
• Families who like structured activities (note: kids under 13 are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration)

Who might hesitate:

• People who only care about puffins up close and expect guaranteed close views
• Anyone who dislikes crowded seating on a smaller boat or struggles with ladder access to higher viewing decks
• Travelers visiting during rough weather or late-season timing, when sightings may be harder

Should you book this Elding two-in-one tour from Reykjavik?

I’d book this if you want a high-effort day built around real Iceland wildlife, with warmth, gear, and a safety net on the whale portion. The heated indoor viewing and the whale sighting guarantee make it easier to justify the cost, and the Old Harbour break helps you enjoy Reykjavik instead of sprinting between ports.

I’d also book it early in your trip if your schedule allows. You’ll be in a better position to use the free re-try if needed. If your main goal is puffins specifically, just remember they’re fast and small, so plan to use binoculars and accept that some views will be from a distance depending on where the boat can go and where the birds are that day.

If you want whales plus puffins in one smooth Reykjavik outing, this combo is a strong choice—especially for people who come prepared with camera options and flexible expectations about wild animals.

FAQ

How long is the two-in-one whale and puffin watching tour?

The full experience runs about 4 to 6 hours total, with a 1-hour puffin watching cruise and a 3-hour whale watching cruise.

How much does it cost?

The price is $140.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

You start and end at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

What language is the tour commentary in?

The live onboard commentary is offered in English.

What’s included in the ticket?

The ticket includes both tours (3 hours whale and 1 hour puffin), use of protective clothing and binoculars, heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, complimentary WiFi onboard, the whale guarantee, excellent live commentary in English, and access to a Wildlife Exhibition.

What animals are the whale and puffin tours looking for?

The puffin portion focuses on puffins near islands during breeding season. The whale portion searches for minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

Is there a guarantee for seeing whales?

Yes. The whale watching tour includes a sighting guarantee. If you don’t see cetaceans on your tour, you can try again another day free of charge.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food & drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Do kids need life-vests?

Yes. Children under 13 are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration of the tour.

What weather requirements should I plan for?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.