Whales and puffins in one outing can feel like a trick. This Reykjavík combo tour does it for real, pairing a close-to-the-islands puffin boat run with a classic whale search in Faxaflói Bay. You stay warm with inside seating and overalls, and you get guides who explain what you’re seeing as you go.

I especially like the 100% sightings guarantee on the puffin portion, which takes some of the stress out of wildlife tours. I also like the whale part’s focus on species ID and safe viewing, with big-boat comfort on the Andrea, plus a quieter, faster option if you choose the express timing.

The only downside is the sea and the whales are both nature’s mood swings. If the water is choppy or the whales stay shy, you may get brief sightings instead of long, dramatic surfacing.

Key things I’d plan around

• Two boats, two vibes: small Skúlaskeið for puffins, then the Andrea for whales
• Old Skúli gets close to where puffins live: shallow draught helps the approach feel intimate
• Warm gear does real work: overalls and inside seating keep most people comfortable
• A sightings safety net exists: puffins are guaranteed; whales come with a free re-ticket if none are spotted
• Express saves transit time: you spend the same viewing time at the whale area, just less “getting there”

Puffins first on the Old Harbor’s small boat (Skúlaskeið / Old Skuli)

This part of the day starts at Reykjavík’s old harbor area, at the Special Tours office. Expect a quick setup, then you’re on a small boat called Skúlaskeið, often referred to as Old Skuli. That name matters. This boat has a shallow draught, which is what helps it get nearer to the small islands where puffins set up shop.

Why this works for you: puffins are small, fast, and often positioned where you’d normally be stuck watching from farther away. Being closer doesn’t just improve the view—it makes the experience feel more like bird watching and less like “spotting from a distance.”

The boat also has inside seating, so even if the weather looks stern, you’re not fully exposed the whole time. Add the crew-supplied overalls, and you can keep your layers warm instead of trying to guess what Iceland will throw at you.

The short learning curve you’ll actually use

On the puffin cruise, the guide focuses on the birds you’re seeing right now, including how they behave around the colony. You’ll likely get helpful tips like where to look and how to spot them quickly once you’re moving near the breeding areas. A lot of the enjoyment comes from understanding what you’re watching, not just pointing at it.

How up-close puffin watching feels (binoculars, overalls, and real bird time)

Puffins in Iceland are easier to spot than many “wildlife at sea” animals, and this tour gives you tools to make that work. You get binoculars for the puffin portion, so you can track the birds’ movement and details without ruining the view for everyone else.

Here’s what you can realistically expect:

• You’ll see puffins flying around the colony and moving in and out of view.
• The guide helps you notice patterns—where birds tend to gather, and what “busy” behavior looks like.
• The crew keeps things organized so you’re not just chasing birds with your eyes.

A big practical win is the warm-overall setup. Many people underestimate Iceland wind. Overalls turn that wind into a problem you can handle, rather than a problem that forces you to retreat indoors.

One thing to keep in mind: the puffin portion is built around seeing the birds in their habitat. It’s not a guaranteed “action documentary” moment where a puffin lands on your lap. But since there’s a 100% sightings guarantee, you should leave with clear views of puffins up close, and usually a lot of them.

The “changeover” moment and why it matters

This combo is effectively two separate experiences run back-to-back from the same meeting point. You’ll return to the harbor area for a quick transition, then head back out for whale watching on the larger vessel.

Why you should care: whale watching is time-sensitive. Species sightings can be quick, and boats reposition to find the best conditions. A smooth changeover means you lose less of your best daylight window to logistics.

One review-style detail that matches how this kind of combo feels in real life: the transfer between boats is brief, so you’ll want to stay ready—coat zipped, shoes sorted, and your phone camera accessible (with a dry bag or pocket if you have one).

Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay: Andrea vs the express boat

The whale portion goes to Faxaflói Bay, and you’ll see a mix of familiar local species. The most common sightings listed for this area include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

On the standard/classic option, you’ll go on the Andrea. It’s described as the biggest whale watching boat in Iceland, and it’s designed for comfort and a more educational experience. Expect a cafeteria onboard and plenty of space so you’re not pressed shoulder-to-shoulder in wind.

If you choose the express option, the idea is simple: you spend less time traveling to the whale area and more time looking for animals. The express whale option is shorter in total travel-to-return pacing (listed as 2–2.5 hours for whale watching), but you still spend the same amount of time in the whale area.

Guides steer the day

The whale tour includes a live guide, and the best part is how much they help you track what’s out there. In the reviews, guides are praised for finding dolphins and pointing out whale activity safely and respectfully.

For example, one guide named Rebecca was mentioned for being very sharp at identifying what people were seeing from the deck. Another guide, Patrick (sometimes with the Pirate Puffin nickname), was highlighted for high-energy, science-based storytelling that makes the ocean feel less random.

What you might spot (and how not to expect a movie)

Let’s set expectations the way you’ll feel happiest after the tour. Whales are wild animals. They don’t know you bought a ticket. Even on good days, whales may stay at the edge of visibility or surface briefly.

On days when things line up, you can get:

• Close views and repeated surfacing (sometimes with dramatic tail and spray moments)
• Dolphin sightings alongside the whales
• A mix of smaller whales like minke whales, plus larger humpbacks if you’re lucky

On the “shy whales” days, you might get shorter glimpses—still thrilling, just not constant. That’s why the tour includes a key safety net: if no whales are spotted, you get another ticket for free to try again.

Your best odds: weather and your attitude

Tours depend on weather conditions, and the captain decides whether to sail based on safety and comfort. So it’s not just luck. It’s also route planning and sea state.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared. One review mentioned the crew offered sea-sickness pills, which is a helpful reminder that you’re not always stuck suffering if conditions shift. Still, the main “do this for yourself” move is packing warm, dry layers and choosing the warmest spots onboard if you feel queasy.

Timing options: which departure works best for you

The combo has multiple starting times. Knowing the order can help you match the day to your priorities.

You’ve got these common patterns:

• 9:00 AM: classic whale watching first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 10:00 AM: express whale watching first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM: Puffin Express first, then express whale watching at 2:00 PM

A practical way to choose:

• If you want puffins first (and you don’t want to spend the morning waiting on whale luck), pick the 12:30 PM start.
• If you’re optimizing for getting to the whales faster and cutting transit time, pick the express whale order.
• If you’re visiting in the summer months (April to September), your odds tend to be better for whale watching, since the “best time” is seasonal.

Warm gear, what to wear, and staying comfortable at sea

This tour is built for cold and wet conditions, but you still need to show up ready. Here’s the packing logic I’d use:

• Bring warm clothing you can layer. Wind will slice through thin fabrics fast.
• Wear comfortable clothes that won’t restrict movement when you’re bundled in overalls.
• If you tend to run cold, plan for a colder deck than you expect, even with inside seating.

Overalls are supplied by the crew, which is a big value add. You’re not paying for rentals, and you’re not stuck wearing whatever you packed from home that week.

Also, expect binocular use on the puffin portion. Even if you’ve brought your own, the tour includes binoculars for that part. You’ll just want to keep them protected if it’s wet.

Value for $148: two wildlife tours plus gear and guarantees

Price is $148 per person, and the value story here is the combo format. You’re paying for two separate guided cruises that target different wildlife in different ways.

What you’re getting for that money:

• Boat time for both puffins and whales
• Warm inside seating
• Warm overalls on the puffin portion
• Binoculars for puffin watching
• Guides on both parts
• A 100% puffin sightings guarantee
• A whale re-ticket if whales aren’t spotted
• An English live guide, plus an app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese
• Hot drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments onboard (listed as available for purchase)

Here’s my “value check” conclusion: the whale portion is the gamble, but the puffin portion reduces the risk. And the whale re-ticket if nothing is spotted turns the gamble into something closer to a fair deal. Add the overalls and binoculars, and you’re not just buying transportation. You’re buying comfort and focus.

That said, you’re still on the ocean. If you hate motion or cold, you’ll need to work a little harder on comfort prep.

Should you book this Reykjavík whales and puffins combo?

Book it if you want:

• One tight day in Reykjavík focused on wildlife, not museums
• Close puffin viewing from a boat designed for getting near the birds
• A whale tour with a free re-ticket safeguard
• Guides who explain what you’re seeing, including species and behavior

Skip or reconsider if:

• You can’t handle choppy water at all and won’t take steps to manage motion sickness
• You’re expecting guaranteed “whales every five minutes” action, like a nature channel fantasy

If you’re doing Iceland in a short window, this combo is a solid use of your time. It hits two of Reykjavík’s signature wildlife experiences with the right gear and a smart tour design that doesn’t waste the day.

FAQ

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 meeting point.

How long is the combo tour?

The total duration is listed as 4 hours (check availability to see starting times).

What time departures are available?

Common schedules include 9:00 AM (classic whale first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM), 10:00 AM (express whale first, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM), and 12:30 PM (Puffin Express first, then express whale watching at 2:00 PM).

What animals will I likely see?

For the whale part, the tour notes minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises as the most common sightings. Puffins are the focus of the Puffin Express part.

Is there a sightings guarantee?

Yes. The puffin tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee. If no whales are spotted on the whale tour, you get another ticket for free.

Are warm clothes provided?

Overalls are supplied by the crew, and the tour also includes warm inside seating. You still should bring warm clothing.

What drinks are included?

Hot drinks and refreshments are not included. They are available for purchase.

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