Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Reykjavík’s wildlife comes into focus from the water: first, puffins flitting around nearby islands, then whales and dolphins in broad Faxaflói Bay. The combination pairs a nimble little boat, Old Skúli, with the much larger Andrea, so you get two very different views of the coast.

I like the contrast between the close-in puffin outing and the longer whale search, and I like that a no-whale day earns you a free return ticket. The trade-off is that whales are wild animals, not a scheduled performance, and the open-water trip can feel rough when the sea picks up.

At a glance

• Two boats, two kinds of wildlife: See puffins from shallow-draft Old Skúli, then look for whales aboard Andrea or a faster express boat.
• The whale trip has a second chance: If no whales appear, you receive a free ticket to try again.
• Puffin viewing is the more reliable part: A 100% sightings guarantee applies to the puffin tour, and binoculars are provided.
• Guides add context and character: Expect wildlife facts and practical help spotting animals. Guides have included Patrick, known for lively storytelling, and Rebecca.
• You can choose the order: The tours are separate and can be taken on the same day or on different days.
• Warmth is part of the plan: Overalls and indoor seating are available, but bring warm clothing and be ready for wind and spray.

Two cruises from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

This is a combo of two separate boat tours, not one continuous cruise. Both begin and end at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, where you meet the crew and switch boats between outings if you take them together.

The puffin trip uses Skúlaskeið, better known as Old Skúli. Its shallow draught lets the captain approach the small islands where puffins live more closely than a larger vessel can. You stay aboard and watch the birds in their natural habitat, with binoculars available to help pick them out.

The whale trip heads farther out into Faxaflói Bay. You can take the classic tour on Andrea, a large, spacious boat with a café and an educational, interactive focus, or choose the express boat on certain departures. The express vessel reaches the whale-watching area faster, but you still spend the same amount of time there.

The advertised combo duration is four hours, though actual timing depends on which departure you choose and which whale boat you take. If you are arranging the outing around other plans, check the available start times carefully. You do not have to take both cruises on the same day.

Puffins on Old Skúli

The puffin cruise is a short ride from the harbor to nearby islands. The boat’s shallow draught is useful here: it can get closer to the small islands than a larger whale-watching vessel, giving you a good chance to watch puffins flying, swimming, and gathering around their colony.

Bring the binoculars provided, especially if you want a better look at details. Puffins are small, and being close to an island does not mean every bird will be right beside the boat. One useful expectation to set: you see them in their habitat from the water, rather than stepping onto the island or handling the birds.

The puffin tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee, which makes this part less uncertain than the whale search. The guide also explains the local bird life, and the trip can be enjoyable even for someone who already knows a little about puffins. Black guillemots may also appear in the area.

On one common schedule, the puffin outing lasts about an hour, though the exact timing can depend on the departure. It is a manageable first cruise if you are new to boat trips, and it gives you a close look at the coastline before the longer run into the bay.

Whale watching in Faxaflói Bay

The whale trip is the main open-water portion of the day. Faxaflói Bay is home to minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Which animals you see, how long they stay near the boat, and how clearly you see them all depend on the day.

The classic tour runs for about three to three and a half hours on Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching boat. Its size means more room to move between indoor seating and viewing areas, and there is a café aboard for hot drinks and refreshments at extra cost. The boat also has an educational and interactive focus, which helps make the time at sea worthwhile even when the animals are elusive.

If you take the express option, the faster boat cuts down the time spent travelling out to the whale-watching area. The whale portion lasts about two to two and a half hours, with the same amount of time spent in the viewing area as on the classic trip. Choose it if you prefer less time in transit, but remember that a faster boat does not make whales appear on cue.

Guides help you spot animals and explain what you are seeing. A humpback’s tail, a blow of spray, or a brief glimpse of a dolphin can be thrilling, but the viewing may be distant or short. Some days bring close encounters and several whales; others produce only a few glimpses. The crew may give you a free ticket if no whales are spotted, so ask how to use it if you need a second attempt.

Choosing your departure

The published schedule offers three useful combinations:

• 9:00 AM: Classic whale watching, followed by the Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• 10:00 AM: Express whale watching, followed by the Puffin Express at 12:30 PM.
• 12:30 PM: Puffin Express first, followed by express whale watching at 2:00 PM.

These timings matter because the combo is made up of two tours. You return to the harbor between them, rather than staying aboard one boat all day. The changeover can be quick, so keep an eye on the crew’s instructions and have what you need ready.

You can also split the two outings across different days. That is a useful option if you want to leave room for changing weather or prefer not to spend several hours at sea in one stretch. Whale trips operate only when the captain considers conditions suitable for passenger safety and comfort.

Staying warm and steady at sea

Warm overalls are provided, and there is warm indoor seating on the boats. Still, take warm, comfortable clothing of your own. Wind and spray can make time outside feel colder than the temperature on shore suggests, and you will want to be dressed for standing on deck while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Sea conditions are a real part of the experience. The bay can be choppy, and the whale boat may feel rougher when it slows down to observe animals. If you are prone to seasickness, plan for that possibility rather than assuming the boat will stay calm. The crew makes the decision to sail based on weather and sea conditions.

Hot drinks and other refreshments are not included, though they are available to buy. An app is also included in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The live guide speaks English.

The price and what you get for it

At $148 per person, this is a substantial half-day outing, but the price covers two distinct cruises, guides on both, warm overalls, binoculars for the puffin trip, and the whale-sighting return offer. You are paying for two boats and two different wildlife settings, not simply adding a brief extra stop to a whale cruise.

The value is strongest if you want both puffins and whales and will appreciate the guides’ explanations along the way. The puffin outing is relatively short, and some people may find it expensive if they are mainly interested in those birds. If you have already seen puffins or are watching your budget, consider whether that portion adds enough to your day.

The whale guarantee adds some protection against a quiet outing, but it is a free return ticket, not a promise that you will see whales on the first trip. You will need time in your schedule to use another ticket if the animals do not show. If your Iceland visit is brief, that distinction matters.

Best season and wildlife expectations

April through September is considered the best time for whale watching in Iceland. Sightings may be less likely at other times of year, so season should factor into your decision. Even in the best months, wildlife remains unpredictable.

The tour can produce memorable sightings: humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are all possible in Faxaflói Bay. Sometimes a whale surfaces nearby; sometimes you see a tail or a blow at a distance. The guides can point out activity and explain the animals, but no crew can control how long a whale stays or where it surfaces.

Puffins are generally the steadier bet on this combo because the boat goes to their island habitat, and the tour carries a sightings guarantee. You may see plenty of birds, but binoculars are useful, and the experience is still a boat-based view rather than a walk among the colony.

Who should book this combo

I would choose this tour if you want a guided introduction to Reykjavík’s marine wildlife and are happy to spend several hours on the water. Families may appreciate Andrea’s space and café, while the guides’ humor and science-based explanations can keep the trip engaging for children and adults alike. Patrick, also known as Patrick Pirate Puffin, has brought a playful touch to the puffin trip; Rebecca has also guided whale outings.

It suits anyone who likes wildlife but understands that sightings are never fully in your control. If you need a guaranteed close whale encounter, this is not the right promise to expect. If you are content with the search itself, and with the chance of seeing a tail, spray, or dolphin alongside a more dependable puffin visit, the two-part format makes good use of a day.

For the best chance of whale sightings, aim for April through September and choose a departure that fits your schedule. For less time travelling out to the viewing area, consider the express option. For a roomy boat and a café, choose the classic trip on Andrea.

Should you book it?

Book this combo if seeing both puffins and whales is high on your Reykjavík list, and you can spare the time for two separate cruises. I especially like the change of scale: close island birdlife on Old Skúli, then a wider search across Faxaflói Bay. The guides, warm overalls, binoculars, and whale rebooking offer all add practical value.

Skip it if you dislike being at sea, have little time to spare, or would be disappointed by a whale trip that produces only distant glimpses. If you do go, dress warmly, bring comfortable clothes, and treat the wildlife as a welcome possibility rather than a timed show.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combo tour take?

The stated duration is four hours. The two cruises have separate schedules, so check the available departure times when choosing your date.

Do I have to take both cruises on the same day?

No. The puffin and whale cruises are separate tours, and you can take them on different days.

Which whale species might I see?

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

What happens if no whales are spotted?

You receive a free ticket to try the whale-watching tour again.

Is the puffin tour guaranteed to see puffins?

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

Are warm clothes provided?

Warm overalls and warm indoor seating are provided. You should still bring warm, comfortable clothing.

Are binoculars included?

Yes. Binoculars are provided for the puffin tour.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Hot drinks and refreshments are available to purchase.

When is the best time of year for whale watching?

April through September is considered the best period for whale watching in Iceland. Sightings may be less likely at other times of year.