Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Imagine spending a few hours on the waves off Reykjavík—searching for majestic whales and adorable puffins in their natural habitat. This 4-hour guided tour offers a chance to witness Iceland’s thriving marine life, all while staying comfortable and informed. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience balances fun with education, making it a fantastic choice for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What we really love about this trip is the combination of large whale watching boats like Andrea, which provide spacious, family-friendly comfort, and the small puffin boat Old Skuli, designed to get close to seabird colonies. Plus, the inclusive gear—warm overalls and binoculars—means you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed —but with a sightings guarantee and flexible re-booking options, your chances are pretty good.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy marine wildlife, want a balanced mix of adventure and learning, and prefer comfort and convenience. If you’re eager to see both whales and puffins without spending the whole day at sea, this combo is a smart pick.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: The tour offers chances to see minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and puffins in their natural environment.
• Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides on both tours enhance the experience with interesting facts and entertaining stories.
• Comfort & Safety: Spacious, inside seating with warm overalls ensures a cozy trip regardless of Iceland’s unpredictable weather.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a classic or faster express whale watching boat, depending on how much time you want at sea.
• Authentic Experience: Small boat for puffin watching gets you close to nesting islands, making the experience more intimate.
• Guarantee & Re-Booking: If you don’t see whales, you can re-try for free, reducing the risk of disappointment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Reykjavík Wildlife Adventure

Spending time with whales and puffins in Reykjavík is a truly authentic way to connect with Iceland’s marine environment. This tour, operated by Special Tours Iceland, offers a well-organized, balanced experience perfect for those who love nature but also appreciate comfort and informative guides.

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the Reykjavík Old Harbor, a lively spot bustling with boats and travelers. The full experience lasts around 4 hours, with different departure times depending on your preference: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, or 12:30 PM. The morning options typically pair the classic whale tour with the puffin cruise, while the later options allow for a relaxed pace, switching between the two.

The Whale Watching Experience

The core of this tour is the whale cruise aboard the Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching vessel. This boat provides a spacious, family-friendly environment with inside seating—a welcome feature given Iceland’s unpredictable weather. The cruise lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, during which you’ll search for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Most reviews highlight how knowledgeable and enthusiastic the guides are. One visitor mentions, “The guides did a great job of pointing out all the dolphins and whales and explaining what we saw.” Another review notes that “the crew was very friendly and informative,” making the experience both fun and educational.

The Puffin Watching Expedition

The puffin tour takes place on a smaller boat called Old Skuli, which offers the advantage of getting close to seabird colonies on shallow islands. This boat’s shallow draft allows it to navigate near nesting sites, leading to some truly memorable birdwatching moments. Guides here are also very knowledgeable, sharing interesting facts about puffins and other seabirds like black gullimots.

A common praise in reviews is how close and interactive the puffin experience feels. One traveler states, “We saw puffins flying around and swimming, it was magical.” The binoculars provided help you spot those tiny birds up close, making it a rewarding, camera-friendly outing.

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Weather & Wildlife Considerations

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and your experience depends heavily on sea conditions. The tour operators, with many years of experience, will decide whether it’s safe to go out, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety. Most reviewers agree that “the crew kept us well-informed,” and if whales aren’t spotted, you’re entitled to a free re-booking—a considerate policy that reduces the sting of a missed sighting.

Value for Money

While the cost might seem steep to some, the value lies in the quality of guides, comfort, and the chance to see a variety of wildlife up close. The large boat allows for comfortable viewing, and the included gear—warm overalls and binoculars—ensures you’re prepared for the often chilly North Atlantic winds. Plus, the re-sailing guarantee means you’re not just hoping for a glimpse but are supported if the weather or wildlife activity doesn’t cooperate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo is ideal for families, wildlife lovers, and first-time visitors alike. If you want a well-rounded experience that balances adventure with comfort, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate expert guides and don’t mind sharing the boat with other travelers. The timing flexibility also makes it easy to fit into different travel plans.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik Whales and Puffins Express Cruise offers a compelling mix of Iceland’s marine wildlife in a compact, well-organized package. You’ll love the large, comfortable whale watching boat, perfect for spotting dolphins and whales while staying dry and warm. The small puffin boat gets you right into the action among seabird colonies, providing plenty of chances to see puffins in their natural habitat.

The tour’s guides are knowledgeable and passionate, enriching the experience with interesting facts and entertaining stories. Plus, the guarantee of sightings and the freedom to re-book if nothing is seen reduce some of the unpredictability associated with wildlife tours. All these factors combined make this a great value for travelers eager to connect with Iceland’s wild side without overextending their schedule or budget.

If your goal is to see a variety of wildlife, enjoy comfortable seating and gear, and have flexibility in your plans, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who want to combine education with adventure and prefer guided experiences in a small, intimate group setting.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4 hours, with specific departure times depending on your preference.

What is included in the tour price?
Your ticket covers the cruise trips, warm inside seating, overalls, binoculars for puffin viewing, and guides on both tours.

Can I see whales and puffins on the same day?
Yes. The tours are scheduled so you can switch between whale watching and puffin viewing, often on the same day, though they are separate trips.

What if no whales are seen?
You are entitled to a free re-sailing for whale watching if you don’t see whales on your first trip.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes. The large Andrea whale boat has inside seating and cafeteria facilities, making it comfortable even in rough seas.

How close do I get to the puffins?
The small boat Old Skuli can approach nesting islands closely, giving you excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Definitely. The family-friendly boat and spacious environment make it suitable for children, provided they are comfortable on boats.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes. The tour provides overalls and binoculars; just dress for the weather.

Choosing this tour means stepping into a mini marine safari—a chance to see whales splashing, puffins flying, and maybe even dolphins popping up to say hello. It’s an experience that blends nature’s surprises with expert-guided insights, making your time in Reykjavík all the more memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: