Two-In-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik

Two-In-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik — A Comprehensive Review

If you’re looking for a wildlife adventure off the coast of Reykjavik, this two-part tour offers a fantastic way to see puffins and whales in their natural habitats. For $140 per person, you get about 4 to 6 hours of boat-based fun—perfect for nature lovers eager to witness Iceland’s marine life. The tour is split into two separate experiences: a quick puffin watch on a smaller vessel, followed by a longer whale-watching trip on a larger boat, with some free time in between for lunch and exploration.

What we love most about this tour is the attention to comfort and safety—heated indoor viewing areas and protective gear keep you cozy, even if the weather turns rough. Plus, the live commentary from guides who are passionate about wildlife adds a layer of insight that makes the experience more meaningful. The sighting guarantee on the whale tour is a real plus—if you don’t see whales, you get to try again another day for free.

A possible consideration is the separation of the two tours, which means you’ll need to coordinate your timing if you want to do both in one day, especially since the puffin tour is on a smaller boat and the whale tour on a larger vessel. That said, this setup provides a distinct experience for each species, which some travelers truly appreciate.

This tour is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts and curious travelers who enjoy being on the water, value expert guides, and don’t mind a bit of flexibility in timing. If you’re excited about seeing dolphins, humpbacks, and puffins up close, this could be a highlight of your Iceland trip.

Key Points

• Diverse wildlife experiences: Puffins on a small boat and whales on a larger vessel.
• Comfortable setup: Heated indoor saloons and protective gear ensure a cozy trip.
• Expert guides and live commentary: Insightful stories and wildlife facts enhance the experience.
• Wildlife guarantee on whale sightings: Try again free if no whales are seen.
• Flexible free time: Ample time for lunch and exploration in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.
• Separate tours: Two distinct experiences, which may require some planning.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The tour kicks off at the Elding Whale Watching base in Ægisgarður, where you’ll meet your guides—who are often marine biologists or wildlife experts eager to share their knowledge. The first stop is Puffin Island (Lundey), reachable on a smaller passenger vessel. Here, you’ll get about an hour of puffin sightseeing. Armed with binoculars and possibly a zoom lens, you’ll scan the cliffs and waters where thousands of puffins breed during the season.

Many reviews emphasize how close some travelers got to the puffins—“closer to the island than I expected” was a common sentiment. This part is particularly appealing for bird watchers or those wanting a gentle introduction to Icelandic wildlife. The smaller boat is designed to navigate near the island, giving you a good chance to observe these graceful, fluttering birds.

After the puffin expedition, you’ll have about an hour and a half free—plenty of time to stroll around the Old Harbour, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants (they’re happy to recommend options), or just soak up Reykjavik’s maritime charm.

In the afternoon, you’ll board a larger whale watching vessel in Faxaflói Bay. This is where the real thrill begins. Expect to sail out into Iceland’s largest bay, searching for whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The 3-hour tour offers a genuine chance to see minke whales, humpbacks, and even playful dolphins. The tour’s wildlife guarantee means that if no cetaceans are spotted, you can hop aboard again free of charge—something that reassures many travelers.

Comfort and Safety

Most reviews highlight how well-organized and comfortable the trips are. The boat features heated indoor lounges with large viewing windows—ideal for those who prefer to stay warm and dry while watching the sea life. The inclusion of protective clothing, such as waterproof jackets and pants, helps you withstand wind and spray, making the experience more pleasant even on rougher days.

Binoculars are provided free of charge, which makes spotting distant whales or flitting puffins easier. Some guests remarked on how guides shared interesting facts and stories about the animals, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Wildlife Encounters and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on authentic wildlife encounters. Many travelers have remarked on the quality of the guides’ commentary. One reviewer shared: “We saw several humpback whales, a pod of dolphins, and hundreds of puffins!” The guides’ passion and knowledge are often praised, making the trip both educational and entertaining.

While seeing migratory whales depends on the day’s conditions, the sighting guarantee offers peace of mind. Several reviews mention how guides and crew work hard to locate the animals, and many guests leave with memorable sightings—“the whales were so majestic that my partner literally cried”.

The Value Equation

At $140, the value lies not just in seeing wildlife, but in the quality of the experience. The combination of two separate tours—each with its own boat—means you’re paying for two distinct encounters in one package. For wildlife lovers, this offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s marine ecosystem.

The included amenities—WiFi, binoculars, heated indoor saloons—add to the comfort, especially since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. The flexibility of exploring Reykjavik’s Old Harbour during free time is an added bonus, making it easier to combine this tour with other sightseeing.

Considerations for Travelers

The main caveat is the separation of the tours—they are on different boats and at different times. If your schedule is tight or you prefer everything in one boat, you might find this less convenient. Some reviews mention confusion about tickets or the need to coordinate between the two experiences, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Another point is that wildlife sightings are unpredictable. Several reviews note that puffins are small and fast, making them tricky to photograph or see clearly. But the experience of being on the water, watching majestic whales breach or watching puffins flutter on the cliffs, more than makes up for it.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts who appreciate wildlife conservation and enjoy being on the water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a multi-layered wildlife experience—seeing seabirds and whales in one day—without the rush of trying to fit different activities. Families with children (over 13, due to life vest requirements) and couples alike find value here, especially given the friendly guides and guaranteed sightings.

If you’re eager to learn about marine animals from passionate guides, enjoy comfortable boat settings, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in wildlife sightings, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable if you want to combine wildlife viewing with some free time in Reykjavik, making your day well-rounded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 13 are required by law to wear life vests, so this tour is most suitable for families with older kids or teenagers. The overall experience appeals to those comfortable on boats and interested in wildlife.

What should I bring?
Bring your own binoculars if you wish, although the tour provides some. Dress in waterproof layers—wind and spray are common—and don’t forget your camera or zoom lens if you want good photos of the puffins or whales.

Will I see whales and puffins every time?
While the tour has a sighting guarantee for whales, actual sightings depend on weather and animal movements. Puffins are highly visible during breeding season, but they’re small and quick, so close-up views are not guaranteed.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The puffin watching takes about an hour on a smaller boat, while the whale watching lasts roughly three hours. The total time with free exploration in between is about 4 to 6 hours.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers both boat trips, use of binoculars, protective clothing, heated indoors, and live commentary. Food and drinks can be purchased on board, and WiFi is complimentary.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
The whale tour offers a sighting guarantee—if no whales are spotted, you can join another trip free of charge.

To sum it up, this Two-In-One Whale & Puffin Tour from Reykjavik offers a fulfilling experience for those who want to see Iceland’s remarkable marine wildlife comfortably and responsibly. The combination of expert guides, wildlife guarantees, and well-thought-out amenities makes it a strong choice for travelers eager to add some wildlife magic to their trip. While the separate tours require some planning, the chance to observe dolphins, humpbacks, porpoises, and puffins makes it worthwhile. It’s a well-balanced adventure suitable for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in Iceland’s shores.

Remember: While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the effort, comfort, and expert guidance make this tour a standout that’s worth considering on your Iceland itinerary.