Wildlife season in Reykjavik hits hard. This combo pairs a puffin cruise at Akurey with whale watching in Faxafloi Bay, with guides who know where to look and what you’re seeing. I especially like the built-in gear (binoculars and warm layers) and the calm, practical narration on board; the only catch is wildlife is wild, so whales are not guaranteed.

What makes this deal feel smart is that you’re not stuck choosing just birds or mammals. You can even decide the order of the two parts, so it fits your day. One thing to plan for: if seas get rough, the whale portion can feel long and crowded, and the puffin viewing is usually from offshore rather than right at the breeding cliffs.

Key things that make this combo worth your time

• Akurey puffins with binoculars included so you can actually spot the action
• Faxafloi whale watching from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour with warm gear and onboard scanning
• Order flexibility lets you match the day’s weather and your energy level
• Small-ish group size (max 33) which helps the boat experience feel less chaotic
• Backup plan for whale sightings with a complimentary cruise if you don’t spot whales
• Special Tours App in several languages for extra context during the ride

Puffins plus whales from Reykjavik: what the 4.5 hours really feel like

This is a “two sightings, one day” outing built for people who want maximum wildlife time without turning Reykjavik into a logistics project. The whole experience runs about 4 hours 30 minutes, and it’s designed to keep moving: first you’re out for puffins, then you’re back to land and out again for whales (or the other way around).

The vibe is simple. You’ll sit back on the boats, get warm, listen to commentary, then spend time scanning for motion—puffins above the water and whales out at sea. You’re paying for the access and the guide effort, not for a guarantee of close-up wildlife photos.

Where you meet (and why the location matters)

You start at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and you end back there. The meeting point is in the city center, so it’s easy to reach by foot or public transportation—useful if you’re pairing this with other plans.

The route is also set up to reduce stress. After the puffin portion, you return and can connect to the whale portion; after the whale portion, you’re guided back to Reykjavik. Optional hotel pickup and hotel drop-off can be booked separately with extra fees, but the tour itself is anchored to the central meeting point.

One small-but-important note: you’ll need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier (your voucher has details). That’s the kind of thing that prevents last-minute surprises.

The puffin cruise at Akurey: what you’ll see from the boat

The puffin part takes you to Akurey, a rocky island area known for puffin activity. As you approach, you’ll watch puffins operating right in front of you—fast flight, quick dives under the surface to grab fish, then popping back up near the waterline.

You’ll also get binoculars included, which makes a big difference. Puffins are visible at a distance, but binoculars turn them from “little dots” into real birds with recognizable movement and behavior. The onboard narration focuses on how puffins behave and why they do what they do, so you’re not just sightseeing—you’re learning in real time.

From the boat, you’ll circle the island for better viewing angles. That matters because puffins don’t all perform at the same spot at the same moment. Even if you can’t land or step onto the breeding island (you can’t), the circling route gives you repeated chances to catch them flying, feeding, or skimming the sea.

A practical reality check about closeness

A few things can limit how “close” you feel:

• You generally can’t access the puffin breeding islands, so you’re viewing from offshore.
• Sometimes the birds stay active farther out, and sometimes wind and boat positioning keep the viewing at a distance.

That said, when the birds are flying through your viewing window, this part can feel like a highlight reel of Iceland wildlife.

Whale watching in Faxafloi Bay: how you spot minke and humpbacks

For the whale portion, you travel to Old Harbour to board the boat. The main target is minke whales and humpback whales while your guide scans Faxafloi Bay.

What I like about this setup is the working method. You’re not just staring into the horizon and hoping. Guides help you scan the sea and pay attention to clues—surfacing patterns, small changes in the water, and the timing that matters when whales surface to breathe.

The tour also looks for other marine life. Depending on what’s in the area that day, you may spot white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Some departures can also be especially active for dolphins, even when whale sightings are fewer.

Warm overalls and Wi-Fi: small comforts that matter

On the whale boat, you get warm overalls, and there’s free Wi‑Fi on board. That Wi‑Fi won’t replace the ocean drama, but it helps if you want to message home while you’re waiting for the next sighting.

Even with warm gear, seas can still make you feel it. If you’re sensitive to motion, plan to use whatever comfort options are offered on the day. Some boats in this kind of program distribute items like ginger or sick bags when needed, and you should expect a similar level of care if seas get rough.

Order flexibility: when doing puffins first can be a smart move

One of the underrated strengths here is that you can choose the order of the two parts. That helps because puffin viewing and whale viewing can react differently to wind and sea conditions.

If the day looks unsettled, you might prefer the part where you’re closer to known viewing points (the puffin island area) first. If the seas feel calm, whales can be the bigger payoff, especially if you’re hoping for dramatic behavior like tail slaps and extended surfacing.

Either way, keep your expectations matched to the environment:

• Puffins can be active quickly, and your chances often improve when birds are actively flying and feeding near the viewing zones.
• Whales depend on where animals decide to be, not on your schedule.

Value for $156.19: what you’re really buying

At about $156.19 per person, the value here is the bundling. You’re not paying separately for two standalone outings when the timing lets them connect into one day.

The best value comes from the included extras:

• Binoculars included on the puffin cruise
• Warm overalls on the whale cruise
• Free Wi‑Fi on the whale boat
• Special Tours App in multiple languages (useful for quick, low-effort learning)

But the deeper value is the guide work. People often mention that the guides are strong at pointing out wildlife and explaining what you’re looking at. Guides also manage the practical details—when to look, where to look, and how long you may hold a sighting before moving.

The one value risk: whales are wild

Even with excellent scanning, whale sightings aren’t guaranteed. That risk is real, and it’s why this bundle is best for people who say yes to wildlife unpredictability.

The good part: there’s a backup. If whales aren’t spotted in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Photo expectations: what you can and can’t count on

This is a boat day, not a teleport-to-a-whale day. You can take great photos if you catch the timing, but don’t build your plan around guaranteed close-ups.

For puffins, you may get stunning viewing when birds fly close enough to read their movement and patterns—but sometimes the birds stay farther out, and you rely on binoculars rather than “camera distance.”

For whales, some departures can be spectacular—humpbacks and minkes are possible, and dolphins can show up reliably—but some departures are quieter. If your main goal is tight, wildlife-at-your-lens shots, plan to be flexible with what your camera captures on the day.

Who this tour suits best (and who might choose differently)

This combo works best if you:

• Want both puffins and whales in one day
• Like narration and want your wildlife time to come with context
• Are comfortable with cold wind and boat rides
• Understand that spotting wildlife is a numbers game

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need guaranteed whale sightings to feel satisfied (the tour can’t guarantee them)
• Are highly prone to seasickness and can’t manage it even with the gear and support offered
• Expect puffins at the island cliffs up close (you view from the boat)

Tips to make your day smoother

A few small choices can prevent big annoyances:

• Bring warm layers even though the whale cruise includes warm overalls. The wind on the water is real.
• If you’re picky about bird spotting, consider having your own binoculars, not because the included ones are bad, but because limited sharing can happen on busy departures.
• Wear shoes that handle a boat floor and a bit of spray. You’ll feel more stable when you’re leaning slightly to scan.
• Charge your phone, but keep expectations realistic. Wi‑Fi can help on the whale portion, yet your best photos will still come from your timing and the boat’s positioning.

And if you care about guide energy: people often praise specific guides by name in this program—on other sails, I’ve seen mentions of guides like Jo and Lucas, plus others such as Patrick and Blanca. You can’t choose a guide from the data here, but it’s a good sign that the human piece tends to land well.

Should you book this Reykjavik Super Saver?

Book it if you want a well-timed wildlife combo with smart inclusions: binoculars, warm gear, onboard narration, and a backup plan if whales don’t show in Faxafloi Bay. This is also a strong pick if you’re the type who enjoys scanning for animals and learning as you go.

Skip it (or at least lower expectations) if you’re chasing guaranteed whale sightings or you’re expecting puffins up close on land. The puffin island experience is about offshore viewing and circling for the best angles, not walking among breeding birds.

If you come with the right mindset—wildlife first, comfort second, photos third—this can be a very efficient Iceland day out on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Iceland Super Saver experience?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Where do I meet and where does the tour end?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and ends back at the same meeting point.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pick up and hotel transfers are not included in the price. You can book them separately with the supplier for extra fees.

What’s included on the boats?

On the whale-watching cruise, you get free Wi‑Fi and warm overalls. On the puffin cruise, you get binoculars. A warm blanket is also provided during the puffin cruise.

If no whales are spotted, do I get another chance?

Yes. If you don’t see whales in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Does weather affect the departure time?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You’ll also need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier.