Puffins and whales share one Reykjavik day. This combo turns Reykjavik’s Old Harbor into two boat outings, with warm overalls and cozy seating on board. You’ll start with the small boat Old Skuli for close puffin viewing, then switch to a larger whale-watching vessel for Faxaflói Bay.

I especially like the puffin part: Old Skuli is built for getting near the small islands where these birds hang out, and you’ll have borrowed binoculars and a guide who actually cares about what you’re seeing. On some days, guides such as Patrick Pirate Puffin bring bird behavior to life with energy and jokes.

One thing to keep in mind: whale sightings depend on weather and animal movement, and the sea can feel rough even with a bigger boat. Bring warm layers and expect that the day’s best views happen when the captains and the animals line up.

Key things that make this combo worth it

• Old Skuli’s shallow-draft design helps the crew reach the puffin islands for close-up views
• Warm overalls and inside seating keep you comfortable while you’re out on the water
• Binoculars are included for the puffin leg, so you can actually study what you’re looking at
• Puffins come with a 100% sightings guarantee, and whales include a free return ticket if nothing is spotted
• Express whale watching saves travel time to the watching area while keeping the time where it matters
• Two different boats, two different wildlife vibes (birds up close, then whales farther offshore in Faxaflói Bay)

Two boats, one port: how the 4-hour combo actually works

This is a smart way to pack two of Iceland’s most popular marine wildlife outings into one day: puffins close-up, then a classic hunt for whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. The whole combo runs about 4 hours, starting and ending back at the same spot in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor area (meet at the Special Tours office).

The day is essentially a quick handoff between two different experiences. You’ll go out on the smaller puffin boat first (on most departures), then transfer back for the whale segment. The big win here is that you don’t waste half a day driving around or hunting down separate tour times—you just do the two wildlife legs back-to-back.

Timing depends on your chosen departure:

• A 9:00 AM departure runs classic whale watching first, then puffins at 12:30 PM.
• A 10:00 AM departure runs express whale watching first, then puffins at 12:30 PM.
• A 12:30 PM departure begins with puffins, then express whale watching at 2:00 PM.

Even though this combo ties the two parts together neatly, the provider notes that the tours are separate and don’t have to be done on the same day. In other words: if you want flexibility, this combo format still gives you structure without locking you into one rigid plan.

Puffins from Old Skuli: close views without the usual distance

The puffin leg is where this tour feels most unique. Instead of a big open-deck crowd, you’re on Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli), a smaller boat with a shallow draught. That detail matters. It’s what allows the captain to get near the small islands where puffins live, and it’s a big reason you’re more likely to see birds clearly rather than as tiny specks on the horizon.

You’ll also get the comfort basics that make bird-watching actually enjoyable in Iceland’s wind:

• Warm inside seating
• Overalls supplied by the crew
• Binoculars for the puffin tour (you borrow them during the segment)

If you’ve ever been disappointed by wildlife tours where you can’t tell what you’re looking at, the binoculars solve a lot of that frustration. Puffins are smaller than most first-time visitors expect, and crisp viewing makes the difference between I saw a bird and I understood what the bird was doing.

Guides play a big role here. People’s favorite moments on this tour tend to be when the guide explains bird behavior while you’re watching. One named guide you might hear—Patrick Pirate Puffin—has a style that mixes science facts with jokes that keep kids (and grown-ups) paying attention.

One more practical note: the puffin outing is paired with a 100% sightings guarantee for that segment. Puffins are part of established breeding colonies, so the tour is built around something more predictable than whale movement.

Whale watching on the Andrea: spacious, educational, and built for motion

After the puffin segment and transfer back, you switch to classic or express whale watching on the Andrea boat (the Andrea is described as the biggest whale-watching boat in Iceland). The Andrea is also described as family friendly, spacious, and it has a cafeteria onboard, which is a nice comfort if you’re out longer than expected.

What you’re looking for in Faxaflói Bay includes:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbor porpoises

The main idea is that the crew uses a mix of local experience and on-water decision-making to find animals when conditions allow. Captains sail based on many years of experience, with passenger safety and comfort in mind. So if the sea is messy or visibility isn’t great, don’t assume the crew is being cautious for no reason—they’re responding to real-world ocean conditions.

Also, don’t plan your expectations like it’s an animal documentary. Even on excellent days, whales can be shy, and you might get only brief surfacing, spray, or a quick tail fin before they slip away. The good news is that guides are paid to help you make the most of those short windows. On whale days, the strongest feedback tends to be about guide-style spotting—pointing you to the right area quickly and explaining what different behaviors mean.

And there’s a bonus safety net: if nothing is spotted on the whale tour, you get another ticket for free. That’s one of the clearest ways this combo reduces stress. Whale watching is nature, not a theme-park show.

Express vs classic whale watching: same time where it counts

The express option is worth your attention if you’d rather spend less time traveling and more time at the best viewing area. The tour description explains that the express whale watching departs later (about 1 hour later) and uses a faster boat. The goal is to get to the whale watching grounds quicker than other boats.

Here’s the key point: with express, you still spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area, just with less “in-between” travel time. That tends to matter because time on the water is the main variable—you want the crew spending effort where sightings are possible, not just cruising.

For timing, the express whale leg is described as lasting about 2 to 2.5 hours for whale watching. When you combine that with the full combo flow, it helps explain why certain departures pair express whale watching with the 12:30 PM puffin segment.

If you’re trying to fit this tour into limited daylight (especially outside midsummer), express can be an efficient choice. If you’re traveling slower and you don’t mind the extra transit time, classic can still be a great pick—Andrea is large, and the crew focus is on education and finding wildlife safely.

Comfort gear and guide style: the details you’ll feel

This tour’s comfort setup is one of its biggest practical strengths. For the puffin segment, you get warm overalls and you’ll be in warm inside seating. For Iceland, that’s not a small perk. Wind is real, spray happens, and the ocean air can sneak under your layers unless you’re properly covered.

On top of the physical gear, there’s the “what am I looking at?” layer. You get:

• A live guide (English)
• A downloadable app with info in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese
• Binocular support during the puffin portion

That matters because wildlife viewing gets better when you can interpret what you’re seeing. Guides help you spot animals and understand the behaviors—like how puffins act around colonies, or what to look for during a whale search.

Guide names showing up in people’s memorable moments include Patrick Pirate Puffin and Rebecca. The consistent pattern: guides are not just listing facts; they’re pointing things out and keeping everyone engaged. That’s especially helpful when conditions aren’t perfect (wind, whales that don’t surface often, or birds that pause for a moment and make you wonder if you missed them).

There’s also a simple logistics rhythm. This combo is described as two separate tours with a quick transfer. In practice, it means you’re not stuck waiting all day—just swapping boats and getting back out.

What you’ll actually see in Faxaflói Bay and near the puffin islands

Let’s talk expectations in a way that keeps you excited and also keeps you sane.

Puffins: more predictable viewing

Puffins are easier because they’re linked to colonies and repeat behaviors around those islands. With Old Skuli getting close and binoculars in hand, you’re positioned to see them clearly. People’s favorite puffin moments tend to be about how busy they are near the colony—flying in, landing, and working through their routines.

Whales: the search can be quick or tricky

Whales can be plentiful one day and shy the next. That’s why the tour’s sightings guarantee for puffins is such a big deal: it reduces the chance your whole day feels like a gamble. For whales, the provider adds that free return ticket if nothing is spotted, which is a fair compromise for a wild-animal activity.

In the whale area, you’re most commonly looking for minke and humpback whales in Faxaflói Bay, plus dolphins and harbor porpoises. If you see dolphins, pay attention to how they move in groups—their presence often signals active waters.

Price and value: why $148 can make sense here

At $148 per person, this combo isn’t the cheapest wildlife outing in Reykjavik. But it’s also not just “two boat rides for the same money.” You’re buying several things that add value:

• Two different boats and two different wildlife targets (puffins close-up + whales offshore)
• Included warm overalls for the puffin boat segment
• Included binoculars for the puffin leg
• Live guide on both parts
• A dedicated puffin viewing guarantee
• A whale free return ticket if nothing is spotted
• Onboard comfort like warm seating and the Andrea cafeteria

That’s a lot of included “small costs” that can add up fast if you book separate tours. Even without comparing line-by-line prices to other operators (which vary), this combo feels like it’s built to prevent the most common regrets: going home with only blurry photos or paying full price for a whale search that goes nowhere.

If you’re only doing one wildlife day and want the highest chance of meaningful animal viewing, this structure is a strong fit.

Weather, seasickness, and what to pack so you stay comfortable

This is Iceland, so plan for wind and changing conditions. Weather and sea state determine whether the captains sail and how the day unfolds. The tour explicitly notes that the captains decide based on weather, prioritizing safety and passenger comfort.

Still, the sea can be choppy at times, especially during whale watching on the bigger vessel. You’ll likely feel motion more when the swells pick up, even with the Andrea’s size.

A practical tip drawn from real experiences on similar conditions: if you’re prone to motion sickness, ask about help onboard. One review mentioned that free sea sickness pills were offered when needed.

What you should bring is simple:

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable clothes

And yes, even with provided overalls, layers help. Think of it like this: overalls are your wind shield; layers are your heat system.

Who should book this combo (and who should skip it)

This is a great choice if you want to see both:

• Puffins up close (where binoculars and Old Skuli’s shallow-draft setup matter)
• Whales in Faxaflói Bay (where the Andrea boat and guide spotting help you use every minute)

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• Like wildlife tours that mix education with spotting skills
• Are okay with the natural variability of whale sightings
• Want a weather-ready setup with warm gear

You might want to think twice if:

• You get seasick easily and don’t plan for motion management
• You’re visiting outside April to September, when whale spotting chances are noted as lower

Should you book Reykjavik’s Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo?

If your goal is maximum wildlife return in limited time, I’d book it. The puffin side is strongly supported by a 100% sightings guarantee, plus you get overalls and binoculars—so you’re not gambling on “maybe I’ll see something.” Then the whale segment adds a sensible safety net: if nothing is spotted, you receive another chance with a free ticket.

Choose the express whale option if you’d like more time at the viewing area and less time traveling. Pick classic if you don’t mind the extra transit and you want the straightforward plan.

Bottom line: this combo is built for comfort, close bird viewing, and guided whale spotting. It’s a solid value when you want both puffins and whales without turning your Reykjavik day into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

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

How long does the combo tour take?

The total duration is listed as 4 hours (exact timing depends on your selected departure).

What’s included for the puffin cruise?

The puffin cruise includes warm inside seating, warm overalls, binoculars for the puffin tour, and a guide. There’s also a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour.

Is there any guarantee for seeing whales or puffins?

Puffins have a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour. For the whale watching part, if no whales are spotted you get another ticket for free.

What animals might you see on the whale watching portion?

In Faxaflói Bay, the most common sights listed are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

What’s the difference between the express whale tour and the classic whale tour?

The express whale watching uses a faster boat to get you to the watching area quicker. You still spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area. The express whale watching is described as about 2 to 2.5 hours for whale viewing.

What time does the puffin part start depending on my departure?

The schedule notes:

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

Is the tour guide offered in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live tour guide in English.

Are drinks included?

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