Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

Puffins and whales, all in one busy morning. This Reykjavik combo bundles a puffin cruise to Akurey with a whale-watching tour over Faxafloi Bay, so you get two very different Iceland wildlife vibes without eating up your whole day.

I especially like the way this tour sets you up for real spotting, with binoculars included on the puffin boat and guided scanning for whales and dolphins on the bigger whale vessel. I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 33 travelers, which helps when you are all craning for the same view.

The main thing to consider is that wildlife is never guaranteed. If whales do not show up on your day, you may still end up with dolphins and birds, and the puffin segment can feel short depending on conditions and how far the boat can safely keep from the island.

Key things I’d zero in on before you book

• Bundle value: two tours for one price, with the order you do them left to you
• Binoculars included on the puffin cruise, plus onboard narration on puffin behavior
• Whales are a maybe: you can get minke whales, humpbacks, and dolphins, or just more ocean life
• Warm gear matters: warm overalls are included on the whale boat, and you get warm comfort on the puffin side
• Akurey is best from the water: puffin islands are protected, so you stay out on the sea and use optics
• No whales, you get a redo: the whale portion includes a complimentary ticket for another cruise if none are spotted

Two tours in one Reykjavik slot: why this combo makes sense

This is the kind of tour day I like when I have limited time in Iceland. You are in Reykjavik already, and you are heading out to two different wildlife zones that are both close to the city: puffins near Akurey and whales in Faxafloi Bay. Do it as a bundle and you get a discount compared with booking each tour separately.

Also, the pacing is built for travelers who get antsy. You do not spend the entire day bouncing between activities. Instead, you get a longer whale-watching block and then a shorter puffin cruise, with a quick turnaround on the water.

Where it gets smart for your planning is that you can pick the order. If you want the puffins first while you still feel fresh, you can. If you want whales first, you can. That flexibility helps if you have other plans for your afternoon.

From Geirsgata 11 to the harbor: how the day starts

The tour meets at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back there. That is a practical setup because you are not stuck far from the city center afterward.

Hotel pickup is optional. If you choose it, you travel from your Reykjavik hotel to the Old Harbour to board the whale vessel, and there are extra fees for pickup. If you skip pickup, you can still reach the meeting point using public transportation since it is near transit.

One small but important detail: you need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier. Weather and scheduling can shift, so check your voucher details and don’t rely on guesswork.

Whale watching in Faxafloi Bay: what you’re really buying

This is the “big water” part of the day. You board a vessel in the Old Harbour, then head out to open seas where your guide helps scan for whales. The species focus is simple: minke whales and humpback whales, with other marine life possible like white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.

What I like about this whale tour setup is that it is not just “ride around and hope.” Your guide is actively spotting, and onboard narration explains what you are looking for. In real-world terms, that means you spend more of the time paying attention to where animals tend to surface, instead of watching the horizon in silence.

That said, you have to calibrate expectations. Even a great guide cannot force animals to show up. Some days deliver multiple whale sightings, including dramatic behavior like tail slaps. Other days deliver dolphins and birds but no whales at all.

If you get skunked on whales, there’s a backup

The tour includes a safety net: if no whales are spotted in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise. It’s one of the better “wildlife reality” policies, because you are not stuck chalking it up as bad luck and done.

Sea comfort and warm gear: how not to let weather ruin your photos

Iceland’s water can be smooth, but it can also be rough, and this tour gives you tools to handle it. On the whale-watching side, warm overalls are included. In reviews, crew members have also handed out items to help with seasickness, like sick bags and ginger candy, and some guides recommend or provide motion-sickness pills when conditions are choppy.

That matters because “cold and miserable” is the enemy of wildlife spotting. If you are not shivering, you can stay on task and keep scanning. If you are a bit prone to motion sickness, take it seriously before you leave shore.

On the puffin cruise, you’re also given warm comfort, including a soft blanket. Pair that with layered clothing and you will feel a lot more confident when you are standing or sitting outdoors near a window line.

Puffin cruise to Akurey: binoculars, narration, and protected island rules

Now for the smaller-vessel energy. The puffin cruise is designed for close-in viewing of birds in action, specifically around the rocky shores of Akurey. The boat circles the island for prime vantage points, so you can see puffins moving across the water and popping up near the coastline.

You get binoculars included, which is a big deal for two reasons:

1. Puffins can be small at a distance, even when they are right where the action is.
2. With binoculars, you can actually track the dives or plunges into the water for fish and then spot them popping back up.

Onboard narration explains puffin behavior and physiology, so you are not just seeing birds, you are learning what you are watching. While you scan, you might also spot other seabirds like Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars.

A key reality check: you cannot access the breeding islands

You do not land. You are not walking onto the island. Puffin islands are protected breeding grounds, and staying out at sea is part of the rules. In plain terms, you are viewing puffins and their habitat from the boat, not going ashore.

That’s also why some people feel the puffin segment is “too short” or “not close enough.” Even with binoculars, the view depends on your boat positioning and the sea state.

Should you bring your own binoculars?

If you are picky about wildlife photography or you want your own set without sharing, it might be worth packing your own binoculars. Some people found the included binoculars helpful, while others pointed out that visibility can be limited and sharing can be annoying when the boat is crowded.

Order flexibility: how to choose what comes first

The tour gives you flexibility in order, and here is how I would choose based on how I travel.

If you are worried about seasickness, consider putting the whale portion first. You tend to have more time in one stretch, and you can use the full warm-overall setup right away while you settle in. If you feel totally fine with boats, you might like puffins first for the higher “bird payoff” early in the day.

If you care about photos, do puffins when you think your hands will stay steady. Puffins are active and fast-moving, so you want to be comfortable and warm, not distracted by cold or nausea.

Also, pay attention to the time split. Some departures feel like a longer whale block followed by a very short puffin cruise, and other schedules may vary. Your voucher and reconfirmation will tell you your exact timing.

Guides and the difference between a great and a merely okay day

The biggest driver of enjoyment seems to be the guide experience. When it clicks, you get that “watching with a pro” feeling, where someone points out what to look for and you suddenly see more.

Several guides were singled out by name in feedback. One whale-watching team included Jo and Lucas, and people praised how they kept attention on the right parts of the ocean. On the puffin boat, Patrick earned shout-outs for clear English and a fun, informative style. Blanca also got strong praise for helping people spot whales, dolphins, and birds.

Still, not every day has perfect language clarity. One review mentioned broken English on the whale portion. If you are extremely sensitive to language barriers, pick this tour mainly for the wildlife chance and focus more on visual cues than relying only on narration.

Boat size affects the vibe

This combo uses different vessels. The whale-watching boat can be larger, and reviews describe it as roomy but also crowded depending on the departure. The puffin cruise uses a smaller boat, which can feel cozy and cozy-win when the sea is manageable. But if the puffin boat carries a lot of people, you may feel packed at the prime viewing spots.

That is why timing and weather matter. Calm seas can make the viewing smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Wildlife expectations: how to think like a realist

This is the part I’d rather you get right before you pay.

For whales, you should think in ranges, not guarantees. You may see:

• Humpback whales with surface activity and sometimes dramatic behavior
• Minke whales that can be harder to spot quickly
• Dolphins and porpoises even when whales are scarce

For puffins, expect high activity once you get near the right viewing area around Akurey. Puffins are very much the star, plus other seabirds in the same ocean corridors.

If you are hoping for close whale photography, understand that safe distance and animal behavior set the limits. Even when whales are around, they may surface farther out than you want.

If you are hoping for puffins “up close,” also understand the island rules. You will not stand beside nesting birds. You’ll view puffins from the water with binoculars, and on the best days the birds will still feel close because they fly low and move fast.

Price and value: is $156.19 a smart buy?

At $156.19 per person, you are paying for a bundled day with two different wildlife targets, plus included gear. Here is where the value comes from:

• Binoculars included for puffin spotting
• Warm overalls for the whale boat
• Free Wi-Fi on the whale-watching cruise
• The Special Tours App, available in multiple languages, adds a layer of interpretation while you are on the water
• The whale tour includes a complimentary ticket if whales are not seen

And the discount angle matters. If you book each tour separately, you usually end up paying more for the same two outings. The combo helps you keep logistics simple and reduces the chance of wasting time coordinating two separate operators.

That said, price is not “worth it” if you end up unhappy with how close the boats can get. Puffin cruises can feel short or distant depending on your tolerance for viewing at sea level. If whales are your main goal, this is still a good buy because you have a backup ticket, but you should still assume whales might be limited on a given day.

Practical tips that will make your day smoother

Based on what consistently shows up in feedback, here are the moves I would make.

Dress for wind, not just cold

Warm overalls help, but you still need layers. The water and wind can make the air feel sharper than you expect, even in months when Reykjavik can look mild.

Bring your patience for wildlife timing

Some days are whale-heavy and photo friendly. Some days are not. The guide can work hard, the captain can search smart, but nature is the boss.

Keep an eye on schedule changes

You reconfirm times with the supplier. Do that soon after booking, and again the day before if your voucher suggests it.

Expect an equipment-sharing dynamic

Binoculars are included for puffins, but sharing can be an issue on busier departures. If you own binoculars that work well for birds, bringing them is a simple way to improve your viewing comfort.

Who this combo is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a half-day plan that still feels like a true wildlife experience
• chances at both puffins and whales without long drives
• a guide who narrates what you are seeing and helps scan for wildlife

It may be a weaker fit if:

• you mainly want close-up whales for photos
• you are very disappointed by short segments or by viewing seabirds from distance
• you get seasick easily and want to avoid any boat time at all (this can still be manageable with warm gear and seasickness help, but it is still open water)

Should you book the Reykjavik puffin and whale combo?

I would book it if your priority is “two wildlife shots for one efficient morning” and you are happy to treat whales as a bonus. The binocular-supported puffin cruise and the whale tour’s active scanning in Faxafloi Bay make this feel like more than a sightseeing cruise.

I would hesitate if puffins need to be close for you to feel satisfied. Some departures can give amazing views, but the island access rules mean you are viewing from the water. Also, if whales are your only reason for coming, remember that sightings vary, even with a strong guide.

If you like a plan that maximizes your chances and keeps you warm and entertained on the water, this combo is an easy yes for many Reykjavik visits.

FAQ

What is included on the whale-watching cruise?

You get warm overalls, free Wi-Fi on board, and onboard narration as you scan Faxafloi Bay for whales. The tour data also mentions that motion comfort support may be available in rough conditions.

What’s included on the puffin cruise?

The puffin cruise includes binoculars and warm comfort such as a blanket. You also get narration focused on puffin behavior as you approach and circle Akurey.

Can I choose the order of the two tours?

Yes. The combo offers flexibility so you can choose the order you take the two tours.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup is not included in the base offering, but it is available to book directly with the supplier for an extra fee. Without pickup, you meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What happens if no whales are seen?

If no whales are spotted in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.