Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Puffin Excursion

Whales in the Atlantic, puffins in the same day. I love the double payoff here: humpback and minke whales out in the open water, then puffin colonies closer to the islands. My only real caution is that sightings depend on sea conditions, so if you get motion sick easily, think twice.

This is sold as a combo, but you are really booking two separate legs with different departure times from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. It works well because the puffin boat is short, while the whale portion gives you real time scanning the Atlantic.

Plan to be on time. Meet at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, and arrive 30 minutes early so you can get settled before you head out.

Key Highlights Worth Prioritizing

• Reykjavik Old Harbour start with a direct cruise into the Atlantic Ocean
• Two whale targets: humpback whales and minke whales in their natural habitat
• Puffins on a close-in, smaller boat plus binoculars provided for the island viewing
• Onboard comfort extras like free WiFi and complimentary seasickness tablets
• A no-sighting safety net via a free ticket to join again
• A true combo structure: choose your whale departure time, then match to the puffin departure

Reykjavik’s Old Harbour Makes the Whole Trip Feel Easy

Reykjavik’s Old Harbour is the kind of launch point that keeps things simple. You start from one clear meeting place, Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours ticket office, so you are not juggling multiple pickup points or confusing transfer plans.

The big advantage is timing. You have a compact day plan that fits a lot of wildlife viewing into about 4 hours total, without needing a long bus ride first.

Bring warm layers that you can keep on deck. Even in decent weather, the Atlantic can feel cold fast, and you will want to stay comfortable while you scan for whales and puffins.

Whale Watching Cruise: Large Vessel Time on the Atlantic

Your whale watching leg is run from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour on a larger vessel. Expect roughly 2 to 3.5 hours on the water, depending on how the day goes, and the goal is straightforward: spotting humpback whales and minke whales.

This part matters because it is where you get the most “open ocean” feeling. The crew and guides explain behaviors and habitats as you go, which turns the spotting from luck into something you can actually follow.

You also get practical support onboard. Free WiFi helps pass the waiting time when the sea is calm but the animals are not popping up yet, and complimentary seasickness tablets give you an extra buffer if the boat ride gets choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, though, the tour is listed as not suitable, so I would respect that warning.

Puffin Tour Runs Short, But It Targets the Close-Up View

After the whale leg, you shift to puffins on a smaller boat for about 1 hour. The short duration is not a gimmick, it is an efficiency move that helps you get closer to the island colonies without spending your whole day on the water.

Binoculars are provided for the puffin tour, which is handy if you do not want to haul your own gear. More importantly, the boat is specially designed to get as close to the islands as possible, so your viewing angles should feel more immediate than you get from farther out.

For puffin lovers, this is the payoff section. You get the coastal backdrop plus visible colony time, and your guide’s explanations on behavior and habitat help you understand what you are seeing beyond just spotting a bird.

How the Combo Works in Real Life (Two Separate Departures)

Here is the key detail that affects how the day feels. This combo booking includes two different and separate tours with two departures, so you are not doing one continuous trip.

You choose the whale watching departure time when booking, then it pairs with a puffin departure:

• Whale Watching 09:00 departure and Puffin 12:30 departure
• Whale Watching 13:00 departure and Puffin 17:00 departure

Those pairings line up well with the stated durations. The whale window of about 2 to 3.5 hours gives you time to get your main spotting leg in, while the puffin leg stays tight at about 1 hour. It is a smart rhythm if you want wildlife plus still have energy for Reykjavik after.

What the Guides Add (And How to Get More From Whale and Puffin Sightings)

You are not just paying for boat time. You also get expert guides who share insight on behaviors and habitats, which makes the wildlife viewing feel more intentional.

If you end up with a guide like Daniel, expect strong, upbeat communication and clear explanations while you scan. Even if you have a different guide, the format stays the same: you get commentary during the cruise and help interpreting what you are seeing.

My practical tip: plan to ask a quick question during the early part of each leg. If you know what your guide is watching for, your eyes stop hunting randomly and start scanning with purpose. It is the difference between watching the sea and actually doing wildlife viewing.

Weather, Shared Boats, and Your Wildlife Odds

Wildlife viewing in Iceland is never a guaranteed checklist. The tour is designed around spotting humpback whales and minke whales, then visiting nearby islands to marvel at puffin colonies, but the sea decides what is comfortable and what is possible.

One factor to know up front: during certain times of the year, trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another activity partner due to environmental reasons. The provider aims to keep the water as pristine as possible by making sure fewer boats are on the water, which is a thoughtful approach even if it can mean more people on board.

Here is the comfort layer that helps your odds. There is a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. That does not remove the weather variable, but it does reduce the sting of paying and coming up empty.

Onboard Comfort and Included Extras That Matter

This tour gets credit for practical onboard support, not just wildlife branding. You get free WiFi on board, which is useful for keeping the day moving while you wait for the next whale surface or for refreshing your plans between legs.

You also get complimentary seasickness tablets. Even if you are not actively nauseous, taking the prevention option can help you stay in “watch mode” instead of coping with your stomach.

On the puffin side, binoculars are provided, and the boat is designed to reach close to the islands. That combination is what turns a short puffin hour into a more satisfying viewing window.

What You Need to Budget For (Snacks and Drinks)

Included costs cover the guides, the sailing experience, and the wildlife viewing components. Snacks and beverages are not included, but they are sold on board, so you are not stranded if you get hungry while you are out on the water.

At this price point, I think it is fair to plan for onboard purchases rather than expecting free snacks. The value here is really in the two wildlife legs, plus the onboard extras, rather than in a full lunch deal.

Getting Ready: What to Bring for Deck Time

You will be on a boat, so pack like you mean it. Bring warm clothing, especially layers that block wind, since deck time can feel colder than you expect.

A waterproof camera is a smart call. You are near the Atlantic, and salt spray plus damp air are part of the deal when you are cruising and scanning.

Binoculars can help, but note that binoculars are provided for the puffin tour. Still, if you personally prefer your own pair for consistency, bring them.

Also include motion sickness prevention. Even though the tour lists not suitable for people prone to seasickness, the availability of seasickness tablets is part of why you will feel more comfortable if you are on the fence.

Rules That Affect Your Day

This is a straightforward wildlife outing with a few clear restrictions. Pets are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed.

These rules usually keep the deck cleaner and more focused on viewing, which matters when you are trying to spot whales and watch puffins close to the islands.

Who This Combo Is Best For

This Reykjavik whale watching and puffin excursion is a strong fit if you want two different wildlife experiences in one compact day. The structure works especially well if you are traveling with limited time in Reykjavik and you want both humpback and minke whales plus puffin colony time without a full day commitment.

I would also point it toward people who like a guided experience. The guides share insight on behaviors and habitats, and that helps your spotting feel less random.

If you are the kind of traveler who gets sick on boats, take the not suitable note seriously. This is the one place where you should prioritize your health over your wishlist.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Whale Watching and Puffin Combo?

Book it if you want value in variety. For $153 per person, you are paying for guided whale watching on a larger vessel, then a close-in puffin visit on a smaller boat, plus onboard WiFi and seasickness tablets. The free rebook option if you get no sightings is another practical safety net that makes the gamble feel less risky.

I would hesitate if your schedule is too tight for a two-departure day plan. You need to match the whale departure you choose with the puffin departure that comes with it, so plan your rest, meals, and transit accordingly.

If you are comfortable with cold deck time and you are excited to watch whales and puffins in real habitat settings, this combo is one of the more efficient ways to experience Iceland wildlife out of Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early.

How long is the experience?

The combo is listed as 4 hours total. The whale watching leg is about 2 to 3.5 hours, and the puffin tour is about 1 hour.

What departure times are available for the whale and puffin combo?

You can choose the whale watching departure time. Options pair as follows: 09:00 whale with 12:30 puffin, or 13:00 whale with 17:00 puffin.

Is the combo one continuous tour?

No. This combo booking includes two different and separate tours with two departures.

What is included in the price?

Included items are experienced professional guides, free WiFi on board, complimentary seasickness tablets, and a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. Binoculars are provided on the puffin tour, and the puffin tour uses a specially designed boat to get close to the islands.

What is not included?

Snacks and beverages are sold on board, and pick up service is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a waterproof camera, binoculars (optional since binoculars are provided for puffins), and motion sickness prevention.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.