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

Seeing wildlife in Iceland is never boring. This two-in-one trip pairs puffin watching from Lundey with a longer whale search in Faxaflói Bay, plus onboard commentary that keeps you focused on what to look for.

I like that you get real weather protection: heated indoor seating with big viewing windows, plus protective gear. I also like that the schedule is built around viewing windows, not just travel time, and the max group size is 30 travelers.

The main thing to consider is that puffin views can be hit or miss depending on where the birds are that day, and some seats on the smaller boat may feel tight or less ideal for watching.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Heated, indoor viewing helps even when the wind cuts through Reykjavik
• Two separate boats mean the puffins happen on a smaller craft, and the whales happen on a larger one
• Binoculars and protective clothing are included, which makes a difference in cold salt air
• Live English commentary gives you a better chance of spotting animals quickly
• Whale sighting guarantee means a free try if you miss cetaceans
• Access to a wildlife exhibition adds context before or after you sail

Why This Reykjavik Combo Works for Whales and Puffins

This is a smart setup if you want the best shot at seeing more than one kind of Iceland wildlife in a single day. The puffin half is designed for close-to-the-island bird viewing, while the whale half covers more ground in a major bay where several marine species can show up. That contrast is useful because whales and puffins are not the same kind of “spotting game.”

I also like that the experience is built to keep you engaged. Instead of cruising in silence, you get live on-board commentary in English, so you know what behaviors matter and where to look. In cold weather, that kind of “watching guidance” helps you stay comfortable and alert.

One more practical perk is the split pacing. You sail, get back for a buffer period in town, then sail again. That means you are not stuck on a boat for hours straight, which helps if you get restless or need real lunch time.

Price and What You Get for $140

At about $140 per person, this combo is priced like a serious half-day wildlife activity, not a simple sightseeing cruise. The value comes from two things you rarely get together cleanly: (1) a dedicated puffin outing and (2) a dedicated whale search with a guarantee.

Here’s what you are effectively paying for:

• Two boat departures, one for puffins (about 1 hour) and one for whales (about 3 hours)
• Protective clothing, binocular use, and heated indoor seating
• Live English narration plus complimentary WiFi onboard
• A whale sighting guarantee (try again another day if cetaceans are not spotted)
• Access to a wildlife exhibition

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to budget a bit more if you want hot meals. The nice part is that you will also have time in Old Harbour between the two parts, so you can eat in town instead of buying everything from the boat.

In plain terms, this price makes sense if you want structure and comfort, plus the off-ramp option for the whales if you miss them. If you care much more about one animal than the other, you might still consider booking the whale portion only, but that depends on how flexible you are with time.

Lundey Puffin Boat: 1 Hour of Island-Adjacent Bird Watching

The puffin part runs on a smaller passenger boat, heading toward one of three islands around Lundey where thousands of puffins appear during breeding season. This is a good plan if you want that classic puffin island feel, with the birds popping up on the water and in flight.

What I would expect from your on-water time:

• A focused ride to the puffin areas (not a long drifting cruise)
• Time to use borrowed binoculars to scan the water and spot movement
• The chance to see puffins both on the water and overhead, since they move fast and do not stay still

Now the reality check. Puffins are small, and they can be farther out than you would like depending on wind, visibility, and where the birds are active that hour. Bring this mindset: your goal is “find and follow,” not “pose for photos every minute.” If you are serious about pictures, a camera with a decent zoom range will help, but you still may need patience because these birds are quick.

One more practical note from the way this segment is set up: smaller boats can feel tighter, and not every seat is equally good for looking out at the water. If you get motion sick easily, you might also want to dress for it and stay warm, since you will be outside intermittently while scanning.

Old Harbour Break: How to Use Your Time Between Boats

Between the puffin and whale portions, you get a couple of hours of free time in Reykjavik, centered around Old Harbour. This is not filler time. It is your opportunity to do two high-value things: eat like a human, and reset before the second boat.

Here is how I’d use that window:

• Have lunch in Old Harbour at one of the restaurants nearby
• Walk off the boat chill, especially if the wind picked up
• Use the time to regroup, charge your phone, and decide what photo gear you want for the whales

You also have a helpful option to keep your mind in “wildlife mode.” The tour includes access to a wildlife exhibition, which can give you context while you wait. That kind of background can make the second part more rewarding because you know what you are actually looking at.

Bottom line, the break is part of what makes this combo feel efficient. You are not forced to rush from one boat to the next with no time to refuel.

Faxafloi Bay Whale Watching: What a 3-Hour Hunt Feels Like

The whale portion sails out into Faxaflói Bay, which is the largest bay in Iceland. This matters because the larger the search area and the more time you have on the water, the more likely you are to line up with whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

You are looking for:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• Porpoises
• Dolphins

The tour also includes a sighting guarantee. If you do not see cetaceans on your whale watching outing, you can try again another day free of charge. That guarantee is one of the clearest value signals in the entire package. It acknowledges how wild animals behave and how conditions can change.

How to think about your chances:

• Spotting whales often comes down to patience and timing
• The best whale sightings typically require fast scanning and instant readiness when your guide calls out a location
• The included heated indoor saloon and large windows make it easier to keep watching without freezing

A review-like pattern you should expect, even without guarantees for “how close”: when whales do show up, they may be visible for a short window, so you want to stay alert rather than stuck in one spot trying to get perfect photos. Indoor viewing is great, but you may also want to check outside when it makes sense for sightlines and spotting.

Onboard Comfort: Heated Saloon, Protective Gear, and WiFi

Iceland weather is not subtle. Even in warmer months, wind and spray can turn a “short walk” feeling into a cold test. That is why I consider the comfort setup one of the smartest parts of this tour.

You get:

• Heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows
• Protective clothing for staying warm outside while spotting
• Binoculars for scanning the water
• Complimentary WiFi onboard
• Live commentary in English to guide your attention

This combo is especially useful for people who do not want to spend the whole cruise in a wet jacket. If you tend to get cold quickly, the heated interior gives you a dependable “reset zone” between quick spotting moments.

A small practical tip: dress in layers even if you get protective gear. You will be moving between inside and outside, and layers help you adjust. Also, if you are planning to shoot photos, keep your camera accessible rather than buried in a bag, because whale and bird sightings can be sudden.

Wildlife Respect and How It Affects Your Viewing

One of the intangible benefits of a well-run wildlife boat is that it tends to behave like it understands the animals are not the attraction, you are. When a crew keeps distance and positions the boat responsibly, you spend more time watching actual behavior and less time feeling like you are in the way.

Even when you get close enough for exciting moments, it is still wild nature, not a zoo. That matters for your expectations. Puffins may dart, fly, and pop up quickly. Whales may surface briefly or move through the area in a way that changes your line of sight. A respectful approach supports steadier viewing, which makes the experience feel calmer and more natural.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This combo is a strong fit for:

• People who want one day to cover both puffins and whales
• First-time visitors to Reykjavik who want structured wildlife time without planning details
• Travelers who appreciate comfort like heated indoor seating and provided protective gear
• Anyone who values English narration and wants help spotting faster

It may be less ideal for you if:

• You mainly care about the closest possible puffin photography. Puffins can be small and fast, and you may end up watching from a distance depending on conditions.
• You have mobility limits that make ladders or deck access harder on smaller boats. Some seating on the smaller craft may involve climbing to reach top viewing spots.
• You are booking late in the season and you expect guaranteed density of birds or whales. Wildlife sightings depend on nature, not promises.

If you are flexible and willing to accept “wild is wild,” you will probably enjoy this more. If your priority is only one species, it can be worth comparing whether the whale portion alone fits your goals better.

Should You Book This Two-In-One Tour?

I’d book it if you want a well-rounded Reykjavik wildlife day with real comfort, guided spotting, and a whale guarantee that reduces the risk of a total letdown. The $140 price becomes easier to justify because you are not just paying for one cruise. You are paying for two distinct wildlife missions on two different boats, with heated shelter and onboard guidance.

I would hesitate if puffins are your top priority and you expect nonstop close views for photography. On the puffin side, viewing can be farther than you imagine, and these birds move fast. Still, if you come prepared with patience and warm gear, the puffin portion can be genuinely charming, even when the birds are hard to photograph perfectly.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: treat it like a two-part hunt. Stay warm, keep scanning, and be ready to react when your guide points out activity. That mindset is what turns a cold boat ride into an Iceland wildlife memory.

FAQ

What animals can I expect to see on this tour?

You are specifically on the hunt for puffins on the Lundey islands, and for minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins in Faxaflói Bay.

How long is the combo tour?

It runs about 4 to 6 hours total, with an approximately 1 hour puffin watching portion and about 3 hours of whale watching.

Is there heated indoor space onboard?

Yes. The tour includes a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows.

What happens if I do not see whales?

The whale watching portion has a sighting guarantee. If you do not see cetaceans, you can try again another day free of charge.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase on board.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do children need life vests?

Yes. Children under 13 are required by law to wear life-vests for the duration of the tour.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.