Watch for whales near Reykjavik. This combo tour takes you out into Faxaflói bay for whale watching, then switches to a smaller boat for puffins in shallow water near nesting areas, using Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli). The timing is built around the fact that you pick your whale departure time, and the puffin tour runs as the second half of the day.

What I like most is the two-part design that actually matches the animals you’re hunting. I also really appreciate the practical extras onboard, like free WiFi, complimentary seasickness tablets, and puffin-binoculars on the puffin side.

One consideration: the whale boat is bigger, so it can feel bouncier on the water. If you get motion sick easily, plan to use the offered tablets and dress for wind and spray.

Key things to know before you go

• Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli) for puffins: designed for getting close to the islands in shallow water.
• Two separate tours in one booking: whale watching and puffins run at different times on different boats.
• You choose the whale departure time: it determines which puffin slot you get.
• Motion-sickness help is included: complimentary tablets are available onboard.
• Binoculars are provided for puffins: easy win if you do not bring your own.
• Maximum 33 travelers: a smaller group size than many day tours.

Getting oriented at Geirsgata 11 (Old Harbour access)

Your tour starts and ends back at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. It is close to public transportation, which makes it easier to tack on a walk through the area before or after your sailing time.

You will use a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone. Also remember pick-up service is not included, so you’ll want to plan on getting there under your own steam.

Group size stays reasonable, with a maximum of 33 people. That matters on a boat. Less crowding usually means you can move to a better viewing spot when the wildlife shows up.

Faxaflói Bay whale watching: the big search at sea

The whale portion is the longer ride, about 3 to 3.5 hours, with you sailing out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The main goal is to spot Minke and Humpback whales, along with the chance of seeing Dolphins and Harbour porpoises. The tour also mentions a shot at the elusive Killer whales, though that is never something anyone can guarantee.

Your guides are there to explain what you’re seeing, and what to look for as the boat changes speed and position. In practice, that guide talk is helpful because whale spotting is often about patterns, not just a random blow you catch at a distance.

One real-world note from the experience: the whale boat is larger, and on the water it can roll more than smaller rib-style boats. If you tend to feel the motion quickly, treat the seasickness tablets as part of your plan, not an optional extra. Dress warm, bring a jacket that cuts wind, and keep layers ready because the sea air can change fast.

What you’re likely to see during the whale portion

The tour is designed around multiple species, so you are not stuck with one target. Here’s what the experience sets you up to watch for in Faxaflói bay:

• Minke and Humpback whales (the headline acts)
• Dolphins
• Harbour porpoises
• A possible chance at Killer whales

When a combo tour is priced like this, you want at least a few clear outcomes. This one gives you several possible sightings, which improves your odds on a given day, even if one species is shy.

Also, if you do not get sightings, there is a safety net. The tour includes a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. That is a big value add in Iceland, where weather and water conditions can affect visibility and animal behavior.

Puffin time on Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli): short, focused, close

After the whale portion, your schedule switches to the puffin side. The puffin tour is shorter, about 1 hour, and it runs on a smaller boat meant for the shallow areas near nesting grounds.

This is where Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli) matters. It is described as a vessel crafted for an intimate experience, and the route is set up so you can observe puffins up close while navigating near the islands. In plain terms, this is not just a “look from far away” stop. The boat design and shallow-water focus are the point.

Binoculars are provided on the puffin tour. If you travel without your own optics, that saves you from buying or carrying extra gear. You can also use the time well, because with only about an hour, you want to be able to actually see what the guide points out.

The puffin boat is also specially designed to get as close to the islands as possible. That closeness is what helps puffins feel like they are part of your moment, not a dot on the horizon.

The two departure combos, and how to choose your best fit

This combo works because the two halves are coordinated. You are not choosing two random times. You are picking your whale departure slot, and the puffin time follows.

You can choose one of these combos:

• Whale Watching 09:00 with Puffin 12:30
• Whale Watching 13:00 with Puffin 17:00

So what should you think about when deciding?

First, decide whether you prefer an earlier start or a later day. The 09:00 option gives you more time later in the day to explore Reykjavik after puffins. The 13:00 option is often easier if your morning plans run long.

Second, think about energy and seasickness risk. If you know morning water tends to feel more or less comfortable for you, choose the departure that matches your body’s usual rhythm. Since the whale portion is the longer one and can roll more on the larger vessel, picking the timing that feels easiest is smart.

Finally, plan for weather. The activity requires good weather, and if conditions are poor it may be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund. You do not control Iceland’s mood, so pick the date you can most flexibly protect.

Practical onboard value: WiFi, tablets, and smart extras

On paper, the price can look high for a short outing. But this one includes several small items that add up quickly once you’re on the water.

What you get included:

• Experienced and professional guides
• Free WiFi on board
• Complimentary seasickness tablets available
• Puffin tour binoculars provided
• The puffin boat is specially designed for close island viewing
• A free ticket to join again if you have no sightings

WiFi sounds minor, but it helps if you want to update family, check the forecast before you depart, or map your next stop after you return. And the tablets matter because motion sickness is not a fun gamble. You do not need to suffer through the first part of the ride hoping it goes away.

The binoculars are another practical win. Puffins are small, and when you have only an hour, every minute counts. Being able to see clearly without hunting for equipment is a simple improvement to the whole experience.

Itinerary walkthrough: what each stop really feels like

Even though you’re doing two tours, the flow is straightforward. Here’s what the day feels like, step by step.

Step 1: Faxaflói bay whale watching

You set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. The guides help you read the water and stay focused while you look for blow and movement. The main draw is variety, since the tour mentions whales plus dolphins and harbour porpoises.

If conditions are rough, expect the boat to rise and roll a bit. That’s normal sea travel, but the larger whale vessel can make motion more noticeable than smaller options.

Step 2: Puffin tour near nesting areas

After the whale portion, you switch to the puffin boat and the focus narrows. This is about close viewing in shallow water, using Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli). You get binoculars, and the short duration keeps the puffin time intense and efficient.

If you’re thinking about photography, the puffin portion is where your effort will pay off most. That hour is built for sightings near the islands, not for long searching.

Who this tour is best for

This combo suits people who want both drama and quick wins in one day. If your trip includes only one or two wildlife experiences, this structure helps you cover a wider range of sightings.

It also works well if you like having guided help. The tour includes expert guides, and they can keep you watching smart instead of just hoping something appears.

Where you should be cautious is motion sensitivity. The whale boat can roll, and the experience itself includes mention of this effect. If you get sick easily, take the complimentary tablets, dress warmly, and stay where you feel the motion most comfortably on the boat.

It is also a nice fit for couples and groups who want a shared experience, without dealing with a huge crowd. The max group size of 33 keeps it more manageable.

Value check: is $152 a smart buy?

At $152 per person, you’re paying for two separate boat experiences in one day, plus a bundle of included extras. The price also reflects that you are not doing only one targeted activity. You’re doing a longer whale outing and a specialized puffin outing, each with a different vessel and a different approach to wildlife viewing.

Here is why the value can work in your favor:

• You get guides on both halves
• You get help for motion sickness, not just a warning
• Puffin binoculars are provided, saving you effort
• You receive free WiFi onboard
• If you do not get sightings, you get a free return ticket

The biggest value factor is the reseating safety net. Whale watching can be hit or miss because animals do not show up on command. Having a free ticket option reduces the risk of paying a lot for a day that turns quiet.

Should you book the whale watching and puffin combo?

I’d book it if you want a compact Iceland wildlife day with two different styles of viewing. The puffin side sounds purpose-built for close contact near nesting areas, and the whale side gives you multiple species targets during a longer sail.

I would hold back if you know you struggle with sea motion and you hate bouncy boat rides. The whale portion uses a larger vessel that can roll, and that matters. Even with seasickness tablets available, you still have to be honest about what you can handle.

If you are choosing based on your schedule, pick the combo that fits your energy. The 09:00 + 12:30 setup gives you an earlier day, while 13:00 + 17:00 keeps it later. Either can be great, as long as you’re ready for weather to steer the experience.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Do I need to arrange pick-up service?

No. Pick up service is not included.

How long is the whale watching part?

The whale watching portion runs for about 3 to 3.5 hours.

How long is the puffin tour part?

The puffin tour is about 1 hour.

What animals does the tour look for?

The tour mentions Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and a possible chance of Killer whales. It also focuses on puffins during the puffin portion.

What times are the available combo departures?

You can book either Whale Watching 09:00 with Puffin 12:30, or Whale Watching 13:00 with Puffin 17:00.

Is WiFi available during the tour?

Yes. Free WiFi on board is included.

Are seasickness tablets provided?

Yes. Complimentary seasickness tablets are available on board.

Do I get binoculars for the puffin tour?

Yes. Binoculars are provided on board for the puffin tour.

What if the tour has no wildlife sightings?

The tour includes a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.