Wildlife Whale Watching and Puffin Tour in Reykjavik

If you’re looking to experience the wild side of Iceland, this Wildlife Whale Watching and Puffin Tour in Reykjavik offers a well-balanced mix of marine life encounters and birdwatching. Combining a large-boat whale safari with a smaller, intimate puffin expedition, this tour promises unforgettable moments amid breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a nature lover or just curious about Iceland’s rich wildlife, this experience is designed to give you a genuine glimpse into the island’s marine ecosystems.

One of the best things about this tour is that it’s crafted to suit different interests and weather conditions. The whale watching takes place on a roomy vessel, giving you plenty of space to relax or move around, while the puffin tour on a smaller boat gets you closer to the nesting islands for a more personal birdwatching experience. However, the larger whale boat can be a bit bumpy at times, so seasickness could be a concern for sensitive travelers. This tour caters best to those who crave authentic wildlife encounters with a comfortable setup, and who don’t mind a bit of sea motion.

Key Points

• Two separate tours in one booking — whale watching and puffin viewing, each on different boats, with flexible departure times.
• Expert guides and binoculars provided — ensuring informative and close-up wildlife sightings.
• Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts — offers opportunities to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins in their natural habitat.
• Comfort and convenience — free WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a specially designed boat for close puffin viewing.
• Weather dependent — the tour is canceled in poor weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds.
• Booking in advance — most travelers book about 27 days ahead, reflecting its popularity.

Detailed Review of the Wildlife Whale Watching and Puffin Tour

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, the adventure kicks off with the exciting anticipation of venturing into Faxaflói Bay, a prime spot for Icelandic marine life. The whale watching tour runs on a larger vessel, capable of accommodating up to 33 travelers comfortably. We loved the way the guides, experienced professionals from Reykjavik Sailors, shared fascinating insights about the behaviors and habitats of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Their knowledge, combined with the ample space on deck, meant you could easily spot and learn about each species.

At this stage, you’ll be surrounded by stunning coastal vistas, with views of Reykjavik’s mountains and nearby islands. The boat is equipped with free WiFi, so you can share photos or check out marine facts in real-time, which adds a modern touch to a traditional wildlife tour.

The main goal here is to spot Minke and Humpback whales, which are among the most common. As one reviewer noted, the larger boat can be a bit bumpy, especially when it rolls in the sea, but the added space and stability make for a more comfortable experience—“they do have dramamine tablets available” for those prone to seasickness. The guides are helpful, offering support and advice, which is especially appreciated by travelers new to ocean excursions.

The Puffin Tour: A Close, Personal Encounter

After the whale safari, the experience shifts to the smaller vessel for the puffin tour. This boat, designed to get as close as possible to the islands, is perfect for bird enthusiasts. The binoculars provided on board allow for detailed views of these adorable seabirds, many of which are nesting nearby.

The puffin tour lasts about 1 hour, giving just enough time to enjoy the spectacle without feeling rushed. Since it’s a separate tour, you get to choose your departure time based on your schedule—either midday or late afternoon, depending on your preferences.

Travelers have shared how spectacular it is to see puffins up close, especially during the nesting season. The smaller boat’s design means less rolling and a more intimate experience, allowing for better bird spotting and photography.

The Value of Combined Wildlife Experiences

This combo ticket offers excellent value, especially considering the expert guides, binoculars, and the free re-join option if sightings are missed. The price point of $152 per person is reasonable when you factor in the length and quality of the tours, as well as the chance to see whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins all in one day.

The tours are quite popular—most travelers book about 27 days ahead—highlighting their appeal. Keep in mind, the scheduling is flexible, with options for the whale watching at 09:00 or 13:00 and puffin tours at 12:30 or 17:00, allowing you to tailor your day.

Why This Tour Works Well

What really makes this experience stand out is the combination of large and small boats. The larger vessel ensures a stable, comfortable ride for whale watching, which can last around three to three-and-a-half hours, giving ample time to see multiple species. The smaller puffin boat, approximately an hour long, offers a more personal view of Iceland’s iconic seabirds.

The guides’ professionalism, combined with the thoughtful amenities like free WiFi and seasickness tablets, elevate the experience. The inclusion of binoculars is a thoughtful touch, enhancing birdwatching detail. Plus, the opportunity for free re-entries if no sightings occur adds reassurance, especially given the unpredictability of wildlife.

Authentic Encounters and Scenic Beauty

Travelers consistently mention how stunning the vistas are during the tour—mountains, islands, and open sea create a picture-perfect backdrop. The guides’ insights help you appreciate the behaviors of the wildlife, while the close-up puffin views bring a sense of intimacy with nature.

One reviewer appreciated the energy and knowledge of the guides, noting their passion and helpfulness. Another pointed out that seasickness support was available, which can be a real lifesaver on rougher days.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the weather dependency—poor weather can lead to cancellations or less-than-ideal viewing conditions. The larger whale boat can be quite bumpy, especially in rough seas, so travelers prone to seasickness should consider taking tablets beforehand. While the smaller puffin boat is less prone to rolling, it’s still an open water experience, and weather will influence comfort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers who want an authentic Icelandic adventure. It’s suitable for those who value guided insights, quality equipment (like binoculars), and the chance to see multiple species in one trip. Families with older children or teenagers might enjoy the combination, though very young children may find the boat rides less comfortable.

Travelers keen on photography will appreciate the scenic vistas and close-up shots of puffins and marine mammals. Plus, the flexibility in scheduling makes it convenient for different itineraries.

Final Thoughts

This Wildlife Whale Watching and Puffin Tour in Reykjavik offers a well-rounded, immersive experience into Iceland’s vibrant marine ecosystem. The expert guides, scenic routes, and attentive amenities make it a worthwhile choice for travelers seeking genuine wildlife encounters. The combination of a large, stable whale boat with the intimate puffin tour provides diversity in what you see and how you experience it.

While weather can influence the day’s success, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy and the supportive guides help ease potential concerns. The value for money is good, considering the length, variety, and quality of the experiences on offer. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to connect with Iceland’s wild side, especially if you’re looking for a memorable, photo-worthy adventure.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Reykjavik and want a hands-on wildlife adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s particularly suited for travellers who appreciate expert guidance, scenic beauty, and the opportunity to see whales and puffins in their natural habitats. The combination of comfort, expertise, and authentic encounters makes this experience a highlight for many.

While it’s not the cheapest activity, the value lies in the diversity of wildlife you’ll encounter and the high-quality equipment provided. Keep in mind the weather’s role in the experience—being flexible and prepared can make all the difference. This tour offers a fantastic way to explore Iceland’s marine animal populations while enjoying some incredible coastal scenery.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching tour?
The whale watching tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours on a larger vessel, giving plenty of time to spot different marine mammals.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes guided commentary by experienced guides, binoculars for the puffin tour, free WiFi, seasickness tablets if needed, and a free re-join option if no sightings occur.

Are the tours suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but very young children might find the boat rides less comfortable, especially in rough seas. Seasickness tablets are available if needed.

Can I choose my departure times?
Yes, you can select your whale watching departure (either morning or early afternoon) and the puffin tour (midday or late afternoon) based on your schedule.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly and in layers, as weather can be unpredictable. Bring your camera, and if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking tablets beforehand.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather dependent. If conditions are poor, the activity may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, free WiFi is available on the larger whale boat, allowing you to share your experiences or check wildlife facts during the trip.

Embark on this wildlife adventure, and you’re sure to leave with stories of majestic whales, adorable puffins, and spectacular Icelandic scenery that will stay with you long after the trip ends.