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

If you’re dreaming of Iceland’s iconic wildlife — from the playful puffins to majestic whales — this combined tour offers a practical way to tick both off your list. The Reykjavik Super Saver packs two boat excursions into one affordable package, making it an appealing choice for wildlife enthusiasts and budget travelers alike.
What we love most is how this tour balances the chance to see cute puffins up close with the thrill of spotting whales in their natural environment — all with guided commentary that deepens your understanding of these fascinating creatures.

However, a potential caveat is that wildlife sightings, especially whales, are never guaranteed — they’re animals, after all, not zoo exhibits. So, patience and a little bit of luck are part of the experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who are eager to explore Iceland’s marine life without breaking the bank, and who enjoy a flexible, guided adventure.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience offers great value for wildlife lovers.
• Guided commentary enriches your understanding of puffins, whales, and marine animals.
• Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, with some reviews noting impressive whale encounters, others less so.
• Flexible scheduling allows you to choose tour timings that fit your itinerary.
• Comfort and convenience are prioritized, with warm overalls and binoculars included.
• For those with limited time or wanting a budget-friendly option, this combo tour hits the sweet spot.

A Practical Overview of the Iceland Super Saver

This reliable package combines two popular tours: a Puffin Express Cruise to Akurey and a Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Priced at around $150.94 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to maximize wildlife encounters during your Iceland visit. With an average booking window of 57 days in advance, it’s clear this tour is popular — and for good reason.

The entire experience spans roughly 4.5 hours, making it doable even for those with limited time. You can opt to do both tours on the same day or spread them out across separate days. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor their adventure based on weather conditions or personal preferences.

The Puffin Cruise: Up Close with Akurey’s Feathered Residents

The puffin tour lasts about an hour, departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. You’ll board a comfortable boat, and if you’ve selected the hotel pickup option, a driver will collect you from your accommodation. Otherwise, you’ll meet at the harbor.

Once aboard, warm blankets are provided — an appreciated touch, especially if the wind turns chilly. The narration throughout the cruise is both enlightening and amusing, with guides like Patrick—who’s been praised for his humor and knowledge—adding personality to the experience.

As you approach Akurey Island, nicknamed the puffin paradise, binoculars are handed out. Reviewers have noted that seeing puffins from the boat isn’t always close-up, but binoculars help. One reviewer said, “We saw so many active puffins near and on the island,” emphasizing how lively the colony can be.

The boat circles the rocky shores, providing multiple vantage points for bird-watching. Besides puffins, look out for Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars — all common sights. Several guests mentioned that the puffin viewing was short and somewhat distant, but still a special chance to witness a rare seabird in its native habitat.

A standout tip from reviewers: bring your own binoculars if possible, as sharing can limit your view and the boat’s size restricts proximity. Many find that the puffin cruise is a highlight for its scenery and the chance to see these adorable birds in action.

Whale-Watching: Majestic Giants in the Open Sea

The whale tour is the main event for many. It lasts 2.5 to 3.5 hours—choose between a leisurely cruise or a high-speed boat. Departing from the same Old Harbour, the vessel is typically well-equipped, with warm overalls included for chilly conditions and free Wi-Fi onboard, which is a nice touch for sharing photos or just passing the time.

Guides like Blanca and Jo have received praise for being knowledgeable and engaging. They help you spot whales and marine life, explaining behaviors of creatures like humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins. Several reviews describe the experience as “fantastic” with sightings of whales close enough for great photos. One reviewer mentioned seeing four humpback whales and dolphins, calling it an “unforgettable” encounter.

The likelihood of sightings can vary. Some guests have reported dolphins and porpoises in addition to whales, which adds to the trip’s appeal. If luck isn’t on your side, the company offers a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise — a nice reassurance for wildlife skeptics.

The experience is more than just wildlife; the calm ocean, the ocean breeze, and the serenity of the open water make it a memorable outing. Be aware that in some reviews, passengers expressed disappointment if no whales appeared, but most considered the experience “worthwhile” thanks to the guides’ enthusiasm and the chance to see other marine animals.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Expert guides are consistently highlighted as a major plus. They provide engaging, informative narration that enhances your understanding of both puffins and whales. The boat’s comfort features—like warm blankets and free Wi-Fi—make the experience more enjoyable, especially in Iceland’s sometimes brisk weather.

The value for money is another strong point. For roughly four and a half hours of combined tours at just under $151, you’re getting two memorable wildlife excursions with included amenities. The fact that binoculars are provided for bird-watching adds to the value, preventing the need to rent or bring your own.

However, it’s important to remember that wildlife sightings depend heavily on conditions and animal behavior. Multiple reviews mention how whale sightings are not guaranteed, and the puffins may be distant. Yet, even those who didn’t see whales up close still appreciated the guides’ knowledge and the scenic boat rides.

The Experience Itself: What You’ll Encounter

Puffin Cruise

Expect a relaxing hour-long cruise past Akurey Island, where puffins are active and abundant during the season. The boat ventures close enough for good bird-watching, with binoculars provided to get a better view. The guides offer insights into puffin behavior, nesting habits, and their ecological importance.

Reviewers mention how adorable the puffins are, diving into the water for fish or nesting on the rocky cliffs. The cruise also offers opportunities to spot Arctic terns and guillemots, adding variety to the bird-watching.

Whale-Watching

The main highlight for many is the chance to see whales breaching or tail-slapping in the bay. Guides scan the waters with expertise, and if whales are around, they usually give a good show. On calmer days, guests have spotted humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

The boat ride can be leisurely or high-speed, according to your choice. The high-speed option cuts the journey slightly shorter but still offers ample time to scan the ocean. Many reviewers appreciated the warm overalls and hot beverages available onboard, making the experience comfortable despite the cool breezes.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Dress warmly: Iceland weather can be unpredictable, even in summer, so layers and waterproofs are recommended.
• Bring binoculars: Even though they’re provided, bringing your own can improve your ability to see distant puffins or marine life.
• Choose the right timing: Morning or early afternoon tours tend to have calmer seas and better wildlife activity.
• Book in advance: This tour tends to fill up, especially during peak season, so securing your spot early is wise.
• Stay flexible: Wildlife sightings are variable. If possible, plan your day to accommodate potential rescheduling or multiple attempts.

How Do Reviews Reflect the Experience?

The general consensus is that this combo tour offers a solid value. Guests appreciate guides like Patrick or Blanca, who are praised for their knowledge and personality. Several reviewers have called it a “great experience” and recommend it for anyone keen to see Iceland’s marine animals.

That said, some travelers have found the puffin part disappointing because the boat is small and crowded, making it hard to see the birds clearly. One reviewer noted that the puffins were only visible through binoculars, and the boat couldn’t get close enough for better views. Conversely, many still found the puffin cruise worthwhile for its scenery and the chance to see these iconic birds.

Whale sightings also vary depending on the day, with some guests marveling at multiple whales and dolphins, and others just enjoying the calm sea and scenery. The tour’s flexibility to rebook a second cruise if no whales are seen is a thoughtful feature appreciated by many.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Iceland Super Saver is perfect for travelers who want two memorable wildlife experiences without the hefty price tag. It’s especially suited for those with limited time or a budget-conscious mindset, yet who still crave authentic, guided insights about Iceland’s stunning marine life.

The combination of guided narration, comfortable boats, and wildlife sightings makes this tour a dependable choice. Keep in mind that wildlife encounters are unpredictable, but the scenic boat rides alone make the trip worthwhile. It’s a well-rounded, authentic experience that captures Iceland’s wild side.

For travelers eager for an accessible, enjoyable way to connect with nature, this tour packs plenty of value and fun into just a few hours. Whether you’re a bird lover, a whale enthusiast, or simply looking to add a special highlight to your Iceland trip, this combo tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Do I need to book the tours on the same day?
You can choose to do both tours on the same day or on separate days, depending on your schedule and weather conditions.

Are hotel transfers included?
Not automatically. You can add hotel pickup when booking for an extra fee, or you can meet at the designated meeting point in Reykjavik.

What should I wear?
Warm clothes are recommended, as Iceland weather can be chilly and windy, even in summer. Warm overalls are provided for the whale cruise, but layering is advised.

Are binoculars provided?
Yes, binoculars are included for the puffin cruise, but bringing your own may give a better viewing experience, especially if you want to avoid sharing.

What happens if I don’t see whales?
If no whales are sighted, you’re entitled to a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise, making it worth the attempt even if luck isn’t on your side.

How long is each part of the tour?
The puffin cruise takes about an hour; the whale-watching trip lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the option you select.

In summary, this tour offers a balanced, value-packed way to enjoy Iceland’s marine wildlife. It’s ideal for wildlife lovers looking for guided insights, scenic boat rides, and the chance to see puffins and whales — knowing full well that nature can be unpredictable but the journey itself is often rewarding.