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

Travelers heading to Reykjavik often seek out the iconic wildlife that makes Iceland so unique. This two-in-one tour offers an exciting combo: a close-up look at adorable puffins on a small island and a deep-sea quest to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Faxaflói Bay. It’s a full half-day dedicated to exploring the rich marine life, and it’s perfect for nature lovers and those eager to see Iceland’s wild side from the water.

What we love about this experience is how it balances intimate wildlife encounters with the thrill of marine observation, all in one package. Plus, the live commentary and thoughtful touches like heated indoor viewing spaces make it comfortable and engaging. However, a potential downside is that, because the tour relies on weather and wildlife activity, sightings aren’t guaranteed—though a sighting guarantee for whales provides some peace of mind.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a fuller picture of Iceland’s marine ecosystem, don’t mind a few hours on the water, and appreciate the chance to see puffins and whales in their natural environment. With a moderate price point and a variety of experiences packed into just 4 to 6 hours, it’s a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to maximize their time in Reykjavik.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Combines puffin spotting and whale watching for a complete marine experience.
• Comfort and Safety: Heated indoor saloon, protective gear, and binoculars ensure a cozy, close-up view.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide interesting facts and stories, enriching your experience.
• Wildlife Guarantee: If you don’t see whales, you can ride again for free—an excellent reassurance.
• Flexible Schedule: Around 4 to 6 hours, with free time for lunch and exploring Reykjavik.
• Authentic Encounters: Small boats for puffins and larger vessels for whales create tailored viewing options.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from Elding Whale Watching’s base at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, a location that’s easy to reach via public transit or taxi. This central spot means you can arrive with minimal fuss and start your marine adventure promptly. The tour is capped at 30 travelers, which keeps things intimate and prevents the experience from feeling crowded.

The Puffin Tour: Up Close with Iceland’s Most Adorable Birds

The first leg of the tour involves a one-hour puffin watching trip on a smaller vessel. You’ll head out to Lundey, one of three islands home to thousands of puffins during breeding season. The guides, known for their expertise, share stories and interesting facts about puffins’ behaviors and habits, making the trip educational as well as scenic.

Reviewers mention that the boat is specifically designed for birdwatching, with plenty of space and binoculars available—some noted that the boat’s size and design made the viewing more personal and less commercial. A standout quote from a reviewer: “It was very cool to see the puffins and get close to the island”.

The guides, like Grace, are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, often revealing insider tips about puffin nesting behaviors and other local wildlife. The main challenge is that puffins are small, fast, and fluttery, so patience and a good zoom camera help. Several travelers noted that they appreciated the binoculars provided, which made the viewing experience much easier.

Free Time in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

After the puffin trip, there’s about 1.5 hours of free time in Reykjavik’s charming Old Harbour area. This is a fantastic chance to grab lunch at one of the many local restaurants. Reviewers recommend asking staff for insider tips—they often point to cozy cafes or seafood spots that serve Icelandic specialties. This break allows you to relax before heading back out on the water for the larger whale-watching trip.

Whale Watching: The Big Marine Adventure

The second part involves a three-hour whale watching tour on a larger, more spacious boat. This vessel is equipped with heated indoor areas featuring large viewing windows, so you can comfortably observe the passing scenery and wildlife even if the weather turns chilly or windy.

The primary target is Faxaflói Bay, Iceland’s biggest bay, which is a hotspot for minke whales, humpbacks, and other cetaceans. Aside from whales, the tour often spots dolphins and porpoises, adding to the excitement. With live commentary from guides who are often marine biologists, you’ll learn about the animals’ behaviors, migration patterns, and conservation status.

A notable point from reviews is that the whale tour has a sighting guarantee—if no whales are spotted, you can return for free another day. This policy reflects the unpredictable nature of wildlife watching but offers a good level of confidence when booking. Reviewers have reported seeing humpbacks breaching, dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and even whales showing their white bellies—truly magical moments.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise, like one stating, “The guides were very knowledgeable and kept us informed.” Others emphasized the experience’s emotional impact, with one describing how seeing whales made her partner “literally cry”—a reminder of how powerful these encounters can be.

Some travelers commented on the quality of the craft, noting that the boats are spacious and well-equipped, with facilities that allow for a comfortable experience. The inclusion of Wi-Fi onboard was appreciated, allowing some to share photos or stay connected during the trip.

Honest Feedback and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers mention that sightings are not guaranteed. A few noted that puffins can be distant or too quick to photograph easily, which is common with wild animals. One reviewer pointed out that the puffin tour is done on a party yacht, which might feel less suitable for birdwatching, and some experienced birders might prefer alternative options like RIB boats.

Weather also plays a crucial role—windy conditions can prevent the whale tour from going out, but the company is quick to notify passengers and reschedule or refund as needed. Several reviews mention how the staff’s communication was prompt and helpful, offering reassurance during less-than-ideal weather.

The Value for Money

At $140 per person, this combo trip offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’re essentially getting two separate wildlife adventures, with the added comfort of heated indoors and guided commentary. The fact that the whale tour has a sighting guarantee makes it a more reliable investment, especially since wildlife sightings can’t be promised but are highly likely in this region.

Many reviewers found the experience worth every penny, especially when they caught multiple whale species, dolphins, and hundreds of puffins. The guides’ expertise, the quality of the boats, and the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem add to the overall value.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour suits travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters and want to experience Iceland’s marine life firsthand. It’s ideal for those comfortable on the water and eager to see seabirds and whales in their natural habitat. Families with children over 13 will appreciate the safety measures and indoor facilities, while wildlife enthusiasts will love the expert-guided commentary and guaranteed whale sightings.

It’s worth noting that those who prefer a more luxurious or private experience might find the group size and boat type less exclusive, but for most, the balance of intimacy, education, and adventure hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

This Two-In-One Whale & Puffin Watching Tour from Reykjavik is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Iceland’s rich marine wildlife. It offers a well-rounded experience with the chance to get surprisingly close to puffins and whales, aided by professional guides and comfortable boats. The flexibility to explore Reykjavik’s harbor area for lunch makes it practical for a half-day activity, while the wildlife guarantee adds confidence to your booking.

Travelers who enjoy being on the water, love animals, and appreciate knowledgeable guides will find this tour both enjoyable and worthwhile. With reviews praising the quality of the guides and the natural encounters, it’s clear this tour delivers a memorable Icelandic adventure—perfect for wildlife lovers and curious explorers alike.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It runs from 4 to 6 hours, including both the puffin and whale watching parts, plus free time for lunch.

Where do the tours depart from?
The tour begins at Elding Whale Watching’s base at Ægisgarður 5c, Reykjavík.

What’s included in the price?
You get two tours—one hour for puffins on a smaller boat and three hours for whale watching on a larger vessel—plus binoculars, protective gear, heated indoor saloons, and live commentary.

Is there a weather cancellation policy?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I don’t see any whales?
The whale tour has a sighting guarantee; if no whales are spotted, you can try again free of charge.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 13 are required by law to wear life vests throughout the tour.

Are food and drinks available?
Food and drinks can be purchased onboard; bringing your own snacks is also an option.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group size is limited, making it easy to mingle, and the guides are excellent at engaging with everyone.

Can I combine this tour with other Reykjavik activities?
Yes, the free time in Reykjavik allows for additional sightseeing, dining, or exploring nearby attractions before or after the tour.

This two-in-one wildlife tour from Reykjavik proves that Iceland’s seas are teeming with life, waiting to surprise and delight those who venture out. Whether you’re snapping photos of puffins or marveling at whales breaching, it’s a trip that’ll leave you with stories to tell for years.