Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

This tour promises a fascinating day of wildlife encounters along Iceland’s rugged coastlines. It combines two distinct experiences: whale watching aboard the impressive Andrea vessel and a puffin island visit on a smaller, shallow-draft boat called Old Skuli. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, countless travelers rave about its engaging guides, stunning scenery, and the genuine chance to see some of Iceland’s most lovable creatures.

What we really love about this tour is its efficient structure—two different boat trips in one half-day is a smart way to maximize your wildlife viewing. The guides’ knowledge clearly shines through, with reviews mentioning detailed, enthusiastic explanations about the animals and environment. The included gear—warm overalls and binoculars—ensures you stay cozy and get a good look at those tiny puffins and distant whales.

A potential consideration is that whale sightings are never guaranteed—a fact echoed by travelers who’ve experienced shy or elusive whales on the day. The tour’s 100% sightings guarantee for puffins offers peace of mind for bird lovers.

This experience suits travelers wanting a well-organized, educational, and memorable marine wildlife adventure. It’s ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Iceland’s iconic creatures without spending all day at sea.

Good To Know

• Two-in-One Experience: Combines whale watching and puffin spotting, maximizing your time and wildlife encounters.
• Expert Guides & Educational Focus: Guides like Celine and Patrick are praised for their energy and knowledge, making the trip informative and fun.
• Comfort & Convenience: Warm inside seating, free overalls, binoculars, and multilingual app ensure a comfortable and engaging outing.
• Flexible Options: Choice between classic and express whale tours, allowing you to tailor the experience to your pace and interest.
• Weather Dependent: Both tours depend on favorable weather conditions; the crew prioritizes safety and may reschedule or cancel if necessary.
• Value for Money: Many reviews highlight the tour as a worthwhile investment, especially given the chance to see both whales and puffins in half a day.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor. The check-in process seems straightforward, with many reviewers noting how easy it is to find the boats and get underway. The tour runs in the summer months (April to September being prime time), when wildlife activity peaks and weather conditions are more predictable.

The Whale Watching Segment

The larger boat called Andrea is the star of the whale tour. It’s the biggest whale watching vessel in Iceland, which means plenty of space for families or groups traveling together. Many travelers mention the educational and interactive focus of the boat’s guide, which adds value beyond just spotting whales.

The itinerary lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, with the chance to see minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. For those wanting to get to the wildlife faster, the faster express boat is an option, leaving just an hour after the classic tour, getting you more time at sea and a slightly shorter trip overall.

The Puffin Island Excursion

After returning to harbor, you switch to the smaller, shallow-draft boat called Old Skuli (Old Skúli), perfect for close-up puffin viewing. Because it can get near small islands where puffins nest, expect some exciting bird sightings in their natural habitat. Reviewers like Maarja and Patrick emphasize how close and personal this boat gets to the puffins, with many mentioning the entertaining, knowledgeable guides who shared interesting facts about the birds.

Binoculars are provided, helping you spot puffins flying or swimming around. The 100% sightings guarantee means that if puffins aren’t in the sky or on the rocks, you’ll receive a free ticket to try again—a comforting promise for bird watchers.

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Comfort and Safety

Both tours include warm inside seating and overalls to keep you comfortable despite Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Many travelers noted that the crew was attentive and helpful, especially when the sea was choppy or weather conditions less than ideal. The guides’ professionalism and friendliness are frequently praised, making the experience educational and enjoyable even if the weather isn’t perfect.

Additional Tips and Insights

What really makes this combo stand out is the balanced blend of wildlife, scenery, and relaxed pacing. Unlike longer or more strenuous tours, this one packs a lot into a manageable four-hour window, with most reviewers feeling it’s excellent value for the price.

Some reviews mention the smooth check-in, the ability to switch between tours easily, and the use of multilingual apps for further learning. If you’re traveling with kids or simply want an approachable adventure, the spacious Andrea boat provides plenty of room and comfort, while the smaller puffin boat offers a more intimate birdwatching experience.

Watching for the Wildlife

Seeing whales in the wild is always a bit of a gamble, but many reviewers, including Dani, mention how guides like Celine made the experience memorable even if whales remained shy. The most common whale sightings include minke, humpbacks, and even dolphins, but remember that nature doesn’t perform on cue.

The puffin tour, however, almost guarantees bird sightings, with many guests thrilled by the close-up views of these charming seabirds. The guides’ insights about puffin behavior and habitat make the trip both fun and informative.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo is perfect for travelers who want to maximize wildlife sightings in a short amount of time without feeling rushed. Families will appreciate the spaciousness and educational focus, while solo travelers and couples will enjoy the authentic, relaxed vibe.

If you’re visiting Iceland during the summer months and eager to see iconic animals like whales and puffins, this tour offers a good balance of adventure, comfort, and value. Keep in mind the weather dependency, but with the sightings guarantee for puffins, you’re likely to go home with great photos and stories.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with specific departure times depending on whether you choose the classic or express whale watching option.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at the Special Tours office located in Reykjavík’s old harbor.

Are there options for different departure times?
Yes, the tour departs at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:30 PM, with the option to choose between classic and express whale tours.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended, as the weather can be cool and unpredictable at sea.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers both boat trips, warm inside seating, free overalls, binoculars for puffin viewing, and guided commentary in English.

Can I see whales during this tour?
While whale sightings are common, they are not guaranteed due to the nature of wild animals. You do get a full refund or free rebooking if no whales are seen.

What about the puffin tour?
The puffin tour on Old Skuli is designed for close encounters with puffins, with a 100% sightings guarantee, so you’re very likely to see these birds during your trip.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the spacious Andrea boat and the engaging guides make it family-friendly, and many reviews mention children enjoying the trip.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent. The crew prioritizes safety and may cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. You’ll be informed in advance, and options are typically flexible.

To sum it up, the Reykjavik: Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo offers a well-rounded, value-packed wildlife experience. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want to combine the thrill of spotting whales with the charm of puffin watching, all wrapped in a comfortable, informative package. With knowledgeable guides and a strong emphasis on sightings, this tour delivers more than just a boat ride—it’s a chance to connect with Iceland’s incredible marine life in a way that’s accessible and fun. Whether you’re a wildlife geek or a casual nature lover, this adventure will add a memorable highlight to your Iceland trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: