Puffins and whales in one Reykjavík morning. This combo tour is a smart way to pack two wildlife cruises into one tight schedule, using two different boats and crew styles to help you see more. I especially like that they keep you warm with inside seating and overalls, so cold wind isn’t the main event.

I also love the puffin part because the small boat, Old Skuli (Skúlaskeið), can get close to the low islands where puffins hang out. You’ll even have binoculars for spotting birds clearly. The guides focus on what you’re actually seeing, from puffin behavior to the local bird life around Reykjavík.

One possible drawback: whale-watching depends on the sea and the animals, so you should stay flexible. Even with the best route to Faxaflói Bay, some days are shy, and you may still need a little extra patience (and maybe a seasickness plan).

Key highlights worth clocking before you book

• Two boats, two goals: Old Skuli for puffins, then a larger whale ship for Faxaflói Bay
• Old Skuli’s shallow draft helps you get nearer to the puffin islands
• 100% puffin sightings guarantee on the puffin leg
• Andrea is the biggest whale boat in Iceland with a family-friendly, interactive approach
• Express whale option saves travel time while keeping the same whale-area time
• Free return if whales are missed on the whale-watching part

How the combo tour really works from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

This is a true combo, but it’s not one single cruise. It’s two linked trips that start and end back at Reykjavík’s old harbor area—specifically at the Special Tours office in the old harbor. You’ll do the puffin side on the small boat first or second, then transfer back for the whale-watching portion.

The big practical win here is pacing. You’re not spending half the day commuting between distant docks or waiting around for long stretches. Instead, the operator builds a quick changeover in harbor and moves you along while you’re still fresh and the weather window is working in your favor.

Depending on which departure you choose, the order changes:

• 9:00 AM starts with Classic Whale Watching, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 10:00 AM starts with Express Whale Watching, then Puffin Express at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM starts with Puffin Express, then Express Whale Watching at 2:00 PM

So if your goal is maximum wildlife with minimum downtime, pick the schedule that best matches your day plan and your tolerance for sea time.

Old Skuli Puffin Express: getting close without freezing

The puffin cruise is where this combo feels most like a hands-on experience. Instead of staying far out, you go on the smaller boat named Skúlaskeið, often referred to as Old Skuli. The key detail is its shallow draught. That means the captain can take you closer to the small islands where puffins live and feed.

That closeness matters because puffins are compact, and spotting them from a distance is mostly luck. With Old Skuli, you’re more likely to see the birds in a way that feels real—flying overhead, perched, or popping in and out near the colony areas.

You’ll also stay comfortable:

• There’s warm inside seating
• The crew supplies warm overalls so you don’t need to buy (or borrow) fancy gear
• You get binoculars to borrow during the puffin tour

And the guide work is built around bird spotting. In the best cases, the guide turns the cruise into a live nature lesson—helping you track what you’re seeing rather than just telling stories from the deck. If you end up with a guide like Patrick Pirate Puffin, expect an energetic mix of science facts and humor that keeps kids (and adults) paying attention. Other guides you might hear about include Patrick and Rebecca, both praised for keeping the information clear and the mood upbeat.

One more big comfort check: puffin sightings come with a 100% sightings guarantee. Realistically, wildlife isn’t a vending machine—but this guarantee is a strong reason to choose this combo if puffins are your top priority.

Whale watching on Andrea (Classic or Express) toward Faxaflói Bay

Now to the whale side. This part runs on a boat called Andrea, described as the biggest whale-watching boat in Iceland. Big in this case is good: it means you’ve got more space, a cafeteria on board, and a setup that’s built for education and interaction rather than just staring out at gray water.

Where you go matters too. The whale area is Faxaflói Bay. That’s where you’ll have chances at some of Iceland’s most common local species, including:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbor porpoises

The classic version typically runs about 3 to 3.5 hours on the Andrea boat. The express version is designed to reduce the time spent traveling to the best viewing area. You’ll still spend the same amount of time where it counts—the whale-watching zone—but you cut down on the dead time in between.

Here’s how it changes on the express option:

• Express whale watching is listed as 2 to 2.5 hours
• You still get plenty of time in the whale area

And that small change can make a big difference for motion sickness risk and overall energy—especially if you’re doing puffins first and your day is already moving fast.

What to do if the sea gets choppy

Even on a good whale day, the North Atlantic can be moody. The tour notes that captains make decisions based on passenger safety and comfort, so they may adjust the route or timing when needed.

Also, there are practical supports on board. One thing I like is that the experience is planned for real sea conditions, and in at least some cases, people report being offered pills against sea sickness if you want them. If you’re prone to motion sickness, don’t treat that as a last-minute thought.

The timing puzzle: which departure order makes the most sense?

You’re choosing between three starts: 9:00, 10:00, and 12:30. The operator’s schedule essentially determines whether you do puffins first or whales first and whether you do the fast whale option.

If you want the smoother mental flow, here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Want birds first (and certainty)? Choose a schedule that starts with Puffin Express at 12:30.
• Want whales first (and then coast into puffins)? Choose 9:00 Classic Whale followed by puffins.
• Want the faster whale leg to conserve energy? Choose 10:00 Express Whale then puffins.

A detail that’s easy to miss but matters: the combo works as two separate tours. There’s a quick harbor changeover between them, so your time between boats is limited.

Also, the day can feel like two different modes of wildlife watching: the puffin leg is close-up and quick to “get going,” while whale watching is more about patience and reading the ocean. That’s normal. The best strategy is to keep your expectations flexible—then whatever shows up feels like a win.

What you should realistically expect to see

This is Iceland, so you’ll likely see wildlife—but you won’t control it.

Puffins: the easier win

Puffins are the easier part to “score,” because they live on specific islands and fly around in visible patterns when conditions are right. With the small boat getting near the colony areas, you have a solid chance to see multiple birds and get them in view clearly.

Even when the viewing is good, puffins are still tiny. That’s why the supplied binoculars are such a big deal. Without them, you can miss the details that make the birds look so entertaining—the quick movements, the rhythm of flying and landing, and the way they work around the islands.

Whales and dolphins: the watch-and-wait part

Whale viewing can be spectacular, but whales can also be shy. The notes include that if whales aren’t spotted, you get another ticket for free to try again. That’s a strong built-in safety net for a whale-focused cruise.

When whales do show up, your best chances in the bay are for minke whales, plus the occasional humpback whale, and sightings of dolphins and porpoises like harbor porpoises. Some days you might get a close pass; other days you’ll see sprays and tails at a distance. That’s not failure—it’s marine life.

If you’re building an itinerary around this, plan for it like a wildlife hunt, not a guaranteed show.

Price and value: is $148 a good deal?

At $148 per person, this isn’t a budget item, but it’s also not “only pay for a boat and hope.” The value comes from three things that add up:

1. Two separate wildlife cruises in one combo

You’re effectively buying puffin viewing plus a classic or express whale-watching experience.

1. Included gear and comfort

You get warm overalls, warm inside seating, and binoculars for the puffin tour. Those are real costs you’d otherwise have to handle yourself on a cold day.

1. Risk control (guarantees)

Puffins include a 100% sightings guarantee. Whales don’t come with a sighting promise, but you do get a free return ticket if no whales are spotted. That reduces the chance you’ll pay and feel cheated.

What isn’t included is also worth knowing: hot drinks and refreshments are available for purchase, not included. You might want to budget for a drink, especially if weather chills you fast.

My practical take: if puffins are a must and whales are a top “maybe,” the combo is a good way to turn a limited time in Reykjavík into two wildlife chances—without needing two full separate days.

What to bring so you enjoy every minute

This tour leans into the idea that you’re going to be outside sometimes, even with inside seating. So pack like Iceland is going to do Iceland things.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable clothes
• A willingness to layer up

Also, plan for the sea. If you’ve ever felt queasy on boats, treat this as a heads-up trip. The tour notes that captains prioritize safety and comfort, and in at least some situations passengers have been offered sea-sickness pills. Still, it helps to be proactive.

If you’re traveling with a camera, you’ll likely want one with decent zoom. Whales can surface close—or they can be spotted as silhouettes and sprays. Either way, zoom helps you turn “I saw something” into actual memories.

Who should book this Reykjavík whales and puffins combo

This is a great match if:

• You’re short on time in Reykjavík and want both puffins and whales without splitting your day into two separate operations.
• You want wildlife viewing that’s guided and educational, not just wandering around a dock.
• You appreciate comfort support—overalls and inside seating make the difference when the wind shifts.

It also fits families. The whale boat setup on Andrea is described as family friendly and spacious, with that onboard cafeteria. And the puffin guide approach—credited with humor and high energy—tends to land well with kids.

If you’re the type who needs guaranteed “action” every minute, you might find whale watching frustrating. But you’re buying a wildlife experience with built-in tries again support when whales don’t show.

Should you book it?

I’d book this combo if you want the best odds of seeing Reykjavík-area wildlife in one half-day—and you’re happy to treat whale watching like a patient sport, not a fireworks show.

Book it especially if:

• Puffins are a top goal (100% sightings guarantee is a big confidence boost)
• You value comfort support (warm overalls and inside seating are included)
• You like the idea of express whale timing to reduce travel and keep your day feeling efficient

Skip it only if you hate boat motion and you know you’ll struggle even with inside seating and options onboard. If that’s you, you could still consider whales alone later, but don’t count on puffins to replace the whale portion emotionally.

FAQ

Meeting point: Where do I start?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor, and the activity ends back at that same meeting point.

How long is the Reykjavik whales and puffins combo?

The combo is listed as 4 hours total. Exact timing depends on the departure you choose.

What boats are used for the two parts?

Puffins are watched from the small boat Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli). Whale watching is operated on the Andrea boat, with an express option using a faster boat.

Are puffins guaranteed on this tour?

Yes. The puffin portion includes a 100% sightings guarantee.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

There is no guarantee of seeing whales on every outing. If nothing is spotted on the whale tour, you get another ticket for free.

What wildlife might I see in Faxaflói Bay?

The notes list common sights such as minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

What’s included and what do I pay for myself?

Included: cruises, warm inside seating, warm overalls, binoculars for the puffin tour, guides, and the app. Not included: hot drinks and refreshments (available for purchase).

What should I bring for the cruise?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes. The crew provides overalls for warmth during the outing.

Do the tours offer an app and multiple languages?

Yes. There’s an app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The live tour guide is listed as English.

When do the different departure orders run?

You can choose from 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, or 12:30 PM departures, and the order swaps accordingly (puffin at 12:30 PM in the schedules shown).

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