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

Iceland is one of the few places where you can stack wildlife with zero effort. This Reykjavik half-day combo pairs a puffin cruise around Akurey with whale watching in Faxafloi Bay, so you get birds and big marine life in the same trip.

I especially like that you get the gear that matters, binoculars on the puffin boat and warm overalls on the whale cruise, plus narration that helps you spot what you’re actually seeing. When the guide is on point, it’s obvious, too. I’ve seen names like Jo, Lucas, Patrick, and Blanca show up, and their energy tends to turn a cold boat ride into a story you can follow.

One thing to weigh carefully: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and some days the whales do not show up, while puffin viewing can be distance-based even with binoculars. If you’re hoping for always-close-up photos, this tour is still fun, but manage expectations.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two wildlife experiences for one set time: puffins plus whales, so you don’t have to plan two separate days
• Real viewing support: warm gear on the whale boat, plus binoculars included for puffins
• Local guide spotting skills: guides help scan for species like minke, humpback, and white-beaked dolphins
• Faxafloi Bay context: you’re out on the water where sightings can pop up fast
• If whales are a no-show: you get a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise
• Language help on board: a Special Tours app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese

Reykjavik Whale Watching Meets Puffin Island: the simple 2-in-1 plan

This is a smart “do it all” day if you’re short on time and want Iceland wildlife without juggling schedules. The format is two different boat experiences back-to-back. You can take them in the order that works best for you, which matters when you’re trying to line up other plans around Reykjavik.

The total time is about 4.5 hours, and the group size is capped at 33. That’s not tiny, but it also isn’t a huge cattle boat, which usually makes it easier to move around, find a good seat, and actually keep your eyes on the water.

Also, this is booked well in advance. On average it’s reserved about 85 days ahead, so if you’re traveling in peak season, don’t wait until the last minute.

Meeting at Geirsgata 11 and planning your cold-weather comfort

Your start point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. It’s near public transportation, which is handy if you’re staying around the center and don’t want to rely on taxis.

Warm clothes are strongly recommended. You’ll be on open water in Iceland, so even when the sun is out, the wind can still bite. The good news is the tour includes cold-weather support on the whale leg, and you’ll have a blanket on the puffin leg.

A small but practical tip: treat this like a “stand outside, then sit inside” day. You’ll likely want time where you can see over people’s heads when something happens. Wearing layers makes that easy, and it keeps you from overheating indoors.

Whale watching in Faxafloi Bay: scanning, warm gear, and the real odds

The whale part starts with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel if you select it. Then you head to the Old Harbour area to board a vessel and go into Faxafloi Bay. The goal is spotting minke whales and humpbacks, and the guide helps scan open water so you’re not just staring out into gray.

Here’s what makes this whale segment genuinely useful, even when sightings are slow. The onboard commentary gives context for whale behavior and what you might look for. That helps you recognize quick signs, like how whales surface or how marine mammals move relative to wind and swell.

You also get warm overalls on this cruise. In my experience, that changes everything. It turns a “hope I get a whale” outing into “I can stay outside long enough to catch the moment.”

What you can actually see

Sightings vary, but you may see:

• Minke whales and humpback whales
• Other marine life like white-beaked dolphins and porpoises

Some people get lucky and see whales close enough for a real wow moment, while others see more dolphins than whales, or just a small number of whale sightings. That’s not a marketing issue, it’s how whale watching works in the wild.

One major value point here: in the unlikely case you don’t spot any whales, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise. That reduces the risk on a day when nature doesn’t cooperate.

Sea sickness is part of the package, so plan for it

Even with warm clothing, Iceland water can be bouncy. Several people noted rough seas on their whale cruise, and the crew handled it well by offering things like ginger candy and sick bags. Sea-sickness pills are also mentioned as available during the trip.

If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, don’t tough it out. Bring what you normally use at home, and take the option they offer during the cruise.

Puffin cruise to Akurey: binoculars included, narration on behavior, and the “close enough” truth

After the whale leg, you switch to the puffin portion. This one is built around a small-boat feel and the rocky shores of Akurey. You don’t land on breeding islands, but you’ll circle the area to look for puffins and other seabirds.

The puffin cruise includes a soft blanket and binoculars. You also get narration focused on puffin behavior and physiology, which is surprisingly helpful. Puffins can look similar at a distance, so knowing what you’re looking for makes the whole ride more fun, not just scenic.

What the boat experience feels like

As you approach the island, you can watch puffins dive for fish. The view often shifts quickly: birds pop up, disappear underwater, then reappear nearby. With binoculars, you can track individuals longer, and you can also scan for other species such as Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars.

One reality check from the experience: puffins can be active but not always close to the boat. Several people found the island area full of birds from afar, but not always at a camera-friendly distance. Binoculars help, but they are not a guarantee that you’ll get perfect, close-up photos.

A smart way to get better views

The island sits in a place where you can’t control the exact viewing angle. So do this:

• Use the binoculars early, not only when you hear someone shout
• If seating is limited, position yourself for sight lines, not just comfort
• Keep an eye on where birds fly, because it often points to where they’ll show up again

If you already own binoculars you like, bringing your own can help with personal comfort. Some people also mentioned that binocular access can feel like a shared experience, even though the tour includes binoculars.

How the guides and the Special Tours app change the experience

This tour leans hard on interpretation. The narration explains what you’re seeing, and guides actively help you scan. That’s a big deal on wildlife cruises, because spotting is half the game.

In the whale portion, guides help search open seas and interpret whale behavior. You may also get a friendly, humorous vibe depending on the guide, and that can make a long scan feel lighter. Names that appeared in real experiences include Jo, Lucas, and guides like Blanca, who people specifically praised for pointing out whales, dolphins, and birds.

On the puffin side, guides can make the bird behavior click fast, especially when they explain how puffins feed and how they behave around the island.

There’s also a Special Tours app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Even if you don’t use it constantly, having it available gives you a second layer of understanding while you’re on the water.

Price and value: why $156.19 can work for the right traveler

At $156.19 per person for a combo, this is aimed at people who want value without sacrificing the “two species, two boats” feeling.

The strongest value factors are not just the wildlife theme. They are the included items and risk protection:

• Binoculars included on the puffin cruise
• Warm overalls on the whale cruise
• Free Wi-Fi on the whale-watching cruise
• A complimentary whale re-sail if no whales are spotted

Those details matter because they reduce extra spending and improve comfort. They also make the experience feel more complete than a basic ticket that just drops you on a boat with no support.

Still, the price only feels like a slam dunk if you’re okay with real wildlife unpredictability. If your must-have is seeing whales at very close range every time, you might end up paying for a day where whales do not show up, or where you see more dolphins than whales.

On the other hand, puffins are often abundant around Akurey, and several people said the puffin segment was the highlight of their day. Even when close-up views are limited, the activity and bird density can be genuinely exciting.

Time on the water: how long each part usually lasts and why it matters

This combo is about balance. You get a longer window for whales, then a shorter targeted push for puffins.

Some experiences described the whale portion as the longer ride, with the boat spending more time out at sea while the guide scans. The puffin cruise is usually the faster emotional hit, because the birds are active around the island area.

Why this matters for you: if you’re the type who gets bored during long waiting, the puffin leg can rescue the energy. If you’re the type who’s willing to be patient for whales, the whale leg gives you that time block.

Either way, expect a cold-weather outing where your mood depends on the day’s conditions and wildlife movement.

Small-boat vs big-boat reality: comfort, seating, and photo expectations

The whale boat is described as larger in some experiences, while the puffin cruise often uses a smaller boat closer to Akurey. That affects comfort and viewing angles.

On big boats, you can get more space, but you might feel cramped in certain areas, and you may want to prioritize seats up top for better sight lines. Some people mentioned the puffin boat felt crowded, and that can reduce your ability to get comfortable while still tracking fast-moving birds.

For photos, here’s the honest guidance: you can get great shots if wildlife cooperates, but you should assume you’ll do better with phone cameras and binoculars than with “Hollywood close-ups” every time.

When you see a whale or puffin at a good distance, small changes in positioning help. Find a viewpoint that gives you clear sight, then stay ready.

Who should book this Reykjavik combo, and who should skip it

I think this tour is a strong fit if:

• You want both whales and puffins without planning two separate days
• You like guided spotting, not just hoping for luck
• You’ll dress for the cold and accept motion as part of the experience

It may not be the best fit if:

• You need guaranteed whale sightings
• You’re traveling with someone who gets very sick on boats, unless they’re ready to use motion-sickness support
• You’re expecting the boat to land close enough for perfect puffin photography every time

If your top priority is puffins, you’re likely to enjoy the Akurey segment even with distance-based views, because the island area can be full of birds. If your top priority is whales, go in with the understanding that Faxafloi Bay is wild, and some days simply do not produce whales.

Should you book this Puffin Cruise plus Whale Watching combo?

Book it if you want a two-species Reykjavik wildlife day and you’re happy trading guaranteed close-ups for the real thing, birds doing bird stuff and whales showing up when they decide to. The included binoculars, warm gear, and the free re-sail option for whales make it feel fair for the money.

Skip it, or at least rethink it, if whales are the single make-or-break item for you. You might have an amazing day with dolphins and puffins, but you can also end up on a day where whales stay out of sight.

If you do book, pick layers, plan for wind, and set your expectations like a local: the ocean runs the show. When the animals cooperate, this combo can be a memorable chunk of Iceland in one morning or afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the Iceland Super Saver combo tour?

It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

Where does the tour start and end?

The activity starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included for comfort and spotting?

The whale-watching cruise includes warm overalls and free Wi-Fi. The puffin cruise includes binoculars and a warm blanket.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. You can book hotel transfer directly with the supplier for an extra fee.

Do I need to reconfirm the cruise times?

Yes. You’ll need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier, using the details in your voucher.

What happens if whales are not spotted?

If no whales are spotted in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.