Puffins and whales in one Reykjavik morning. This discounted Super Saver bundle links a puffin cruise to Akurey with whale-watching in Faxafloi Bay, so you spend your time where the wildlife action happens. I like the built-in bird-spotting help, including binoculars, and I also like that the whale side comes with warm gear plus free onboard Wi-Fi.

I love the flexibility to choose the order of the two tours, which makes planning your Reykjavik day easier. I also appreciate the narration on both boats, with wildlife-focused commentary that helps you scan faster instead of guessing. The one drawback to keep in mind is simple, sightings depend on weather and animals, and some outings produce fewer whales than you hoped for.

Key things to know before you go

• Two tours, one discounted plan so you get puffins and whales without bouncing between too many separate bookings
• Binoculars included for the puffin cruise, and you will likely use them a lot
• Warm overalls plus a blanket help you handle that Reykjavik wind chill
• Old Harbour to open sea on the whale boat, with guides scanning for minke and humpback whales
• Wildlife is never guaranteed, and Faxafloi Bay days can swing from great to quiet
• If whales do not show up, you may receive a complimentary ticket for another whale cruise

Start at Geirsgata 11, then split your time between Akurey and Faxafloi Bay

This is a compact, 4 hours 30 minutes style day built around two separate boat experiences. You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the activity ends back near the same starting point.

The size stays manageable, with a maximum of 33 travelers, which matters on a smaller boat segment. One more practical note, you will need to reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier using your voucher details. And yes, you can usually choose the order of the two tours, which is handy if you want the sea portion earlier while you still have energy.

Puffin Cruise to Akurey: warm blanket, binoculars, and real bird watching

The puffin part focuses on getting you close enough for good viewing without doing anything risky or disruptive. You start by finding a comfortable seat and warming up with a soft provided blanket while narration explains puffin life in plain language. Then you ease toward the island and watch puffins work the coastline.

As you approach Akurey, you can look out the windows and spot puffins as they plunge into the water for fish. The tour is also set up for scanning, not just casual sightseeing. Binoculars are included, so you are not fighting for a clear view when the birds are spread out or moving fast.

What you are likely to pick up besides puffins:

• Arctic terns
• Black guillemots
• Northern fulmars

Once you arrive at the rocky shores of Akurey, the boat circles the island for more vantage points. That looping route is important because puffins do not politely line up for photos. They shift around, fly in waves, and pop up near rocks and seaweed lines.

A key expectation to set: this is a boat view, not an island walk. The puffin breeding islands are protected, so you should plan on seeing birds from the water. For the best experience, treat the binoculars like part of the show.

When the puffin portion feels short

Some people love this segment most because it is focused and lively, but others feel it is too quick or too far for satisfying close-up photos. If you are picky about photography, you may want to bring your own binoculars to avoid any crowding around the provided ones.

This is also where guide style can matter. Puffin guides like Patrick have been praised for clear, funny English delivery, and Blanca has been recognized for sharp spotting and great explanations. Even if your guide is different, the goal is the same: get you scanning efficiently and knowing what to look for.

Whale-Watching from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: overalls, Wi-Fi, and scan-and-wait spotting

The whale-watching portion is built around getting out into Faxafloi Bay from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. If you choose the option, pickup is from your Reykjavik hotel, but the tour notes that transfers are not included by default. You board a larger vessel, then spend time searching with your guide and their wildlife scanning.

This side includes warm overalls so you can handle cold spray and wind without turning the trip into a shivering contest. There is also free Wi-Fi on the whale cruise, which is a nice practical bonus for sharing a photo once you see something or checking your map later.

The wildlife targets are clear:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales

And when you are not looking at the main event, you still have plenty of chances to spot other life. The tour description includes likely sightings of:

• White-beaked dolphins
• Porpoises

What helps most is the onboard commentary. Guides help you scan, interpret what you are seeing, and wait through the slow moments without losing patience. When conditions are right, humpbacks can show dramatic behavior, including tail-slap type moments that are pure Iceland theater.

Rough-sea reality, and how you are prepared

In Iceland, sea conditions can change fast. Some departures give advance warning about rough seas, and the crew may offer practical help like ginger candy, sick bags, and optional sea-sickness pills. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, take it seriously before you board, even if you feel fine on land.

Also, boat layout matters. A few experiences note that the vessel can feel crowded and that top seating may be limited. If you care about the best viewing angle, aim for spots that keep you above wind-blocking railings once you are onboard.

No whales, what then?

Here is the big quality-of-life detail. In the unlikely event you do not see whales in Faxafloi Bay, the tour includes a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise. That is not a guarantee, but it gives you a safety net for those flat, quiet days.

Setting expectations for wild wildlife: what to hope for, what to accept

This bundle works because it balances two different wildlife styles.

Puffins are busy and visual. Even when close-up views are limited, the island area often hosts lots of birds flying, landing, and calling. What can vary is how close the boat can get and how easily you can isolate one bird for a photo. Some trips can feel like constant activity, while others are more like a steady pattern of passing birds you track with binoculars.

Whales are a different game. Seeing whales can happen quickly or not at all, and often it depends on weather and where the animals decide to surface. Even on successful trips, you might get mostly distant views, like fins and tails out at sea, before anything more dramatic appears. When you do get humpbacks or minkes up close, it is unforgettable, but you need to mentally budget for uncertainty.

One more thing that keeps the day honest: you cannot assume the boat can approach animals however you want. Wildlife encounters have conduct rules, and the goal is to respect whales while still doing the scanning work. That is why some experiences describe whales close enough for excitement but not always close enough for perfect photography.

Why this bundle feels like value: discounted pairing plus included extras

At $156.19 per person for about 4 hours 30 minutes, this Super Saver is trying to solve a common Reykjavik problem: you want both puffins and whales, but doing them separately can add up in price and time. This package gives you both without turning your itinerary into a transit puzzle.

You also get meaningful inclusions for a place where wind and cold hit fast:

• Binoculars on the puffin cruise
• Warm overalls on the whale-watching boat
• A provided blanket on the puffin side
• Free Wi-Fi on the whale cruise
• A Special Tours App that runs in multiple languages, including English

Even if you end up buying snacks on the whale boat, the big comfort items are already covered. That matters because in Reykjavik, the difference between fun and misery is often just staying warm enough to enjoy what you are seeing.

And because the booking is on a discounted bundle, you are paying for two guided experiences in one go. That can be a sweet spot for first-timers who want wildlife without overthinking logistics.

Comfort and practical tips for Reykjavik boat weather

This is the part that makes or breaks your enjoyment.

Dress like you expect wind. Layers win. You want something warm under a windproof outer layer, plus gloves if you run cold hands. Even in summer, Reykjavik can feel like a refrigerator with a sea view.

A few practical tips based on how these boats run:

• If you have your own binoculars, bring them. Some provided binocular experiences can be shared or handled in a crowd, and your own view control helps.
• Consider sea-sickness prep if you are sensitive. Even with warm overalls, your stomach decides whether you can focus on spotting.
• Sit with viewing in mind. On larger whale boats, top seating can be limited during busy departures.
• Use the narration. Do not just look randomly. The guide will often cue where to watch next.

If you want extra warmth, keep an open mind. Some crews provide additional cold-weather gear when the seas turn rough, so you might find yourself kitted up beyond the overalls.

Who should book this Super Saver, and who might prefer something else

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a half-day wildlife plan without a full-day commitment
• Like guided spotting and narration, not just random wandering
• Travel with kids who can handle a boat ride and enjoy active birds

One family highlight shows up in multiple forms, a calm puffin cruise that keeps kids engaged while they learn what makes puffins puffins. If your kid is old enough to enjoy explanations and pointing, this is a strong match.

You might think twice if you:

• Are whale-focused and hate the idea of a no-whale day. The tour includes a complimentary ticket when whales do not appear, but you still need to value that extra uncertainty.
• Cannot tolerate boat motion or cold wind. Even with blankets and overalls, you need a baseline of comfort.

Should you book this Reykjavik Puffin and Whale bundle?

If your goal is to maximize wildlife odds in Reykjavik in a single morning or afternoon, I think this bundle is a smart booking. The included gear, the narration style, and the chance to see two types of wildlife in one day make it feel efficient.

Book it especially if you are happy with the real-world version of wildlife watching, where whales can be distant and puffins can be viewed from the water. You will have more fun when you treat the day as an adventure of spotting and learning, not a checklist with guaranteed results.

If whales are your one and only obsession, consider making peace with the odds first. On calm days, you can get real whale sightings and dramatic moments, but on quieter days you may come home with dolphins and a great sea ride instead.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The total experience runs about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What warm clothing and viewing help are included?

Binoculars are included on the puffin cruise, warm overalls are included on the whale-watching cruise, and a soft blanket is provided during the puffin portion.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Do you provide hotel pickup and transfers?

Hotel pickup and transfers are not included by default, but hotel pickup is available to book directly with the supplier for extra fees.

What if you do not see any whales?

In the unlikely event you do not spot any whales in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.