Whales and puffins share the same horizon. From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, I like how you head out into the Atlantic with expert guidance, and I love that the puffin segment uses a smaller boat for closer island viewing.

The main catch is the sea, this combo is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Good support helps with comfort too, including complimentary seasickness tablets and free WiFi onboard, plus two departure combos to match your day.

Key points

• Two tours in one combo, but two separate departures: pick your whale watching time, then the puffin trip runs at a different departure.
• Smaller boat for puffins: the puffin outing is about 1 hour and designed to get you as close to the islands as possible.
• Big-boat whale watching: the whale cruise runs about 2 to 3.5 hours on a larger vessel.
• Binoculars and guidance included: puffin binoculars are provided onboard, and guides cover behavior and habitat.
• Second-chance if wildlife is elusive: you get a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings.
• Windproof preparation matters: warm, waterproof gear is strongly recommended for the Atlantic crossing.

Reykjavik Old Harbour to the Atlantic, what this 4-hour combo delivers

This Reykjavik whale watching and puffin excursion is built for one goal, seeing Iceland’s seabird drama and ocean giants in the same half day. You start at the water in the capital’s Old Harbour area, then you move from the open Atlantic whale search into a shorter, close-to-islands puffin stop.

I like the structure because it gives you two very different kinds of wildlife time. The whale portion is longer and meant for scanning the Atlantic for humpback and minke whales. Then the puffin portion flips the experience to something more intimate, with a smaller boat and a targeted run toward puffin colonies.

One practical note up front: you’re out on the water for real. If you know you struggle with motion, this is not the tour for you, even with tablets provided.

Picking your combo: 09:00 and 12:30 or 13:00 and 17:00

You choose your whale watching departure time when booking, then you’re paired with a puffin departure at a set later time. There are two combo options:

• Whale watching departs at 09:00, with puffins at 12:30
• Whale watching departs at 13:00, with puffins at 17:00

The combo is listed as 4 hours total, but remember it includes two separate tours with two different departures. That matters because you’ll be thinking in segments, not one continuous boat ride.

If your morning tends to be your best weather window, the 09:00 whale cruise can fit well. If you prefer a later start, the 13:00 departure keeps the pacing calmer, and the puffin time is later as well. Either way, you’re getting both experiences, whale search and puffin island viewing, without having to book two separate schedules yourself.

Meeting point reality check at Geirsgata 11 (plan for 30 minutes early)

You meet at Geirsgata 11 at the Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. That buffer is not just for paperwork. It’s for getting your layers on, using the restroom before you head out, and grabbing a spot where you can actually see.

Also, no pickup service is included. You’ll be responsible for getting yourself to the meeting point on your own. If you’re staying in central Reykjavik, it’s usually manageable to get there before the start, but still, build in extra time so you don’t start stressed.

And since this is Iceland in motion, bring the basics the operator asks for: warm clothing, a waterproof camera, and motion sickness prevention. Binoculars are listed as something to bring too, even though puffin binoculars are provided onboard for the puffin tour.

Whale watching on the larger vessel, spotting humpbacks and minke whales

The whale watching segment is the longer ocean leg, running about 2 to 3.5 hours on a larger vessel. You sail out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into the Atlantic, and the whole point is wildlife spotting in their natural habitat.

The guides matter here. You’ll have an English live guide on board who shares insights into behavior and habitat as you search. That helps you do more than just stare at water. You’re not guessing what you’re seeing. You’re learning why whales show up where they do, and what to look for while you’re out there.

This is also where the “bigger boat” part makes sense. The vessel is built for the longer ride and the open-ocean search, and it’s paired with practical onboard comfort items like free WiFi and complimentary seasickness tablets.

Still, I want you to go in with a clear expectation: whale sightings are never guaranteed. That’s why the tour includes a free ticket to join again if there are no sightings. In other words, you’re not paying and crossing your fingers only once.

Puffin colonies on a smaller boat, close island viewing in about 1 hour

After the whale tour, the puffin segment is shorter, about 1 hour, and it’s done on a smaller boat. The operator specifically notes a specially designed boat meant to get as close to the islands as possible, which is a huge part of why this combo works so well.

For puffin spotting, closeness matters. At a distance, seabirds can turn into tiny moving dots. Up close, you get the real deal: puffin colonies set against the coastal backdrop, with a guided explanation of what you’re seeing.

Binoculars are provided onboard for the puffin tour, and you’ll want them. If you prefer your own view tools, the tour also recommends bringing binoculars. Either way, plan on spending that hour focused, camera-ready, and warm enough to enjoy standing or leaning for angles.

One more practical detail: the puffin tour is on a smaller vessel, which can feel more “hands-on” than the larger whale boat. If you’re the kind of person who gets motion discomfort fast, this is exactly where you should think twice, because the overall combo is still marked not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What the guides actually do for you on board

This is not just a drive to the ocean and a hope-and-pray scan. The guides are professional and lead the experience with live English commentary focused on creature behavior and habitat.

That matters because whale watching and puffin viewing can be visually confusing. You see spray, movement, and quick changes, and it is easy to feel like you missed something. A good guide keeps you oriented, and it makes the time on the water feel productive, not random.

In the feedback I’ve seen tied to this experience, a guide named Daniel gets singled out for being especially great and enthusiastic. That lines up with what you want on wildlife tours: energy, clarity, and a steady rhythm so everyone stays engaged even when sightings are slow.

Seasickness tablets, free WiFi, and the comfort stuff that helps more than you think

A lot of Iceland activities sell you the view, then ignore the logistics of weather and motion. This combo does the opposite on the small things that can make or break your enjoyment.

• Complimentary seasickness tablets are available
• Free WiFi is offered on board

WiFi might sound like a luxury, but it helps when you want to coordinate photos, check messages, or keep your day on track. The bigger benefit is how it frees your brain. You’re not stuck in a full disconnect, waiting for the trip to end.

The seasickness tablets are genuinely important. Even people who think they are fine sometimes get surprised by Atlantic movement. The tour also recommends motion sickness prevention, which tells you the operator expects waves to be part of the equation.

Boat-sharing and environmental limits, why your route might change

The operator notes that during certain times of the year, trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another activity partner due to environmental reasons. The goal is fewer boats on the water, so the experience can be adjusted seasonally.

What that means for you: you might not always get the exact same feel of solitude. It can translate to a different mix of passengers on board, and you may notice more company during the cruise. But it’s an environmental choice, not a downgrade, and it’s part of how the industry tries to keep pressure lower during sensitive periods.

If you’re someone who likes quiet, you’ll still likely find the onboard guidance helps you tune out distractions. If you’re traveling with family or friends, shared boats can also make the social vibe easier, as long as you pack your patience for wildlife spotting.

What to bring for Atlantic wind and “camera at the ready” moments

Iceland weather can change without warning. For this combo, the practical clothing and gear list is not optional fluff, it’s part of the plan.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof camera
• Binoculars
• Motion sickness prevention

A waterproof camera matters because sea spray and damp decks are real. Warm layers matter because wind chill on the water can hit hard even when Reykjavik feels mild on land.

And if you’re tempted to go light on layers because you think you’ll just be seated, remember that wildlife spotting often means you want to move for angles and for the guide’s pointing directions. Dress so you can stay comfortable while you watch.

Snacks, drinks, and what’s included vs not included

This is one of those tours where food logistics are simple. Snacks and beverages are sold on board, but they are not included in your ticket price.

Included items that add real value:

• Experienced and professional guides
• Free ticket to join again if there are no sightings
• Free WiFi on board
• Complimentary seasickness tablets available
• Puffin binoculars provided onboard
• Puffin tour boat designed to get close to the islands

Not included:

• Snacks and beverages sold on board
• Pick up service

If you know you get hungry during long boat rides, plan to purchase something onboard or eat beforehand. The tour timing gives you two separate segments, so you’ll want to stay fueled.

Price and value: is $153 worth it for whales plus puffins?

At $153 per person for a combo that pairs whale watching with puffin viewing, the value comes from the mix of included items and the “two chances” mindset.

First, you’re not just paying for one short wildlife hop. You get two different boat experiences: a longer whale search on a larger vessel and a shorter, closer puffin segment on a smaller boat designed for island proximity.

Second, the included comfort and tooling are part of the price value. Free WiFi helps you stay connected. Complimentary seasickness tablets can save your day. Puffin binoculars are provided, so you aren’t stuck without tools for the closer island viewing that makes puffins fun.

Third, the free ticket to join again if there are no sightings is a strong safety net. Wildlife tours can be weather dependent, and that second-chance option is a practical way the operator shares that risk with you.

So for me, this combo feels like good value if you:

• want both whales and puffins, not just one
• care about getting close on the puffin leg
• appreciate guided interpretation, not just a boat ride

If your priority is only whales or only birds, you might decide to simplify. But if you’re trying to pack Iceland wildlife into limited time, this combo is built for exactly that.

Who this whale and puffin combo fits best

This is a strong fit if you want a classic Reykjavik wildlife day that stays grounded in practical details: guided searching, two different viewing styles, and comfort support for the water.

It fits best for:

• Wildlife fans who want both whales and puffins
• People who don’t mind dressing warm and spending time outside
• Travelers who want an organized plan with expert guidance in English

It is not a fit if you are prone to seasickness. The operator explicitly flags this, so don’t rely on tablets alone as a guarantee.

It also does not allow pets, and smoking is not allowed. If you’re traveling with a companion who needs those options, you’ll have to plan a different activity.

Should you book this Reykjavik Sailors whale and puffin combo?

I’d book it if your travel style matches this one: you want real-time nature time, you’re okay with Atlantic conditions, and you want a guided experience that tries to get you close to both whales and puffins.

Book it with confidence if:

• you can handle boat motion comfortably
• you want a two-part wildlife day with puffins done on a smaller boat
• you appreciate the included support items like tablets and onboard WiFi
• you like the idea of a free return ticket if sightings do not happen

Skip it, or at least reconsider, if:

• seasickness is a real issue for you
• you dislike weather-driven uncertainty and might feel annoyed if sightings are limited

If you do book, go prepared with warm waterproof layers and a waterproof camera. You’ll enjoy it more when you’re focused on the water, not fighting discomfort.