Two kinds of wildlife, one Reykjavik day. What I love is the Old Skuli puffin boat up close, and I love the warm overalls that make the sea air feel manageable. This is a rare setup where you chase birds on a small craft, then switch gears for whales on a bigger Iceland whale boat.

You should also know the one real planning concern is whale sightings, since nature does what it wants. If nothing is spotted on the tour, you get a free ticket to try again, which takes the sting out of a shy day.

What keeps this combo feeling worth it is how the guides bring the science in an easy, funny way, with names like Patrick Pirate Puffin and Rebecca showing up on real departures. You also get practical tools, like binoculars for the puffins and a multilingual app for both legs of the trip.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Old Skuli puffin boat proximity: a shallow draught design that can get close to the small islands where puffins live
• Warm inside seating plus overalls: you are not left to battle Iceland cold in thin layers
• 100% sightings guarantee for puffins: less stress, more time actually watching the birds
• Andrea whale boat comfort and size: spacious, family-friendly, and built for whale searching in Faxaflói Bay
• Classic vs Express whale options: the faster boat gets you to the whale area sooner while keeping the time in the spotting zone similar

How this Reykjavik combo tour works, timing and the two boats

This combo is built for people who want big wildlife payoff without spending your whole day in transit. You meet in Reykjavik’s old harbor area at the Special Tours office, then you do two separate cruises, often with a quick return to port for a switch.

The key idea is that the puffins and whales get different boat setups. For puffins, you go out on a small boat called Skúlaskeið (Old Skuli), designed to move around near birdy islands. For whales, you switch to the larger Andrea boat for a more classic whale-watching experience in Faxaflói Bay.

You’ll also want to pick the departure time that matches your energy level. The schedule offered includes a 9:00 AM classic whale departure followed by puffins at 12:30, a 10:00 AM express whale departure followed by puffins at 12:30, or a 12:30 PM start with puffins followed by express whale at 2:00. In all cases, you end back at the meeting point.

Old Skuli and the puffin express, how close you really get

The puffin leg is the easier win, and the tour design makes it that way. You cruise out from the old harbor to a nearby island area where the puffins breed, and you ride the Old Skuli boat that can reach shallower areas than a bigger vessel. That shallow draught matters, because it helps the crew get you nearer to the little islands the birds use.

On the water, you’re not just hoping. The puffin tour includes binoculars, plus inside seating and warm overalls, so you can stay comfortable and still see what’s going on. Puffins can look tiny at first, but once you focus through the binoculars, their behavior gets a lot more interesting. Expect lots of flying, calling, and that comical upright posture as they move around the colony.

The guide’s job here is to help you read the birds. Guides share bird-life details about the Reykjavík surroundings, so your viewing is not random scanning. On days when the birds are active, you can feel like the whole island is moving, even when you are just watching from the boat.

One practical note: this portion is dependent on correct weather conditions. If the sea is rough, captains decide what is safe and comfortable for passengers. The good news is that the tour also comes with a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour, so you’re not stuck with just a view of empty water.

Andrea whale watching, classic vs express and what to expect in Faxaflói Bay

Then you switch to whales, and that’s where Iceland’s weather and whale mood both take the wheel. The whale portion runs on the Andrea boat, described as the biggest whale watching boat in Iceland, with an educational and interactive approach. You get a cafeteria aboard, which is handy when you want a hot drink break during a longer time at sea.

You have a choice of a classic whale-watching departure or an express option. The express tour uses a faster boat that gets you to the whale watching area quicker than the other boats. Importantly, you still spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area. So you trade extra transit time for more efficient spotting.

Most whale sightings in Faxaflói Bay can include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Some days the whales are close and showy, and other days they are there but behave like polite guests trying not to be noticed. Your best move is to stay patient and let the crew reposition based on what they find.

Safety and comfort are part of the plan. Captains make the sailing decision based on weather, using years of experience and keeping passenger comfort in mind. If seasickness is a concern, it helps that the boat setup includes options like guidance and onboard help if you need it. That matters because even when whales are out there, a rougher ride can steal your attention.

The reality of wildlife days, and how this tour protects you

Wildlife watching is never a movie. You’re not guaranteed whales to jump right beside the boat, even on a great day. The good part here is that the tour structure is designed around that reality.

For puffins, the 100% sightings guarantee removes a huge chunk of uncertainty. Once you’re at the right area and the crew can run safely, the puffins are the kind of wildlife that tends to be predictable in where they live and how they behave during breeding season.

For whales, the uncertainty is higher because whales roam. The upside is that if no whales are spotted, you get a free return ticket to try again. It’s not the same as seeing whales twice on the same day, but it is real protection against a total bust.

Also, this combo is time-sensitive. Iceland’s best whale watching chance is during the warmer months, from April to September. Outside that window, you might still see wildlife, but your odds generally shift lower.

If your timing is fixed, I’d still book, just keep expectations grounded. When whales show up, it can be fast and thrilling. When they don’t, the puffin leg and the boat-and-guide experience still give you a full outing.

Getting warm in Reykjavik, the gear that actually makes a difference

This is one of those tours where comfort directly affects how much you enjoy it. The crew supplies warm overalls and offers warm inside seating, which means you’re not forced to guess whether your normal jacket is enough for wind and spray off the harbor.

Bring warm clothing and clothes you can layer. You’ll be happy you have a base layer and something windproof, even if the day starts bright. Also, consider bringing a hat and gloves if you get cold easily, since being on the water means wind is always in the mix.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. Even when the water is manageable, people can still feel the swell during the whale portion. One of the practical perks is that the day can include help for seasickness, like medication offered onboard if needed.

Finally, don’t overpack. You don’t need to dress like you’re heading to a glacier walk. You do need to be warm enough that you can watch for a while, because whale and bird viewing is rarely a one-minute show.

The guides and the onboard tools, from Patrick Pirate Puffin to Rebecca

The guides are a big reason people walk away smiling, and the format supports that. You get live guiding on both tours, and the experience is designed to be interactive rather than lectury. That comes through in how guides explain what you’re seeing and why.

On puffin days, you might hear lively guide storytelling, like Patrick Pirate Puffin, who blends jokes with science-based facts. On whale days, Rebecca is another name that’s connected to clear explanations and whale spotting focus. When guides point out what to look for, your spotting accuracy goes up fast, especially in a wide bay.

You also get an app in multiple languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. That’s useful because it gives you context while you’re still out on the water. It helps you connect animal behavior with what you’re seeing in real time.

Binoculars are included for the puffin portion. For whales, the tour does not state binoculars are included, so rely on the crew’s spotting skills and your camera rather than expecting extra viewing gear. Either way, the guide experience keeps things from turning into just standing and hoping.

Species you may spot, and how to watch so you do not miss the action

Watching whales is mostly about pattern and patience. In Faxaflói Bay, you might see minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. You may also get shorter sightings, like tails, sprays, and quick surface time, rather than long blow sequences.

Dolphins and porpoises can be easier to notice because they often move quickly and stay in view while they hunt or travel. If you see a burst of activity on the surface, pay attention to where the animals are moving. Often the next sighting follows that same direction as the crew tracks the pod.

For puffins, your job is simpler. Look for movement around the colony area and watch how the birds fly in and out. Once you use the binoculars, you’ll start spotting individual behaviors like repeated dive attempts and group chatter.

This combo is at its best when you treat it like two separate skills. Puffins are up close, so you can practice reading body language and flight paths. Whales are farther out sometimes, so you practice patience and focus when the crew says to look in a specific direction.

Price and value at about $148, what you get for your money

At $148 per person, this is not a budget toy tour, but it also is not just a seat on a boat. You are paying for two different cruises with different boats, a live guide on both legs, and gear that protects you from the cold.

Here’s what that value looks like on paper. You get warm inside seating and warm overalls, plus binoculars for the puffin tour. You also get the 100% sightings guarantee for puffins, which is a big deal because it turns a pricey wildlife outing into a more reliable bird experience.

For whale watching, you get the Andrea boat setup and a classic or express route to the whale area. There is also a downloadable app with multiple languages, which adds learning value without asking you to carry printed notes.

Not included items are straightforward: hot drinks and refreshments are available for purchase. If you want coffee or something warm, plan to buy it during the day. If you pack snacks, check what the boat allows, since the tour data does not specify outside food.

Also consider the “try again” protection. If your whale portion has no sightings, the free return ticket reduces your risk. That risk reduction can matter as much as the animal list.

Who should book this Reykjavik combo, and who should think twice

This combo tour is a strong fit for first-time Reykjavik visitors who want both ocean birds and marine mammals without driving. It’s also a good pick if you like structure. You are not piecing together separate tickets and schedules on your own.

It suits families too. The whale boat experience is described as family-friendly and spacious, and the overall tone is educational without getting too serious. If you’re traveling with kids, guides who can keep energy up help a lot, and that’s clearly part of the payoff here.

You should think twice if you know you get seasick fast. Even with comfort measures and onboard help if needed, the whale portion can still involve movement. Also, if you only want the certainty of puffins, you might prefer focusing on the puffin side alone, since whales have more day-to-day variability.

If you’re short on time, the scheduled combo format is also practical. You can fit it into a half-day feel, without losing your entire day to just one animal hunt.

Should you book the Reykjavik whales and puffins express combo?

Yes, if you want a single outing that gives you two styles of wildlife watching, small-boat bird time and bigger-boat whale searching. I like the way the puffin leg is set up to be comfortable and reliable, with warm overalls, binoculars, and that 100% sightings guarantee. The whale leg adds the classic Iceland payoff, especially if you choose the express option to reduce travel time.

Book with realistic expectations about whales. You are buying the hunt, not a promise. The free ticket if whales do not show helps, but your satisfaction will still be tied to day conditions and animal behavior.

If your travel dates are in April to September, you’re choosing the season with the best odds. If not, you can still go, just go with the mindset that the puffins plus guide experience should still deliver a great day.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik whales and puffins express combo tour?

The total duration is listed as 4 hours, but the exact start times depend on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included for the puffin part of the tour?

The puffin tour includes warm inside seating, warm overalls, a guide, binoculars, and a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour.

What whale species might you see in Faxaflói Bay?

The most common whale sightings listed for the whale portion include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

Is whale watching guaranteed?

The tour notes that if nothing is spotted on the tour, you receive a free ticket to try again, but it does not promise whales on every departure.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable clothes. The crew provides warm overalls, and you will be spending time on boats in Iceland weather.

Are drinks included?

Hot drinks and refreshments are not included. You can buy them during the experience.

FAQ

What languages are available for the tour app?

The app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What time do the different departures run?

The 9:00 AM departure is classic whale watching followed by puffin express at 12:30 PM. The 10:00 AM departure is express whale watching followed by puffin express at 12:30 PM. The 12:30 PM departure begins with puffin express, followed by express whale watching at 2:00 PM.