Whales near Reykjavik feel oddly personal. This combo sends you out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour to search for humpback whales, with guides who help you read what the Atlantic is doing. Then you pivot to the island coast for puffins, where the seabird watching feels close and hands-on.

I love that the whale part focuses on real animal behavior, not just sightseeing from a screen. You are on a larger vessel for the longer ocean cruise, guided by an enthusiastic team, including guides like Daniel who genuinely get people paying attention. The puffin side is different, smaller boat, and built to position you near the colonies.

One drawback to keep in mind: this experience is not suitable if you are prone to seasickness. The water can be lively in Iceland, and the tour is designed for people who can handle moving on the ocean.

Key points before you go

• Old Harbour departure gives you a true Reykjavik-at-the-waterfront start, not a bus-and-walk shuffle
• Whale and puffin are separate departures (so you are not rushing both in one chaotic boat ride)
• Puffin boat is designed to get close to the island edge for better bird watching
• Binoculars and onboard support help you spot animals faster once you are out there
• Free WiFi and seasickness tablets make the ride feel more manageable
• No-sighting safety net with a free ticket to join again if sightings do not happen

From Geirsgata to the Atlantic: what the whale cruise is really like

The experience starts in downtown Reykjavik, at Geirsgata 11, at the Special Tours ticket office. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes early so you can check in, get your gear sorted, and choose where you want to stand on the deck before you push off.

Once aboard, the mood changes fast. You leave the harbor and the Atlantic becomes the main character. The goal is straightforward: spot humpback whales and minke whales in their natural habitat, while your guide explains what you are seeing and why it happens.

The whale watching portion runs about 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on conditions and what the sea is doing that day. You are on a larger vessel for this part, which matters if you are trying to reduce the “too small, too bouncy” feeling some boat tours create.

And it is not just a wildlife hunt. You are also learning how guides look for cues: where activity is showing up, how whales surface, and what behavior usually comes with feeding or movement. Even if you are not a bird or whale expert, the explanations help you connect the dots instead of just hoping for a lucky spout.

Whale boat timing: picking 09:00 or 13:00 for a smooth day

This combo is sold as one package, but it is actually two separate tours. You choose the whale watching departure time when booking, and the puffin departure follows.

You have two options:

• Whale watching at 09:00, then puffin at 12:30
• Whale watching at 13:00, then puffin at 17:00

That timing structure is a big deal for comfort. You are not forcing yourself to wait too long for the next boat, and you are not trying to pack a puffin stop into the middle of a rougher whale-watching push.

It also helps you mentally. The day works like two different chapters. First, you focus on whales out on the open water. Then you shift to islands and seabirds, where the action is closer and the pace is different.

If your priority is seeing as much as possible, go with the departure that fits your energy and weather expectations. In Iceland, weather changes quickly, so your best plan is always to dress for cold, wind, and spray, no matter what time you sail.

Spotting whales: how the guides and onboard setup help you

On the whale tour, you have experienced, professional guides who guide the search and interpretation. The most helpful part is not the constant talking. It is the way the guide helps you notice small changes, like where everyone suddenly leans toward the rail or where the boat adjusts course.

You are looking for whale behavior that is visible from the surface. That means you watch for the moment something changes in the water, then you look for the pattern of surfacing and movement. With humpbacks, you may notice bigger surface activity when they are feeding or traveling. With minke whales, the sightings can be more subtle, so good guidance helps you scan efficiently instead of staring randomly.

I like that the tour uses a larger vessel for the whale portion. It can feel steadier, and that helps when you are tracking motion and trying to keep your eyes on the horizon.

Also, there is a practical perk most people appreciate: you get complimentary seasickness tablets available on board. Even if you consider yourself fine in the car, boat movement can be different. Taking prevention seriously is the simplest way to keep your attention on the wildlife.

The no-sighting backup: how the tour handles missing animals

Wildlife watching has one truth: nature controls the show. You cannot demand a whale to surface on schedule, and you cannot force puffins to show up just because you paid.

That is why I think this “try again” feature is more valuable than it sounds. The tour includes a free ticket to join again in case of no sightings. So if conditions do not cooperate, you are not stuck with a blank memory and an expensive lesson.

This does not guarantee you will see something every time. But it does lower the risk for your wallet and your expectations. When you are choosing an outdoor Iceland activity, that safety net matters.

One more real-world note: in rough weather or certain times of the year, trips may be delivered on a shared boat with another activity partner. The provider says they try to keep the environment pristine by making sure fewer boats are on the water. That means you might share space with other groups, but the overall goal is still to limit traffic and protect the marine environment.

Puffins on a smaller boat: why this half feels more intimate

After the whale cruise, the puffin tour shifts gears. It is about 1 hour long, and it is conducted on a smaller boat. That size change matters because the puffin viewing is about getting close to the islands where colonies nest.

The puffin boat is specially designed to get as close to the islands as possible, which is exactly what you want for seabirds. Puffins are adorable, but they can also be quick, and they tend to stay where they feel safest. Close positioning helps you actually see details, not just distant dots.

Binoculars are provided on board for the puffin portion, which is a smart inclusion if you do not want to travel with gear. If you bring your own binoculars, great. Either way, this is one of those tours where a little optical help turns a good sighting into a memorable one.

The islands set the stage. You are watching birds against a coastal backdrop, and that scenery does not feel like a generic sightseeing view. It feels like you are standing at the edge of their world.

If you are the type who likes facts, listen when the guide points out behaviors and habitat. Puffins are not random decorations on a rock. The way they move, where they land, and how they react to the boat can teach you more than you expect from a one-hour stop.

What to bring and wear so the cold does not win

If you do just one thing, dress like the wind has a vote. Iceland water weather can turn your mood fast if you underdress, especially on open decks.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Waterproof camera protection (or a waterproof camera bag)
• Binoculars if you have them
• Motion sickness prevention, if you are even slightly sensitive

The tour already offers complimentary seasickness tablets, but I still think your own prevention plan matters. If you are prone to seasickness, this tour is not suitable. If you are borderline, you will be much happier taking prevention before the motion fully kicks in.

A waterproof camera matters for two reasons. First, you might get spray. Second, whale sightings are about timing, and you do not want to be fiddling with your camera while the action is happening.

Finally, be ready to move. You will likely switch spots depending on where animals are showing up, so keep your outfit comfortable enough that you can reposition without feeling trapped.

On-board comforts that actually help: WiFi, tablets, and English guides

This tour includes free WiFi on board, which is rare on many wildlife boats. It is useful in a practical way. You can check messages, confirm plans for later in the day, and keep your brain calm while you wait for sightings.

The free seasickness tablets are the other standout comfort. Most people think they are fine until they are not. These tablets lower the odds that motion ruins your focus. Even if you plan to take your own medication, it is reassuring to know you have an onboard option.

Guides give the tour in English, and the tone is meant to keep you engaged and informed. When you have a live guide, you are not stuck guessing what you are seeing or whether you are missing something important.

Also, puffin binoculars are provided on board, so you can travel light if you prefer.

Food, drinks, and practical expectations once you are on the water

Snacks and beverages are sold on board, but they are not included. That means you should plan to have breakfast or a light meal before you meet at Geirsgata 11, and consider bringing a small water plan if you know you get thirsty.

The total experience length is listed at 4 hours. But remember, that is a combined package across two separate tours. Your day is really structured around the whale departure you select and the puffin departure that follows.

You are also dealing with outdoor time. If you come from Reykjavik’s warmest indoor cafes, you will quickly learn that “just a little wind” feels colder on a deck than it does on a sidewalk. Your best defense is warm layers and a waterproof outer layer.

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

At $153 per person, this combo is not a cheap impulse buy. You are paying for two things at once: access to boats, and guided interpretation for wildlife viewing, plus specific puffin equipment support like provided binoculars.

What makes the value more reasonable is the pairing. Whale watching and puffin watching require different conditions and different boat strategies, and this package gives you both without forcing you to squeeze everything into one rushed outing.

You also get small but meaningful extras:

• Free WiFi on board
• Complimentary seasickness tablets
• Puffin binoculars provided
• Puffin boat designed for close island viewing
• A free ticket to join again if no sightings happen

If your goal is a one-day Reykjavik wildlife hit, this is a practical way to do it. You get to see two iconic Iceland sea creatures in the same overall trip block, without having to coordinate separate providers yourself.

The one caution is expectation management. Wildlife is never guaranteed. If you go hungry for certainty, you will feel the disappointment. If you go for the chance, plus the quality of guidance, the price starts to make more sense.

Who should book this Reykjavik whale watching and puffin combo

This is a great fit if:

• You want a structured day with two distinct wildlife experiences
• You like guided spotting, not just passive sightseeing
• You are comfortable in cold weather and you can handle time on a boat deck
• You care about getting close for puffins, not just viewing from afar

You should probably skip it if:

• You are prone to seasickness. This is explicitly not suitable for you.
• You need a guaranteed animal encounter. The tour includes a free repeat option for no sightings, but you still have to accept that the sea controls wildlife behavior.

It also suits solo travelers and couples well because the format is simple. Meet, check in, sail, watch, then sail again later for puffins. You are not juggling transfers or complicated routing.

Should you book it?

If your heart is set on Iceland wildlife, this combo is a strong choice, especially because the puffin portion is built to get you close and the whale portion is guided with real focus on what you are seeing. I also like the practical touches, free WiFi, seasickness tablets, and the free ticket backup if sightings do not happen.

Just be honest about your limits with boat motion. If you are prone to seasickness, do not gamble on it. If you handle a moving deck, this is one of those Reykjavik half-day style plans that feels like it belongs on your trip, not like another line item you rush through.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching and puffin combo?

The combo is listed as 4 hours in total.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office.

Do you offer both whale watching and puffin tours on one boat?

No. This combo booking includes two different and separate tours with two departures.

What departure times are available?

You can choose either Whale Watching at 09:00 with Puffin at 12:30, or Whale Watching at 13:00 with Puffin at 17:00.

How long is the puffin tour?

The puffin tour is conducted on a smaller boat and is approximately 1 hour.

How long is the whale watching portion?

The whale watching portion is conducted on a larger vessel and is approximately 2 to 3.5 hours.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, there is free WiFi on board.

Is pickup service included?

No, pick up service is not included.

Are binoculars included for puffin viewing?

Yes, binoculars are provided on board for the puffin tour.

Is this tour suitable if I get seasick easily?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.