Two species, one Reykjavík harbor, big ocean surprises. This Reykjavík Whales and Puffins Express combo pairs a shallow-draught puffin boat called Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli) with a larger whale boat, the Andrea, so you spend more time watching and less time bouncing around. I also like that the crew keeps things practical, warm inside seating plus overalls, and guides can bring the science without turning it into a lecture, like Patrick Pirate Puffin’s jokes and facts.

What really wins me over is the smart mix of boats and timing, plus the structure. You get binoculars for the puffins, and there’s a 100% sightings guarantee for the puffin tour, so you do not just roll the dice. One drawback to plan around is the ocean itself, if the sea turns choppy, some people feel it on the whale portion, so pack for weather and consider motion-sickness help if you are sensitive.

Key Points at a Glance

• Two different boats for two different wildlife styles: Skúlaskeið for puffins and the larger Andrea for whales
• Shallow-draught puffin sailing helps you get close to the small island habitat
• Binoculars + guide focus on the puffin side for clearer viewing
• Faxaflói Bay whale watching commonly includes minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises
• Warm overalls and inside seating cut Iceland wind fatigue fast
• Free return if no whales are spotted, and a sighting guarantee for puffins, so the odds are better than they look

Reykjavík Harbor to Faxaflói Bay, a Two-Part Wildlife Day

This is the kind of combo tour I like: it is built around real animal behavior, not wishful thinking. Puffins are predictable in the way they use their island and routines, while whales depend on conditions and where the food is that day in Faxaflói Bay. The tour handles that difference with two separate legs, two boats, and guides who know what to look for.

You start at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor, and the whole experience ends back there. In between, there is a short change over so you can switch boats, which keeps the day from feeling like one long, unfocused trip. If you want the express whale option, you also get a time-saving setup designed to reduce cruising time.

Meeting Point, Warm Gear, and How the Day Stays Comfortable

The meeting is straightforward, you gather at the Special Tours office in the old harbor, then head out from there. Once onboard, the comfort details matter a lot in Reykjavík, because even if the day is bright, the North Atlantic wind can be a cold slap.

Here is what you can count on:

• Warm inside seating on the boats
• Warm overalls supplied by the crew (a big help if your packing is more style than function)
• Binoculars provided for the puffin tour so you are not squinting the entire time

You also get an onboard app in multiple languages, English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, which is handy if you like to read and watch at the same time. Hot drinks are not included, but you can purchase refreshments onboard.

Practical note: wear warm clothing and keep your layers flexible. Even with overalls, you will move between wind and warmth, and you want to avoid being either too bundled or too exposed.

Puffin Express on Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli): Getting Close Without Guesswork

The puffin leg is the part I most recommend if you want a wildlife encounter that feels hands-on. You travel by a small boat called Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli), and the reason that matters is the boat’s shallow draught. In plain terms, it can get close to the small islands where puffins live, which turns the viewing from distant specks into birds with personality.

You will cruise from Reykjavík’s old harbor toward the puffin islands, and the viewing is designed for clarity:

• You use binoculars on the puffin tour to pick out details quickly
• The guide spends time on bird behavior around Reykjavík’s surroundings
• The guides aim for you to understand what you are seeing, not just point at it

The puffin experience comes with a strong safety net: there is a 100% sightings guarantee for this portion. That does not mean every minute is guaranteed to be perfect, but it does mean the operator is accountable for making the puffin part happen.

From the way the day is described, the puffin tour also tends to feel gentler than the whale leg for many people. One review experience specifically mentioned getting plenty close to the colony area, with puffins flying around the boat and making noise. That is exactly what shallow access tends to enable.

Whale Watching on the Andrea and the Express Timing Choice

After puffins, you shift gears for whales, and the biggest difference is scale. The classic whale option runs about 3 to 3.5 hours, and it is operated on the Andrea, described as the biggest whale watching boat in Iceland. Bigger boat means more room, a cafeteria onboard, and usually better stability for the group vibe.

You are sailing from Reykjavík out to Faxaflói Bay, where you might spot:

• Minke whales
• Humpback whales
• White-beaked dolphins
• Harbor porpoises

Most whale tours are partly about patience and partly about teamwork. Your guide helps you scan efficiently, and the operator’s captains make decisions based on many years of experience, balancing safety with what is best for passengers.

Now, the express option is worth understanding. You can switch to the express whale departure, which uses a faster boat. The whale watching time in the area stays basically the same, but you cut the travel time. In practice, that can make a noticeable difference if you are prone to seasickness or if you simply prefer time not spent cruising.

Duration guidance from the tour info:

• Classic whale watching is about 3 to 3.5 hours
• Express whale watching is 2 to 2.5 hours for the whale portion, with the same time in the viewing area

What You Might See, and How to Improve Your Odds

Let’s be honest about whales: there is never a guarantee. Even when you are in the right bay, whales come and go with food and current. What you can do is set expectations correctly, then watch smarter.

For this tour, your best approach is to remember two things:

1. Look for movement patterns, not just surface blows. Dolphins and porpoises can reveal action before you see a bigger whale.
2. Use binoculars and listen to the guide, because they often spot where the group needs to aim next.

On days when whales show well, people report seeing close behavior like tails and sprays, and humpback whales are common. Other days, the whales stay shy, but you may still see dolphins and porpoises, plus shorter whale glimpses.

The tour also offers a real backstop for the whale side. If no whales are spotted on your whale tour, you get another ticket for free to try again. That makes the whale leg feel less like gambling and more like a scheduled wildlife outing.

The Human Part: Guides, Jokes, and Animal Respect

This is one of those tours where the guide can make or break your experience. The guides on both legs are described as friendly and full of facts, and they do not just rattle off names. They help you understand what you are watching and how to watch safely.

Names you may hear on your day include Patrick Pirate Puffin on the puffin portion. One guide profile specifically described a mix of energetic storytelling and science-based facts, plus humor that got kids laughing hard. Another review mentioned a guide named Rebecca during the whale portion, with a focus on pointing out dolphins and whales and explaining safe, respectful observation.

That matters because whale watching is not simply about getting close for photos. Your guide helps you observe without stressing wildlife, and that makes the experience better for you and better for the animals.

Also, if conditions are rough, the crew is prepared. One review noted that the sea can become choppy on the whale part and that the operator offers help for seasickness, including pills if you want them. That sort of practical support is not glamorous, but it is the difference between enjoying the ride and spending it wishing you stayed on land.

Price and Value: Is $148 Reasonable for a Two-Boats Combo?

At $148 per person for a roughly 4-hour combo, you are paying for two different guided wildlife formats plus comfort upgrades. It is not just “getting on two boats,” it is getting two environments handled well.

Here is where the value comes from:

• Overalls and warm inside seating are included, so you are not paying extra to stay comfortable
• The puffin tour includes binoculars, which helps you get real viewing value instead of guessing
• Both tours include guides, and the guides focus on interpretation, not just navigation
• The puffin tour includes a 100% sightings guarantee, which is a major quality lever
• Whale watching has a free return ticket if whales do not show

What is not included is also clearly stated: hot drinks and refreshments are available for purchase. That is normal for boat trips, but it is worth knowing so you do not show up expecting coffee to be free.

If you compare this to buying separate tours, the combo structure is the best selling point. You get a logical sequence, with puffins first or whales first depending on departure time, and a short changeover that keeps you from losing a full day to commuting and logistics.

Best Time to Go, and How Weather Changes the Day

The tour info points to the best window as April through September. That lines up with Iceland’s general seasonal pattern: more favorable conditions for wildlife viewing and a higher chance the day feels comfortable enough for longer time at sea.

But weather can still shift quickly. Your captains decide whether to sail based on safety and passenger comfort, using experience gathered over many years. That is good practice. It also means you should pack with Iceland reality in mind, cold wind and spray can turn a “nice day” into a wet one fast.

If you are planning your whole Iceland trip, I recommend treating this as a day you build around flexibility. Even with strong guarantees on puffins, whales depend on the ocean and what the animals choose to do.

Scheduling Options: Three Ways to Fit Puffins and Whales Together

The combo can start in different orders, depending on which departure you book. Here are the time patterns provided:

• 9:00 AM departure starts with the classic whale tour, then puffin express at 12:30 PM
• 10:00 AM departure starts with the express whale tour, then puffin express at 12:30 PM
• 12:30 PM departure starts with puffin express, then express whale at 2:00 PM

The order can matter. If you get puffins first, you start with the part that has the clearest odds thanks to the 100% sightings guarantee. If you do whales first, you give yourself a longer whale window, then you switch to a shorter puffin leg with binocular viewing and close island access.

If you are worried about seasickness, the express whale timing can feel like a smart tradeoff because you spend less time in transit.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This combo is a strong fit if you:

• Want to see both puffins and whales without building two separate days
• Prefer guided wildlife viewing with real interpretation
• Like the idea of warm gear included
• Are traveling with kids or anyone who benefits from an upbeat guide style

It may not be ideal if:

• You are highly sensitive to boat motion and do not tolerate rough water well. Reviews mention sea sickness can happen if conditions turn choppy on the whale leg. In those cases, you should still go prepared with warm layers, and use any provided seasickness options.

If you are the type who gets stressed by tight schedules, notice the day is paced with a changeover in Reykjavík. That is not chaotic, but it is not a long independent wander day either.

Should You Book This Whales and Puffins Express Combo?

Yes, if your priority is a high chance of seeing puffins plus a serious crack at whales, with comfort handled for you. The Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli) approach is built for close puffin viewing, and the Andrea setup with onboard space and a cafeteria makes whale time feel easier to handle.

I would especially book this if you like structure and support. The puffin side comes with a 100% sightings guarantee, and the whale side includes a free ticket if whales are not spotted. That combination reduces the usual heartbreak of wildlife tours.

Book with confidence if you pack for wind and possible spray, pick the express whale option if you want less travel time, and go in with realistic whale expectations. When whales show up, it can be unforgettable. When they do not, you at least leave knowing the puffins side is designed to deliver, and you have a do-over option for the whales.

FAQ

How long is the Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour?

The combo is listed as 4 hours in total, with starting times depending on availability.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Special Tours office in Reykjavík’s old harbor.

What boats are used for the two parts of the tour?

The puffin tour uses a small boat called Skúlaskeið (Old Skúli), and the whale watching tour is operated on the Andrea boat.

What is included for the puffin part of the tour?

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

What is included for the whale watching part of the tour?

The whale portion includes a guided cruise on the Andrea boat with inside seating, plus the included guide and cruise trip.

What if no whales are spotted?

If there are no whales spotted on the whale watching tour, you get another ticket for free to try again.

Does the tour include food or hot drinks?

Hot drinks and refreshments are not included, but they are available for purchase.

Is there an express option for whale watching?

Yes. The express whale watching option uses a faster boat and reduces time getting to the whale watching area, with the whale watching portion described as 2 to 2.5 hours. You spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area.

What whales and dolphins might I see in Faxaflói Bay?

Common sightings listed for Faxaflói Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises.

When is the best time of year to go?

The tour info notes that the best time for whale watching in Iceland is April to September. Chances of spotting whales may be lower outside that period.