Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik

The best part of this outing is the two-for-one design. You get a short, close-in cruise around Akurey for puffins, then a longer ride into Faxafloi Bay in search of minke and humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. You can choose which tour comes first, which helps when fitting this into a busy Reykjavik day.

I like the warm blankets and onboard binoculars on the puffin boat, plus the warm overalls and free Wi-Fi on the whale cruise. I also like the practical safety net: if no whales appear, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching trip.

The catch is simple: these are wild animals, not performers. You may see four humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins, or spend hours at sea with only distant fins and birds. The puffins can also remain farther from the boat than you hoped, so set your expectations before paying the $156.19 price.

Key points before you book

• Two separate boat trips: The puffin cruise and whale tour use different vessels, with a short turnaround between them on some schedules.
• Akurey is a protected bird island: You circle the island by boat and do not go ashore, helping keep the breeding birds undisturbed.
• Wildlife sightings vary sharply: Humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars are possible, but none are promised.
• Cold-weather gear is part of the experience: Blankets and binoculars come on the puffin cruise, while the whale boat provides warm overalls.
• Guides can make the difference: Strong outings have included guides such as Jo, Lucas, Blanca, and Patrick, who were praised for clear explanations and sharp eyes.
• The whale guarantee is limited but useful: No whale sighting means a free return ticket, not an automatic refund for the original cruise.

Two Reykjavik cruises in one outing

This package combines two distinct experiences rather than one long trip with a few puffins added on. That matters. The puffin cruise uses a smaller boat and focuses on Akurey, while the whale trip uses a larger vessel and heads farther out into Faxafloi Bay.

The full experience takes about four and a half hours, though the exact order and timing can vary. You need to reconfirm your cruise times with Special Tours Iceland after booking, so do not treat the first available time shown during booking as the final word.

The meeting point is at Geirsgata 11 by Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Hotel pickup can be added for an extra fee, but the package itself does not include transfers, food, or drinks. If you are staying in central Reykjavik, getting to the harbour on your own may be the better-value choice.

The package costs $156.19 per person. That is not a bargain-basement outing, but two separate cruises, cold-weather equipment, binoculars, and a possible second whale trip give the price some weight. The value is strongest if you planned to do both activities anyway. If you mainly want puffins, buying the combined package may feel like paying a lot for the longer, less predictable part.

The puffin cruise around Akurey

The puffin trip is the shorter and more intimate half of the day. You settle into a small boat, take a provided blanket if needed, and listen to an explanation of puffin behavior and physiology as you approach the island.

Akurey is a rocky breeding island just off Reykjavik. You circle its shore rather than walk onto it. That restriction is important, since the island is a protected breeding ground. The boat aims to bring you close without disturbing the birds.

Puffins may sit on the water, gather near the island, or streak past the boat with fish in their bills. You also scan for Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars. The binoculars help, especially when the birds are perched on the rocks or floating beyond easy camera range.

This is where expectations matter most. On a good outing, you may see large numbers of puffins and watch them actively flying around the island. On another day, the boat may not get close enough for a clear unaided view. Some people find the binocular view perfectly satisfying, while others expect a near-up encounter and feel let down.

The small boat gives the trip a pleasant, local feel, but it can also feel crowded. One report described too many people for the size of the vessel, even though the operator says it keeps within its safety limit. If you want the best view, arrive ready to move into a useful viewing position, but remember that other people are trying to see the birds too.

The puffin portion may last about an hour, and sometimes less depending on conditions and the schedule. That short length is part of its charm, but it also means the price can feel high if puffins are your only goal.

What makes the whale cruise different

The whale-watching trip is longer, usually around two to three hours depending on the schedule and conditions. You board a larger vessel at the Old Harbour and head into Faxafloi Bay while a guide explains the animals and watches the water.

Minke whales and humpback whales are the main targets. White-beaked dolphins and porpoises are also possible, and seabirds may appear along the route. Some outings produce several species in one trip, including humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and harbor seals. Other trips produce only a distant fin, or no whales at all.

The guide’s eyes matter here. Jo and Lucas have been praised for keeping people informed and spotting whales at the right moment. Blanca has also been singled out for pointing out whales, dolphins, and birds. Patrick, who has led the puffin cruise, combines humor with useful facts. Guide quality can vary by departure, but these examples show what a strong naturalist-led trip can feel like.

Do not expect constant action. Much of whale watching involves scanning open water, waiting, and learning to read small signs. A spout may appear first, followed by a curved back, a fin, or a tail. A humpback may surface close enough for a memorable photograph, while another encounter may show only a brief glimpse before the animal disappears.

Several outings have produced excellent sightings, including four humpback whales, repeated tail slaps, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Other departures have found dolphins but no whales. That range is normal for a wildlife trip, and the company offers a complimentary return ticket if you see no whales in Faxafloi Bay.

That ticket is useful only if you have enough time in Reykjavik for another attempt. If you leave Iceland the next morning, the guarantee may have little practical value.

Cold weather and rough water

Iceland’s air can feel cold even in summer, and the wind on open water cuts through ordinary clothing. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves. The whale boat supplies warm overalls, while the puffin cruise provides blankets.

Sea conditions can change the character of the day. Calm water makes the ride easy and gives you a better chance of enjoying the view. Rough water can turn the whale trip into a serious test of your stomach, especially because the boat goes farther from shore.

The crew has handed out ginger candy and sick bags on rough outings, and motion-sickness tablets may be available. I would not wait until you feel ill to think about this. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about the conditions before departure and use the chance to reschedule when the operator offers it.

You can go inside to warm up, but outdoor viewing is usually where you will have the best chance of spotting wildlife. The tradeoff is obvious: the warm cabin is comfortable, while the deck gives you a clearer view and more fresh air. Dress for the deck, even if you expect to spend much of the ride indoors.

How the two guides and boats compare

The contrast between the boats is part of the appeal. The puffin vessel is smaller, quieter, and better suited to circling the island. The whale boat is larger and more comfortable for a longer ride, with Wi-Fi, warm overalls, and room to move around.

That difference also creates two possible drawbacks. The puffin boat can feel cramped, and the whale boat can feel crowded on the upper viewing areas. If photography matters to you, try to claim a viewing spot early without blocking someone else’s view.

The commentary is generally clear and helpful, but guide delivery is not identical on every departure. One outing had a particularly clear puffin explanation in English, while another whale guide’s English was difficult for some passengers to follow. The Special Tours App adds recorded or written support in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, which may help fill gaps.

The strongest guides do more than name animals. They explain why puffins gather around the island, how whales surface, and where to look next. They also coordinate with other boats to search wider areas. That teamwork can improve your odds, but it cannot control the animals.

Photography, binoculars, and realistic expectations

You will want a camera, but wildlife photography from a moving boat is difficult. Puffins may be too far away for a phone photo, and whales often appear for only a few seconds. A long lens helps, but the boat’s movement and changing light still make sharp images a matter of luck.

The supplied binoculars are useful for the puffin cruise, though there may not be enough for every person to use one continuously. If you own compact binoculars, bring them. They give you more control and save you from waiting to share equipment.

The best goal is not a perfect close-up photograph. Aim to see behavior: a puffin carrying fish, a dolphin traveling beside the boat, or a humpback showing its tail. You may get a great picture, but the sighting itself is the main reward.

It is also worth noting that the boats should follow wildlife guidelines. The vessel cannot land on Akurey, and it should not chase animals or force a close approach. You may sometimes wish the boat were nearer, but distance is part of responsible wildlife viewing.

Is the $156.19 price good value?

The price makes sense for a visitor who wants both experiences and has only one morning or afternoon available. You receive two boat trips, onboard commentary, puffin binoculars, warm whale-cruise overalls, Wi-Fi, and a possible repeat whale cruise if the first attempt comes up empty.

The calculation is less favorable if you are interested mainly in puffins. The puffin trip is short, and the birds may remain distant. Several outings found the whale cruise more satisfying, especially when dolphins or humpbacks appeared. Other people preferred the puffin trip because the island and bird activity were easier to see.

The package is also better value for families who want variety. An eight-year-old child may find the smaller puffin boat and island visit more exciting than hours of scanning the sea. Older children and adults may enjoy the longer whale trip, especially if the guide keeps the commentary lively.

Food and drinks are not included, though snacks may be available for purchase on the whale boat. Plan around the timing so you are not expecting a full meal during the cruise.

Who should book this combo?

I would choose this package if you want a broad taste of Icelandic marine wildlife and understand that nature sets the schedule. It suits first-time visitors, families, photographers who accept imperfect conditions, and anyone who prefers one booking for two harbour-based activities.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed close-up views, dislike boats, or have little spare time for a second whale attempt. You may also prefer a single whale cruise if the puffins are a minor interest and you would rather spend the extra money elsewhere.

The maximum group size is listed as 33 people, though the two boats can feel different in practice. The whale vessel offers more space, while the puffin boat creates a closer, more compact outing. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable boarding boats and spending several hours on the water.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

My verdict: book it for variety, not certainty

I like this package because it gives you two very different views of the bay. The puffin cruise is short and focused, while the whale trip supplies the longer search and the chance of a major sighting. The warm gear, binoculars, free Wi-Fi, and repeat-whale option make the cost easier to justify.

I would book it if you can treat a whale sighting as a bonus rather than a promise. If your priority is a guaranteed close puffin photograph or a dramatic whale breach, this is the wrong kind of outing. If you want a well-organized chance to see Icelandic wildlife from the water, with honest practical support when conditions turn rough, it is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, near the Old Harbour. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combined experience last?

The total duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The puffin and whale trips are separate cruises, and the exact timing can vary.

Can I choose which cruise comes first?

Yes. The package offers flexibility regarding the order of the puffin cruise and whale-watching tour. You must reconfirm your cruise times with the supplier.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and return are available to purchase separately from the supplier for an extra fee.

Are warm clothes provided?

The puffin cruise provides soft blankets and binoculars. The whale-watching cruise provides warm overalls. Warm personal clothing is still recommended.

What happens if I do not see any whales?

If you do not spot whales in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?

The tour is offered in English. The Special Tours App is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.