Reykjavík Whales & Puffins Combo Tour
Two iconic Icelandic wildlife experiences combined into one unforgettable day at sea
This Reykjavík whale and puffin watching combo brings together two of Iceland's most celebrated wildlife encounters in a single, well-paced day departing from the Old Harbour. You will board two different vessels — a smaller boat for the puffin outing and a larger ship for the whale watching journey into Faxaflói Bay. With knowledgeable crews on both tours, the experience is as educational as it is memorable.
The puffin portion of the day takes place on a one-hour excursion to one of three nearby islands — Akurey, Engey, or Lundey — selected based on tidal conditions on the day. These small outcrops host thousands of breeding seabirds each summer, and aside from puffins, visitors often encounter eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants along the rocky shores.
The whale watching tour extends roughly three hours into Faxaflói Bay, where the summer season draws minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises in considerable numbers. The crew delivers informative commentary throughout, offering context on marine behaviour and the broader bay ecosystem.
Between the two tours, guests have approximately two hours to explore Reykjavík at their own pace. The Old Harbour area provides easy access to cafes, restaurants, and walking routes, making the break a natural extension of the overall experience rather than downtime.
Tour Highlights
Sail into Faxaflói Bay aboard a purpose-built whale watching vessel and search for minke whales, humpback whales, and white-beaked dolphins in their natural habitat.
Visit one of three puffin islands just off Reykjavík and observe Atlantic puffins nesting and diving at close range from a smaller, more agile boat.
Explore the Old Harbour area during the two-hour break between tours, with easy access to local restaurants and the waterfront.
Spot multiple seabird species beyond puffins, including arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants, and eider ducks along the island shorelines.
Receive expert commentary from experienced crews on both boats, covering everything from cetacean behaviour to the ecology of the nesting islands.
Depart from and return to the centrally located Old Harbour in Reykjavík, making logistics straightforward for visitors staying anywhere in the city.
How the Day Unfolds
Arrive at the Elding ticket office at the Old Harbour at least 15 minutes before your first departure. Check in to receive boarding tickets for both the puffin and whale watching tours, and get a brief rundown of the day's schedule from the crew.
Board the larger vessel at the floating Visitor Centre and set sail into Faxaflói Bay. The crew provides running commentary as you search for minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises while taking in views of the Icelandic coastline.
After returning to the harbour, spend roughly two hours exploring the Old Harbour neighbourhood at your own pace. Grab lunch, visit nearby attractions, or simply walk along the waterfront before your second departure.
Board the smaller boat from the floating pier and sail to the most suitable puffin island on the day — Akurey, Engey, or Lundey. Observe Atlantic puffins and a variety of other seabirds up close, with crew sharing facts about island ecology and bird behaviour.
Disembark from the puffin boat and conclude your sea adventure. The Old Harbour area offers shops, cafes, and onward transport options, and the Elding ticket office can provide information on hotel transfers if needed.
What Is Included
Included
- Classic Whale Watching tour (3 hours)
- Classic Puffin Watching tour (1 hour)
- Expert crew commentary on both boats
- Boarding tickets for both tours
- Access to onboard facilities on the whale watching vessel
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Hotel transfers
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Secure both tours together and spend a full day discovering the marine wildlife of Reykjavík — from nesting puffins on the offshore islands to minke whales cruising Faxaflói Bay.
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