Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Old Harbour, Reykjavik
Two iconic Icelandic wildlife experiences combined into one unforgettable outing from downtown Reykjavik.
This whale watching and puffin tour takes you from Reykjavik Old Harbour into the rich waters of Faxafloi Bay and along the coastline where puffin colonies thrive each season. The experience is accessible to nearly all visitors, rated very easy, and covers roughly three and a half hours of combined time on the water. Two separate departures are included in the booking, each using a vessel suited to its purpose.
The whale watching portion takes place aboard a larger vessel equipped with heated indoor cabins, warm overalls, a bar, and complimentary WiFi. Guides scan Faxafloi Bay for Minke whales, Humpback whales, Harbour porpoises, Dolphins, and occasionally Killer whales, while the surrounding mountains and coastal islands add a scenic backdrop throughout the journey.
The puffin segment uses a smaller, shallower-draft boat that can navigate close to the rocky islands where Atlantic puffins nest. Passengers observe these seabirds resting on the water and in flight, with guides sharing ecological context about Iceland's puffin colonies along the way.
Both tours depart from Reykjavik Old Harbour, making logistics straightforward for visitors staying in the city center. If no whales are sighted during the whale watching tour, guests receive the option to join a future trip at no additional charge.
Tour Highlights
Sail into Faxafloi Bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and Killer whales in their natural habitat.
Cruise aboard the smaller vessel Skulaskeio to observe Atlantic puffins nesting and feeding along Iceland's coastal islands.
Board a well-equipped whale watching vessel featuring heated indoor cabins, complimentary overalls, a bar, and free WiFi for passenger comfort.
Enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik's mountain backdrop and surrounding islands throughout both portions of the tour.
If no whales are spotted, guests may join a future whale watching departure free of charge as a no-sighting guarantee.
Both tours depart from Geirsgata 11 at Reykjavik Old Harbour, keeping logistics simple for city-center visitors.
Reykjavik Sailors may combine departures with partner operators on shared vessels to minimize the number of boats on the water and reduce environmental impact.
How the Tour Unfolds
Arrive at the Special Tours ticket office at Geirsgata 11 at least 30 minutes before the whale watching departure. Check the Daily Diary on the operator's website beforehand to confirm tour status and any weather-related updates.
Collect warm overalls at the pier and board the larger whale watching boat. Settle into the heated indoor cabin or choose a spot on deck as the vessel departs into Faxafloi Bay.
Guides scan the bay for Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and the occasional Killer whale. The journey also passes coastal islands with active seabird populations, offering additional wildlife viewing along the route.
After approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours on the water, the whale watching vessel returns to Reykjavik Old Harbour. Passengers disembark and prepare to board the smaller puffin boat for the second departure.
The smaller vessel navigates the shallow coastal waters near puffin nesting islands. Guides provide context on Iceland's puffin colonies while passengers observe the birds at close range for approximately one hour.
The puffin tour concludes with a return to Reykjavik Old Harbour, completing the combined wildlife excursion. Total time on water across both tours is approximately three to four and a half hours, depending on conditions.
What Is Included
Included
- Whale watching tour aboard a large vessel (2.5 to 3.5 hours)
- Puffin watching tour aboard a smaller boat (approximately 1 hour)
- Warm overalls provided onboard
- Heated indoor cabin access during whale watching
- Complimentary seasickness tablets
- Free WiFi on the whale watching vessel
- Onboard bar service
- Guide commentary on marine wildlife and puffin ecology
- No-sighting guarantee (free repeat tour if no whales spotted)
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (available as optional add-on)
- Food and personal beverages beyond bar offerings
- Gratuities for guides and crew
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Check the Daily Diary on the operator's website before heading to the harbour. All tour status updates, including weather cancellations, are posted there. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled whale watching departure.
Reserve Your Spot on the Water
Both the whale watching and puffin tours fill up quickly during the summer season. Secure your place on this combined wildlife experience departing from Reykjavik Old Harbour before availability runs out.
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