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

Wildlife sets the schedule here. This Reykjavik combo pairs a longer whale-watching cruise with a shorter puffin trip, giving you two very different boat rides for $156.19 per person. I like the flexible order, the warm overalls and Wi-Fi on the whale boat, and the included binoculars for the puffin cruise. The catch is simple: animals are wild, so you may spend hours at sea and see only dolphins, porpoises, birds, or a distant whale.

I also like the practical setup. You can start at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour meeting point, choose hotel pickup for an extra fee, and use a complimentary return ticket if the whale cruise finds no whales. The puffin outing can be the stronger half of the day, but some people find the birds too far away for clear photographs.

Key points before you book

• Two separate cruises, not one combined boat ride: You normally take a larger whale-watching vessel and a smaller puffin boat, with the order chosen around the available schedule.
• Akurey is viewed from the water: You circle the rocky island and its protected bird habitat, but you do not go ashore.
• Whale sightings are never guaranteed: Minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises are possible, but the bay can also be quiet.
• The boats provide useful cold-weather gear: The whale cruise includes warm overalls, while the puffin boat provides blankets and binoculars.
• Guides make a real difference: Guides such as Jo, Lucas, Blanca, Patrick, and others have been praised for sharp wildlife spotting and clear explanations, though guide quality and English fluency can vary.
• The total time is about four and a half hours: Plan around the full block, then reconfirm the exact cruise times with Special Tours.

Two cruises, two very different moods

This experience works because the two outings complement each other. Whale watching takes you farther across Faxaflói Bay on a larger vessel. The puffin trip uses a smaller boat to circle Akurey, where the birds gather during the nesting season.

The advertised total duration is about 4 hours and 30 minutes, though the individual cruises can vary with the day’s schedule. The whale trip commonly takes roughly two and a half to three hours, while the puffin cruise is often about an hour. Leave room for changing boats and returning to the harbor.

You can choose which cruise comes first, subject to the operator’s schedule. That flexibility matters if you have a busy Reykjavik day, a dinner reservation, or a short stay in Iceland. You will need to reconfirm the cruise times with the supplier, so do not treat the first time shown at booking as the final word.

The main departure point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, close to public transportation and the Old Harbour. Hotel pickup and return are available for an additional fee. If you choose pickup, it can make the morning easier, but walking or using local transport may be better value if you are already staying near central Reykjavik.

The whale cruise across Faxaflói Bay

The whale-watching portion begins at the harbor, where you board a larger vessel with indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, toilets, and onboard commentary. Free Wi-Fi is included, and food and drinks are not part of the package, although snacks may be available for purchase on the whale boat.

The crew scans the bay for minke whales and humpback whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. You may also see seabirds riding the wind or resting on the water. Some outings produce several species, including humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins. Other trips produce no whales at all.

That uncertainty is not a minor footnote. Whale watching is a search, not a wildlife performance. You may spend a long stretch watching the water for a puff of air, a dark back, or a tail. A successful sighting can be brief, though some encounters last long enough for repeated surfacing and even a tail slap.

The best guides keep the mood steady during the quiet periods. Jo and Lucas have been praised for spotting humpbacks and minkes and explaining what was happening without filling every second with talk. Blanca was singled out for pointing out whales, dolphins, and birds. Another guide, Patrick, was remembered for mixing humor with useful puffin information.

Guide quality can vary, especially with spoken English. One passenger found the whale guide difficult to understand, while other guides were described as clear, warm, and highly informed. That means the wildlife experience may depend partly on who is working that day, though the crew still has the important job of finding animals and coordinating with other boats.

Warm overalls, rough water, and seasickness

I would take the supplied warm overalls even if the weather looks mild on shore. The bay can feel much colder once the boat is moving, especially when you spend time outdoors watching for animals. Bring warm layers beneath the overalls, along with a hat and gloves.

Sea conditions can change the character of the trip. Some departures are smooth and relaxing. Others are rough enough that the crew warns passengers before leaving, offers ginger candy or seasickness tablets, and hands out bags. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare before boarding rather than waiting until the boat is moving.

The operator may offer a new date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the experience. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

The boat itself is part of the experience. Even on a quiet wildlife day, you get a broad view of the bay and a different angle on Iceland’s coast. Still, the trip can feel crowded, particularly when many people want the same outdoor viewing position. One useful criticism was the shortage of upper-deck seating, so arrive early if being outside is important to you.

Puffins around Akurey

The puffin cruise is shorter and more intimate. You board a smaller boat, settle into a warm cabin with a provided blanket, and listen as the guide explains puffin behavior, feeding, and body design. As you approach Akurey, keep your eyes on the rocky shore and the water around it.

The boat circles the island rather than landing. Akurey is a protected breeding area, so staying offshore is part of respecting the birds. You may see puffins perched on the rocks, flying close to the boat, or plunging into the water after fish.

The tour also looks for Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars. The included binoculars help, especially when the birds sit on the island or remain beyond easy camera range. The operator’s Special Tours App is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, which can add useful background before or during the outing.

Here is where expectations matter most. Some departures bring plentiful puffins and close views. Others keep the boat farther from the island, leaving you with birds in flight and distant shapes on the rocks. One person found the puffin boat too crowded, while another appreciated that the small vessel got closer to the island than the larger whale boat.

You should not expect to walk among puffins or photograph them at arm’s length. The boat follows wildlife guidelines, and the tide, wind, and behavior of the birds determine how close it can safely go. Bring your own binoculars if you have them, since the supplied pair may need to be shared when demand is high.

Which half is the better value?

The answer depends on what you want to see. If puffins are high on your Iceland list, the separate Akurey cruise gives you a focused chance to watch them and learn about their habits. It is short, distinctive, and often especially appealing to children. One eight-year-old reportedly favored the puffin outing, which makes sense: the birds are active, comic-looking, and easier to understand than a whale that surfaces once in the distance.

The whale cruise offers more time and a wider range of possible wildlife. You might see a humpback, a minke, dolphins, and porpoises on one successful trip. You might also see only birds or a few distant blows. The free return ticket helps soften the disappointment if no whales appear, but it is only useful if you have enough time in Reykjavik to sail again.

At $156.19, the package is reasonable if you would otherwise book both outings separately. Its value comes from combining a longer cruise, a shorter bird trip, cold-weather equipment, binoculars, and the chance to try again after a whale-free departure. It is less attractive if you mainly want close-up photography, since neither boat can promise that.

For a budget-minded visitor, the whale trip alone may be the better choice if the main goal is marine wildlife. For a family or bird enthusiast, the combined ticket adds a memorable second outing and removes the need to compare schedules on your own.

What the day feels like in practice

Think of this as a half-day on the water, not a quick harbor attraction. You may start with the puffins in a cozy small boat, return briefly to the harbor, then board the larger whale vessel. On another schedule, the whale cruise comes first and the puffins follow.

The change between boats is important. The whale vessel gives you more room, better protection from the elements, and a longer search area. The puffin boat feels more direct and personal, but its smaller size can make the viewing area tight.

You can expect narration in English. The guides explain animal behavior and help locate wildlife, but the amount and clarity of commentary vary. The strongest guiding combines facts with restraint, pointing out a whale or bird without talking over the moment.

Bring a camera, but set your expectations correctly. A whale’s back or blow may appear only for seconds, and puffins may be too distant for a sharp close-up. Binoculars are more useful than a long zoom if you want to identify what you are seeing rather than simply record a blur.

Who should book this combo?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You want two types of wildlife in one half-day.
• You are comfortable with uncertain sightings.
• You like being on the water even when the animals stay elusive.
• You are visiting with children who will enjoy puffins and a boat ride.
• You want the backup option of another whale cruise if none appear.
• You can dress warmly and tolerate the possibility of rough seas.

I would hesitate if your Iceland schedule is packed or if you need a guaranteed sighting. I would also think twice if your main goal is close-up wildlife photography. The operator follows wildlife guidelines, and that is good for the animals, but it means the boat may remain farther away than your camera would prefer.

The tour is accessible to most people, and the maximum group size is listed as 33. The smaller puffin vessel can still feel busy, so anyone who values open space should ask about the boat arrangement when reconfirming.

Should you book the Iceland Super Saver?

Book it if you see this as a chance to spend a half-day at sea, with wildlife as the reward rather than a promise. The best outings can bring humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and large numbers of puffins. Even a quiet trip gives you a boat ride, seabirds, Icelandic views, and an honest look at how difficult wildlife spotting can be.

My practical choice would be to book the combo during a stay of several days, especially if you can use the complimentary whale ticket later. If you have only one free morning and would be upset by no whales or distant puffins, choose a less wildlife-dependent activity.

Wear more clothing than you think you need, take seasickness precautions, reconfirm your times, and treat the puffin cruise as a protected-wildlife viewing trip rather than a close encounter. With those expectations, the price makes sense and the two boats give you a well-rounded outing from Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The combined experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The whale cruise and puffin cruise are separate outings, and exact timing can vary.

Can I choose which cruise I take first?

Yes. The experience offers flexibility regarding the order of the two cruises, subject to the available schedule.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and return can be booked directly with the supplier for an additional fee.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is equipment provided?

The whale-watching cruise includes free Wi-Fi and warm overalls. The puffin cruise provides binoculars and a warm blanket. Food and drinks are not included.

What happens if I do not see any whales?

If no whales are spotted in Faxaflói Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise. A full refund or a different date may also be offered if the entire experience is canceled because of poor weather.