Whale Watching and Puffin Tour: Explore Iceland's Wildlife from Old Harbour in Downtown Reykjavik

4 Hours Round trip from Special Tours Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Combine whale watching and puffin watching in one experience
  • 02 Sail from Reykjavik Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay
  • 03 Look for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and Killer whales
  • 04 Enjoy scenic views of Reykjavik’s mountains, islands, and coastal birdlife
  • 05 Continue on a smaller boat for a 1-hour puffin watching tour
  • 06 Learn about local wildlife from expert professional guides
  • 07 Stay comfortable with warm overalls and heated indoor cabins on the whale watching vessel
  • 08 Receive a complimentary second whale watching ticket if no sightings occur

Set out from Reykjavik Old Harbour for a memorable wildlife adventure that combines two of Iceland’s most popular sea experiences in one outing. Cruise into Faxaflói Bay in search of Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, harbour porpoises, and, on occasion, Killer whales, while taking in wide views of the surrounding mountains, islands, and coastal birdlife.

After your whale watching cruise, continue the experience with a dedicated puffin tour on a smaller boat designed to get closer to the nesting islands. With expert guides, heated indoor cabins on the larger vessel, warm overalls, complimentary WiFi, and binoculars provided on the puffin tour, this combo offers a comfortable and rewarding way to explore Reykjavik’s marine wildlife.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Yes
City Reykjavik
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Whale Watching tour from Reykjavik & Puffins

Check Tour Status:
Prior to arrival, check the tour status on our homepage in the Daily Diary.
Stay informed about any updates or changes.

Meeting Point:
Arrive at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office in Reykjavik Old Harbour pier.
If you opted for pickup service, be ready at your designated pickup point 60 minutes before departure.

Boarding:
For those meeting directly, gather at Geirsgata 11, Special Tours ticket office, 30 minutes before departure.
If using pickup service, our team will collect you from the designated point.

Embarkation:
Board our whale watching vessel equipped with warm overalls and find a comfortable spot in the heated indoor cabins.

Sail into Faxaflói Bay:
Depart from Reykjavik Old Harbour and sail into Faxaflói Bay.
Keep an eye out for Minke and Humpback whales, Dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and the rare Killer whales.

Scenic Views:
Enjoy spectacular views of Reykjavik’s surrounding mountains, islands, and vibrant bird life while exploring Iceland’s coastal waters.

Transfer to Puffin Adventure:
After returning from the 2.5-3.5 hours Whale Watching tour, disembark at Reykjavik Old Harbour and transfer to a smaller boat specially designed to navigate closer to the islands where puffins nest.

1 hour Puffin Watching Experience:
Cruise towards nearby puffin islands and enjoy the opportunity to observe these charming seabirds in their natural habitat from a close but respectful distance. Learn fascinating facts about Iceland’s puffin colonies and local birdlife from your guide.

Onboard Amenities:
Take advantage of complimentary seasickness tablets and stay connected with free WiFi available on the Whale Watching vessel.

Return to Harbour:
Conclude your adventure by returning to Reykjavik Old Harbour.

Please note:
The itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and bird nesting patterns to ensure the best possible experience.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Special Tours 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Whale Watching tour:

  • 2.5-3.5 hours Whale Watching tour
  • Expert and professional guides
  • Complimentary ticket for a second tour if no sightings occur
  • Warm flotation overalls
  • Enjoy free WiFi on board
  • Relax in heated indoor cabins featuring convenient toilet facilities
  • Complimentary seasickness tablets available

Puffin tour:

  • 1 hour Puffin tour
  • Binoculars are provided on board
  • Specially designed boat to get as close to the islands as possible

What's Not Included

Snacks and beverages, available for purchase on board on the Whale Watching tour and pickup service, offered at an extra charge.

Know before you go

  • Some of our boats are wheelchair accessible, but please contact our team in advance for more information and assistance.
  • Before your arrival, kindly check the tour status on our homepage in the Daily Diary.
  • Please meet us directly at the Special Tours ticket office, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík Old Harbour pier, 30 minutes before departure.
  • Please note that this combo booking includes two separate tours with two different departures.
  • Whale Watching Tour: Conducted on a larger vessel, approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours in duration.
  • After the Whale Watching Tour, guests will change boats and board the Puffin Tour boat.
  • Puffin Tour: Conducted on a smaller boat, approximately 1 hour in duration.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík
Tour start
Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 hours finish where they began, in Special Tours.

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