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

Puffins are the near certainty here, whales are the wild card. This two-part outing takes you to Akurey island for seabirds, then out across Faxaflói Bay in search of minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and porpoises. The two boats give you very different views of Iceland’s marine life.

I like the discounted pairing, since you get two outings in one booking and can choose which cruise comes first. I also like the practical touches: binoculars on the puffin boat, warm overalls and Wi-Fi on the whale vessel, plus a free return whale cruise if nothing appears.

The main drawback is simple: wildlife follows its own schedule. Some days bring humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and close encounters. Other days bring only distant fins, seabirds, or no whales at all. The puffin boat is small and short, and the birds may still look far away.

Key points to know before you book

• Two separate cruises from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour: You change boats between the puffin and whale-watching portions.
• Akurey is viewed from the water: You do not go ashore, since the island is a protected breeding ground.
• Puffins are often easier to see than whales: Binoculars help, but close photographs are not guaranteed.
• Whale sightings vary sharply: Minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, porpoises, and seals have all appeared, but no sighting can be promised.
• Warmth matters: Bring layers, even in June. The wind on Faxaflói Bay can feel much colder than Reykjavik.
• The package costs $156.19 per person: It can be good value if you want both activities, but less so if you mainly want close-up wildlife photography.

Two boats, two very different wildlife outings

The Iceland Super Saver is not one blended cruise. It is a puffin trip and a whale-watching trip booked together, usually taking about four and a half hours in total.

You meet at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. Hotel pickup can be added for an extra charge, but it is not included in the listed price. The activity returns to the meeting point unless you arrange a transfer.

The order of the cruises can vary, which is useful when fitting this into a busy Iceland schedule. Reconfirm your departure times with Special Tours before the day of the outing. A short gap between boats may be all you have, so keep your phone, jacket, and motion-sickness supplies easy to reach.

The maximum group size is 33 people, though the two boats feel quite different. The whale boat is larger, with room to move between indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The puffin boat is smaller and more intimate, but that can also mean crowded sightlines when everyone wants the same view.

Akurey island and the puffin cruise

The puffin portion heads toward Akurey, a rocky island near Reykjavik. You circle the island by boat rather than landing on it. That restriction protects the nesting birds, but it also shapes the experience: you see puffins from the water, not on a walking trail.

The boat carries binoculars, and you should use them. Puffins may sit on the water, fly low across the bay, or gather around the island’s rocky edges. Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars may also appear. The trip is short, often around an hour, so the pace is brisk.

I like this part because the setting feels purposeful rather than staged. You are watching seabirds in their breeding area, with the captain circling for useful angles while the guide explains puffin behavior and body shape. The protected island is part of the lesson. You are close enough to watch, but not so close that the boat becomes a nuisance to the birds.

Your expectations matter. Some departures get a satisfying view of many active puffins. On others, the boat cannot approach as closely because of the tide, weather, or wildlife-protection rules. You may see birds clearly through binoculars but struggle to frame a good photograph.

The smaller boat can also feel tight if it is full. One of the most useful practical choices is to arrive ready to claim a good viewing position, while still leaving room for others. If you have your own binoculars, bring them. The boat provides them, but they may need to be shared.

Patrick has been singled out for a lively mix of facts and humor, while other departures have had captains and crew who explain the birds clearly. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the better guides make the short cruise feel much more substantial.

Faxaflói Bay and the longer whale search

The whale-watching trip is the longer and less predictable half. You board a larger vessel at the Old Harbour and head into Faxaflói Bay, scanning the water for the telltale signs of a whale: a blow, a dark back, a fin, or a tail disappearing beneath the surface.

Minke whales and humpbacks are the main hopes. White-beaked dolphins and porpoises are also possible, and harbor seals have appeared on successful outings. Several strong departures have included four humpbacks, groups of dolphins, or a mix of humpbacks and minke whales.

The best guides do more than point and shout. Jo and Lucas have been praised for keeping the search organized and spotting several whales, including tail slaps. Blanca has earned praise for finding whales, dolphins, and birds while giving clear explanations. A good guide helps you understand why the boat pauses, turns, or changes direction.

The boat provides free Wi-Fi and warm overalls. Take the overalls even if the day looks mild. The bay can be cold and windy, and the difference between standing outside in ordinary clothes and wearing the provided gear is substantial.

Motion sickness is the more serious concern. The sea can be calm, but it can also turn rough. The crew has handed out ginger candy and sick bags, and motion-sickness tablets may be available. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about conditions before departure and take the warning seriously. Sitting inside may help, but you will likely want to step outside when wildlife appears.

A whale cruise can be exciting even when the animals do not perform. You might see a humpback’s back and blow, then wait several minutes for another appearance. You might see only distant fins. Or you may spend the full trip without a whale and still encounter dolphins and porpoises.

If no whales are seen in Faxaflói Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise. That softens the risk, though it does not solve the practical problem if you are leaving Reykjavik soon. If your schedule allows another outing, the return ticket is a useful safeguard.

What the $156.19 price really buys

At $156.19 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on your plans.

If you already want both a puffin boat and a whale cruise, the package makes sense. You save the hassle of arranging two separate bookings, and the combination gives you a full half-day on the water. Binoculars, warm overalls, Wi-Fi, guide commentary, and a possible free whale return are part of the package.

The value drops if your main goal is close-up puffin photography. The birds remain on or around a protected island, and the boat cannot always get close. You may come away with a memorable wildlife experience but only distant images.

The whale portion is also a gamble. Some outings bring several species. Others produce dolphins but no whales, or a brief glimpse of a minke whale. The package works best for you if the boat ride, scenery, and search itself have value, not only a perfect photograph.

I would compare the cost with the price of booking the two cruises separately, especially if a discount changes by date. Also remember that food and drinks are not included. Hotel transfers cost extra, so walking or using Reykjavik’s public transport may make more sense if you are staying near the harbor.

Timing, comfort, and practical planning

You should set aside about four and a half hours, though exact timing depends on the departure order and sea conditions. The whale trip often runs longer than the puffin outing, and the change between boats may be quick.

Wear warm layers, waterproof outer clothing, and shoes with a firm sole. The provided overalls help on the whale boat, but they do not replace a warm base layer. Bring gloves and a hat if you have them.

Keep your camera protected from spray and wind. A phone can record the experience, but distant whales are hard to photograph. Binoculars are more useful than a powerful zoom lens for spotting the first blow or fin.

The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The cruise itself is offered in English, and the onboard narration explains the behavior and physical features of the animals.

This is a practical outing for families and most people who can participate in a boat trip. Children may enjoy the puffin cruise more because the island and birds are easier to understand at a glance. The whale trip requires patience, outdoor time, and tolerance for possible rough water.

Wildlife ethics and realistic expectations

The boats follow wildlife guidelines and cannot simply chase an animal for a closer photograph. The crew may circle, slow down, or move away when conditions call for it. You should see that as part of responsible wildlife watching, not as a failure to provide a close encounter.

The puffin island is protected breeding ground. You do not land, and the boat cannot always approach as close as you might hope. That distance protects the birds, even when it frustrates a photographer.

Whale encounters also vary. One outing may bring a humpback close enough for a dramatic tail slap. Another may show only a blow far away. Iceland’s waters are not an aquarium, and the free rebooking policy recognizes that fact without pretending every cruise will be successful.

The strongest reason to book is the chance to see several kinds of marine life in one morning or afternoon. The strongest reason to skip it is that you need guaranteed close views. You will have a better time if you treat the animals as a bonus within a well-organized boat trip.

Who should book this combination?

I would recommend it to you if you have a half-day in Reykjavik and want both puffins and whales without arranging separate operators. It is especially suitable for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who enjoys learning about animals while being out on the water.

It also works well if you are curious about seabirds but do not want to spend a full day traveling around Iceland. Akurey is close to Reykjavik, and the whale cruise adds a wider trip across Faxaflói Bay.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to motion, have only one day in Reykjavik, or care mainly about sharp wildlife photographs. The puffin views may be distant, the whale sightings may fail, and the boats can be busy.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a convenient two-part wildlife outing and can accept uncertainty. The best days can be excellent, with puffins around Akurey, dolphins beside the boat, and humpback or minke whales appearing in the bay.

Skip it if a whale sighting is essential to your Iceland plans. Even with a complimentary return ticket, the animals remain unpredictable. For most people, the package offers fair value because it combines two distinct experiences, but you should buy it for the chance to see wildlife, not a guaranteed show.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. It ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the combined experience take?

The total duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and return are available to purchase separately through the supplier.

What is included on the two cruises?

The whale-watching cruise includes free Wi-Fi and warm overalls. The puffin cruise provides binoculars. The Special Tours app is also available in several languages.

Are whales guaranteed?

No. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. If no whales are seen in Faxafloi Bay, you receive a complimentary ticket for another whale-watching cruise.

Which wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, porpoises, harbor seals, puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots, and northern fulmars.

Can I go onto Akurey island?

No. The puffin cruise circles the island by boat. It is a protected breeding area.

What language is the tour offered in?

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

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.