Description
Meet Reykjavík’s most charismatic summer wildlife on two unforgettable cruises, pairing a close puffin-island encounter with a whale-watching journey across Faxaflói Bay.
Discover two wonderfully different sides of Reykjavík’s marine world in a single booking. First comes the delight of seeing Atlantic puffins around their summer nesting islands; then the horizon widens as you search the deep waters of Faxaflói for whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The contrasting boats make the combination especially rewarding. A small craft brings the puffin colony into intimate focus, while a spacious whale-watching vessel offers broad ocean views, sheltered comfort and time to appreciate Reykjavík’s dramatic setting from the sea.
Itinerary
The two wildlife cruises may run in either order, according to the departure selected. Your voucher confirms the sequence and check-in time.
Reykjavík Old Harbour
A lively waterfront beginning
Check in at Geirsgata 11 in Reykjavík’s atmospheric Old Harbour, where colourful boats, mountain views and the promise of two wildlife encounters set the tone. The selected departure determines which cruise comes first, making the day flow smoothly around the sailing schedule.
Puffin boat adventure
Small boat, wonderfully close views
Step aboard a nimble small boat designed for an intimate look at Reykjavík’s offshore birdlife. Its shallow draught allows a rewarding approach to the rocky breeding islands, while the guide shares engaging stories about Atlantic puffins and their remarkable summer lives at sea.
Akurey, Engey or Lundey
A flourishing seabird sanctuary
Tides and conditions shape which island becomes the day’s destination. Scan grassy slopes and rocky ledges for colourful puffins alongside Arctic terns, guillemots, eider ducks and cormorants, with binoculars helping every flutter, landing and curious expression come vividly into view.
Old Harbour interlude
Reykjavík at your own pace
Between the two sailings, enjoy the Old Harbour’s inviting cafés, waterside atmosphere and nearby city-centre sights. The exact interval depends on the departure chosen, giving you time to relax before the second chapter of this memorable Reykjavík wildlife combination begins.
Faxaflói Bay whale watching
Search for the giants of the North Atlantic
Sail into broad Faxaflói Bay, framed by Reykjavík and distant mountains, as the guide interprets the movement of the sea. Minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are among the exciting wild residents that may surface along the route.
Reykjavík from the water
A skyline finale across the bay
Return towards the Old Harbour with a sweeping sea-level view of Reykjavík’s colourful waterfront and surrounding peaks. After encounters with tiny puffins and immense marine mammals, the city skyline provides a fitting final panorama for a wonderfully varied day on Icelandic waters.
Choose your preferred departure and make Reykjavík’s whales, puffins and magnificent bay part of one exceptional summer day.
What is included
- One-hour guided puffin cruise
- Guided whale-watching cruise
- Warm overalls on the whale-watching boat
- Binoculars on the puffin boat
- Wi-Fi on the whale-watching boat
- Cafeteria or snack bar and restrooms on the whale-watching boat
What do I need to bring
- Warm insulating layers
- Windproof or waterproof outer layer
- Flat, sturdy footwear
- Camera or phone
- Hat and gloves for cooler days
Good to know
Meeting point: Geirsgata 11, Reykjavík Old Harbour, 101 Reykjavík
Open the meeting point in Google Maps
Arrive before the check-in time on your voucher. The voucher also confirms which of the two cruises begins first.
Highlights
- Two signature Reykjavík wildlife experiences in one booking
- Close summer views of Atlantic puffins and other seabirds
- Whale watching across scenic Faxaflói Bay
- Chance to see minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins and porpoises
- Reykjavík Old Harbour and skyline views from the water
Reykjavík Whales & Puffins Wildlife Combo – Frequently Asked Questions
This booking combines two separate guided cruises: a one-hour puffin tour on a small boat and a whale-watching tour on a larger vessel. The live calendar and your voucher confirm the order.
Allow up to approximately six hours, including both cruises and the interval between them. Some departure combinations finish sooner, depending on the sailing sequence selected.
The combined product is scheduled during Reykjavík’s summer puffin season, currently from 1 May to 20 August, when these colourful seabirds return to Iceland to breed.
The small boat sails towards Akurey, Engey or Lundey. The captain chooses the most rewarding suitable island for the day’s tide, weather and bird activity.
Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises are among the species frequently encountered. Every departure is a genuine wildlife search, so each sighting is naturally different.
Wildlife moves freely, so no particular species or encounter can be guaranteed. The experienced crew uses recent activity and conditions to seek the most promising viewing areas.
The puffin cruise uses a smaller, shallow-draught boat that can approach the breeding islands closely. Whale watching takes place on a larger vessel with outdoor viewing space, a warm interior, restrooms and a snack bar.
Dress more warmly than you would on land, even on a bright summer day. Warm layers, a windproof or waterproof outer layer and flat, sturdy footwear make both cruises more comfortable.
Binoculars are provided on the puffin boat, while warm overalls are available for the whale-watching cruise. Bring your camera or phone for the changing wildlife and skyline views.
Check in at Geirsgata 11 by Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. Follow the exact arrival time and sailing sequence shown on your booking voucher.
You might also like
Sail into magnificent Eyjafjörður from the heart of Akureyri and search for humpback whales among towering mountains, peaceful f...
Share the excitement of North Iceland winter with a family-paced snowmobile ride, playful snow sliding and mountain scenery above ...
Experience Reykjavik’s coastline in two remarkable moods: search Faxaflói Bay for whales, then sail towards Viðey as the Imagine...