Most Popular4.7·Reykjavík·55m
Lava Show Reykjavík
The Award Winning LAVA SHOW
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About this activity
Combine two wildlife expeditions in a single 6-hour adventure: a 1-hour puffin-watching tour to one of three islands near Reykjavík, followed by a 3-hour whale and dolphin excursion into Faxaflói Bay. Summer brings peak sightings of Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises alongside Iceland's iconic seabirds.
The combo consists of two tours - a puffin tour on a smaller boat where we take you to one of the three islands just off Reykjavík where each year thousands of birds come to breed and a whale watching tour that takes you further into the bay to see the incredible whales and dolphins that live in our bay.
Puffin watching is an enjoyable and easy adventure on a boat. Our captains will navigate to one of three nearby islands, Akurey, Engey, or Lundey, based on the tides and conditions. These islands are renowned for their rich birdlife, and in addition to puffins, you can spot other species such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants. The rocky shores of the islands offer a perfect backdrop, and our experienced captains will find the best spots for you to observe the puffins up close in their natural habitat. If the weather allows, we might turn off the engines to let you fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and listen to the calls of the birds. Throughout the 1-hour tour, the crew will share fascinating facts and stories about the puffins and the surrounding environment.
The whale watching tour is an exhilarating 3-hour journey into the bay, where the summer season brings the wildlife to its peak. This is the prime time to see Minke whales, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises, thriving in their natural environment. As you venture further into the bay, you’ll have the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. The crew will provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the marine life that inhabits the area. The whale watching tour is not only a chance to see these incredible animals but also to learn more about their behaviours and the ecosystem they inhabit.
Highlights
- ✓Visit breeding islands (Akurey, Engey, or Lundey) where thousands of puffins nest seasonally
- ✓Spot multiple seabird species: eider ducks, Arctic terns, guillemots, cormorants
- ✓Search for Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises in Faxaflói Bay
- ✓Expert local captains navigate tides and conditions for optimal wildlife encounters
- ✓Possible engine-off moments to hear natural bird calls and immerse in the environment
Insider tips
- ★Tides and weather determine which island you visit; captains choose the best conditions daily for sightings
- ★Summer months (June–August) offer peak wildlife activity; bring layers as sea breezes are cooler than land temperatures
- ★Position yourself on the boat's windward side for better puffin photography without glare
- ★Seasickness can occur on the whale-watching leg; take preventative medication before boarding if prone
Good to know
- •Total duration is 6 hours including transit and briefing; plan for a full morning or afternoon
- •Dress warmly in waterproof jackets and layers—sea conditions are chilly even in summer
- •Boats operate in all weather conditions; trips may be rescheduled in extreme weather
- •No special fitness requirements; tours are accessible to most mobility levels, but steep boat entry/exit applies
- •Bring seasickness medication, sunscreen, and a camera with a good zoom or binoculars for wildlife photography
Who it's for
Wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts seeking reliable Arctic species sightingsAdventure seekers wanting to combine two ecosystems in one tourFamily groups with older children (typically 12+) comfortable on open-water boatsPhotography-focused travellers with interest in marine mammals and seabirds
Best time to visit
June to August delivers peak puffin breeding season and maximum whale/dolphin activity in Faxaflói Bay. Early morning departures (typically 08:00–09:00) often provide calmer sea conditions and better lighting for wildlife spotting.
Frequently asked questions
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From€142
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