Can I do both whale watching and puffin spotting on the same day?

Yes, you can combine both tours in one 4-hour outing. However, they are offered as separate excursions, so you can also split them across different days if you prefer.

What's the difference between the Classic and Express whale-watching boats?

The Classic boat is one of Iceland's largest whale-watching vessels with an educational, interactive focus and takes 3–3.5 hours. The Express is a fast catamaran taking only 2–2.5 hours, so you spend the same time in the whale zone but save time travelling to and from the harbour.

Will I need warm clothing?

No—thermal overalls are provided on board in both adult and children's sizes. You'll stay warm without needing to bring bulky winter gear.

Are there facilities on the boats?

Yes. Both vessels have spacious indoor and outdoor seating, a cafeteria, and restrooms.

Why use an oak boat for puffin watching?

The oak boat Skúlaskeið has a shallow draught, allowing it to navigate close to puffin islands where the birds nest, giving you excellent viewing and photography opportunities.

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Whales & Puffins

Q: What whales and dolphins might I see?

The most commonly spotted species in Faxaflói Bay are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.

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Reykjavík, Iceland

BirdwatchingWhale WatchingBoat ToursNature Tours

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About this activity

Combine two of Iceland's signature wildlife experiences in a single 4-hour outing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour: whale watching in Faxaflói Bay and puffin spotting on nearby islands. The tour uses an authentic oak boat ideal for close puffin encounters, plus your choice of a large educational Classic vessel or fast Express catamaran for whale watching.

Who would have thought that you could do both Whale watching and Puffin Watching from the centre of Reykjavík? In only a short boat ride away from the Old Harbour in Reykjavík you will get the chance to meet these adorable little birds. We go by our very authentic oak-boat named Skúlaskeið (“Old Skúli“) that is perfect for puffin watching since it has a very shallow draught and therefore can get really close to the puffin islands where the puffins make their studio apartments with their partner. Our guides are very knowledgeable about the thriving birdlife in the surroundings of Reykjavík. You can choose between two types of whale watching boats, Classic and Express.

Our Classic boat is one of the largest whale watching boats in Iceland and has an educational and interactive focus on board. The Classic tour is 3-3.5 hours in duration.

Our Express boat is a fast-cruising catamaran, and takes just 2-2.5 hours. You will spend the same amount of time in the whale watching area, but get out and back much quicker!

Both boats have spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, a cafeteria on board, restrooms and thermal overalls (also available in children's sizes). The most common whale species in Faxaflói bay are minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Note that these are two separate tours and you do not have to do them on the same day.

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

Highlights

✓Spot minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises
✓View puffins in their natural breeding habitat on shallow-access islands
✓Choose between leisurely Classic (3–3.5 hrs) or speedy Express (2–2.5 hrs) whale-watching boats
✓Knowledgeable guides specialising in Reykjavík's marine birdlife
✓Indoor and outdoor seating, on-board cafeteria, and thermal overalls provided

Insider tips

★Book the Classic boat for a more immersive, educational experience with interactive content; choose Express if you prefer less time at sea
★Puffin and whale tours operate separately—combine them on different days if you want to maximise wildlife sightings without fatigue
★Bring a camera with a good zoom; position yourself on deck early for the best puffin photography angles

Good to know

•Duration is 4 hours total; Classic whale boat alone is 3–3.5 hours, Express is 2–2.5 hours
•Thermal overalls provided in adult and children's sizes; no need to bring heavy outerwear
•Both boats feature indoor seating, restrooms, and a cafeteria on board
•Tours depart from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, centrally located and easily accessible
•Special Tours Iceland app available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish, simplified Chinese)

Who it's for

Wildlife and birdwatching enthusiastsFamilies with children (thermal gear available in kids' sizes)Nature photographers seeking Arctic marine lifeFirst-time Iceland visitors wanting iconic experiences near the capital

Best time to visit

Late spring through early autumn (May–August) offers peak puffin breeding season and highest whale-sighting probability. Aim for afternoon departures to maximise daylight in summer months.