Two-In-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik

Two species, one day on Iceland’s water. This Elding combo pairs a short puffin hunt near Lundey with a longer whale cruise across Faxaflói Bay, all run with live English commentary and warm indoor places to watch. I like that you get two different boats and two different ecosystems in one half-day.

I also like the practical comfort upgrades, protective gear plus heated indoor viewing with big windows, so you can focus on spotting wildlife instead of fighting the wind. The tradeoff is that puffins are fast and small, and depending on conditions and crowding, you may see them more from a distance than you hoped.

Key things to know before you go

• Two separate cruises in one ticket, puffins first and whales later, not one continuous ride
• Heated indoor saloon and protective gear keep you comfortable in rougher weather
• Binocular access helps for island spotting and scanning for birds at speed
• Whale “sighting guarantee” means you can try again another day if you see none
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 30 travelers and English live commentary
• Old Harbour time in between, so you are not stuck on the dock all day

Two boats, one day: how the combo timing really works

This is a half-day style experience built around two separate outings. You meet at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c in Reykjavík, then head out for about an hour focused on puffins. After that, you get a break back on land and use that time before boarding again for the longer whale watching portion.

Why this timing works: it keeps your day from turning into one long, cold wait on the water. You also get a natural reset between cruises, so you can grab a warm drink or lunch and return for the whale search with fresh energy and a better camera grip.

Price and value: what $140 covers (and why it can be a smart risk)

At $140 per person, this is not a bargain bucket tour. But it is also not just one boat ride you pay for and forget. Your ticket includes both tours, binocular use, heated indoor viewing on the boat with large windows, onboard WiFi, access to a wildlife exhibition, and a whale re-try if you do not spot cetaceans.

That whale re-try is the big value lever. Wildlife watching has a randomness problem, and this tour directly reduces the risk on the whale side. The puffin side cannot be guaranteed the same way, but the effort and viewing setup still give you a real chance in breeding season.

One more value point: you are paying for logistics that would be annoying to assemble yourself. You do not need to figure out schedules, boat sizes, and guidance between two wildlife targets. You just show up, follow the directions, and enjoy the ride.

Stop 1 at Lundey: puffin watching where speed matters more than zoom

The puffin portion runs on a smaller passenger boat. You sail to one of three nearby islands in Lundey, where thousands of puffins gather during breeding season. You borrow binoculars onboard, or bring a zoom camera, but the main idea is simple: look for movement and bursts of flying birds, not just stationary targets.

Here is the reality check. Puffins are small and they move fast, so even with good intentions you may feel like they are always slightly farther away than the photos make them look. A common pattern is seeing them perched or skimming near the island, then catching fleeting moments when they pop into clearer view.

Comfort and viewing: you should be ready for changing conditions and quick shifts in where birds are. Protective clothing helps, and the binoculars let you keep scanning without constantly changing your camera settings. If you want sharper photos, bring your own binoculars or a camera with strong zoom if you have one, because the shared binoculars are useful but not always ideal.

Also, consider crowding. One downside that comes up is that some seats can be crowded, and access to the top deck may involve climbing a ladder. If you have mobility concerns or you prefer wide open sightlines, it is worth mentally planning for a boat layout that is not built like a dedicated birding platform.

Old Harbour reset: how to use the in-between time well

Between the puffin and whale parts, you get a couple of hours free in Reykjavík’s Old Harbour area. This is not a throwaway gap. It is your chance to eat without rushing, walk off the salt air, and get your bearings before the larger boat.

Practical move: plan a lunch that you can actually finish. Food and drinks are not included on the tours, though you can buy snacks and drinks onboard, so having a real meal before the whale search can make the whole afternoon more pleasant.

If you like little planning hacks, ask staff at Elding for practical info before you leave. One helpful tip that comes up is requesting a toilet passcode at reception, useful both before and after tours. You can also use the time to warm up, especially if the water is breezy when you return to the dock.

Faxaflói Bay whale watching: the big-boat portion and why it has a safety net

The whale watching portion heads out into Faxaflói Bay, sailing from the port area toward the bigger open-water searching grounds. This section runs about three hours, with a sighting guarantee that matters: if you do not see whales or other cetaceans, you can try again another day free of charge.

In plain terms, this is the part with the strongest payoff structure. The ocean can hide wildlife, but your ticket gives you a second chance if it does. You can also set your expectations better here. You are not just hunting for one type of animal. The area is known for sightings like minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

The search rhythm matters. You might find the trip out takes time before you reach the best area to scan, so patience pays off. Once you find them, the trick is not to blink. Even when the sightings are close and special, whales surface fast, then they move on.

On the comfort side, the larger boat setting tends to be the warm-and-dry zone. You have protective clothing available, plus a heated indoor saloon with large windows, which makes a real difference if the wind is sharp. There is also complimentary WiFi onboard, so you can quickly share a photo or check messages without leaving the viewing areas.

One more nicety: if you are lucky enough to see whales close to the boat, it can feel like the animal is casually passing through your day. A mother and calf encounter is the kind of moment people remember for years, and the guide and captain will usually help you locate the right spots to look as the boat adjusts course.

What’s included onboard: the comfort perks that help you actually enjoy wildlife

This tour is built around cold-weather reality, and that shows in the included items. You get protective clothing, binoculars for spotting birds, a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, and complimentary WiFi onboard.

Those things matter because wildlife watching gets easier when you are not constantly thinking about your hands, your knees, or your phone battery. Warm indoor viewing keeps you watching longer, and binocular access helps you scan faster. If you are the type who tries to keep your camera settings perfect, WiFi is handy for quickly swapping photos or checking the best shot you captured.

The whale guarantee also changes your mindset. You still chase the moment, but you are not spending the whole trip mentally counting whether you are going to get your money back. That is a rare gift in wild animal tourism.

One thing that is not included is food and drinks, though you can buy them onboard. If you are sensitive to hunger, eat beforehand or plan to buy snacks mid-ride so you can stay focused on spotting instead of managing your stomach.

How to improve your odds: a no-nonsense packing list

You do not control weather or animal movement, but you can control comfort and your ability to see what is there.

What to bring:

• A camera with decent zoom if you care about close-looking shots of puffins
• Warm layers you can add or remove quickly (wind can change fast)
• A hat and gloves, even if you will use the provided protective gear
• Any personal binoculars if you prefer a specific view style

What to do onboard:

• Use the binoculars early and often, especially for puffins where they can be far or fast
• When you hear the guide call out locations, look in the direction first, then fine-tune with the binoculars
• If you are planning to move around the boat, do it when the boat is steady. Quick changes while the crew adjusts course can shake your footing

If seas are rough, do not feel embarrassed asking about seasickness support if it is needed. One passenger reported being able to get seasickness tablets ahead of time when conditions were rough. Even if you do not need them, it is worth knowing the option exists.

Boat size and crowding: who will feel comfortable and who might not

This combo uses two different boat types. The puffin ride is on a smaller boat, and the whale ride is on a larger vessel. That difference affects your experience.

On the puffin boat, seating can feel tight and some spots may be inside without full windows. Some people also report that reaching the top deck involves a ladder, so it can be inconvenient for children, older adults, or anyone who does not like step-based movement on a moving boat.

On the whale boat, comfort tends to feel easier because of the heated indoor saloon with big windows. The larger vessel is also where you will get the best chances at longer, calmer wildlife watching sessions.

If you are traveling with kids, note that children under 13 are required by law to wear life vests for the duration of the tour. So pack for the real experience, not a postcard version.

Who should book this combo, and who might be better off choosing differently

I think this is a strong pick if you want variety: birds in breeding season, then a realistic shot at whales and dolphins, all with live English commentary. I also like it for first-time visitors because it makes good use of time in Reykjavík, starting from the Elding dock and returning there after the experience.

You might want a different plan if you are expecting guaranteed close-up puffins. Puffins are small, and from open water you will often see them as a living dot pattern until you catch a clearer moment. If your priority is only close, easy bird photography, you may feel disappointed with distance-based viewing.

If your main goal is whale certainty, the whale guarantee makes this combo appealing. You also get a heated viewing setup that makes it more tolerable if the day is windy.

Should you book this Elding whale and puffin combo?

If your idea of a great Reykjavík day is getting on the water twice, staying warm while you scan for wildlife, and having the whale side backed by a re-try guarantee, then yes, I would book it. It is well suited for people who can enjoy wildlife even when it is not posing for a camera.

If you are coming strictly for guaranteed close puffin viewing, keep your expectations grounded. Puffin watching here is about spotting quick, distant movement from open water, not a guaranteed landing-view experience. For most people, that trade is worth it, especially if whales are your main “must see.”

FAQ

How long is the two-in-one whale and puffin tour?

The experience runs about 4 to 6 hours total, split into a 1 hour puffin watching cruise and a 3 hour whale watching cruise, with some free time in between.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The live onboard commentary is in English.

What wildlife will I be looking for?

For puffins, you sail toward nearby islands during breeding season. For whales, you search Faxaflói Bay for minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

Is there WiFi onboard?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is available onboard.

What is included in the price?

The ticket includes both tours, use of protective clothing and binoculars, a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, onboard WiFi, live English commentary, access to a wildlife exhibition, and a whale sighting guarantee.

What is not included?

Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase them onboard. Pickup and dropoff are not included, though they may be arranged for a fee.

What happens if no whales are seen?

The tour has a sighting guarantee. If you do not see cetaceans on your whale watching portion, you can try again another day free of charge.

Are there any life vest rules for children?

Yes. Children under 13 are required by law to wear life vests for the duration of the tour.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.