Reykjavík: Whale Watching & Puffin Combo Boat Tour

This 6-hour combo experience pairs two of Reykjavík's most popular boat tours into a single day out on the water. First, board a smaller vessel for a 1-hour puffin watching trip to one of three islands just off the coast — Akurey, Engey, or Lundey — chosen by the captain based on tides and conditions. These rocky islands host thousands of nesting seabirds each summer, including Atlantic puffins, eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants.

When conditions allow, the crew may cut the engines so you can sit quietly and absorb the sounds of the colony. Throughout the hour, knowledgeable crew members share facts and stories about puffin behaviour and the surrounding marine environment.

After the puffin tour, you have approximately two hours of free time to explore Reykjavík, grab lunch, or simply relax before the second tour begins. Then board a larger vessel for a 3-hour whale watching journey deeper into Faxaflói Bay. The summer season is prime time for Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Expert crew provide live commentary on the animals' behaviour and the bay's ecosystem throughout the voyage.

Both tours depart from and return to Elding's ticket office at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. Warm overalls are provided, and free Wi-Fi is available on board.

The combo runs across approximately 6 hours and consists of two separate tours with around two hours of free time in between. The order of tours varies by departure slot — check the booking calendar for the sequence available on your chosen date.

• Puffin tour (1 hour): A smaller boat takes you to one of three nearby islands — Akurey, Engey, or Lundey — where thousands of puffins nest alongside eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants. The captain selects the island based on tides and conditions.
• Free time (approx. 2 hours): Return to the Old Harbour and explore Reykjavík at your own pace before the second tour.
• Whale watching tour (3 hours): A larger vessel heads further into the bay in search of Minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Crew provide expert commentary throughout.

Warm overalls are provided for both tours. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. All tours depart from and return to the Old Harbour.

Booking the combo means you experience both of Reykjavík's signature wildlife boat tours in a single day, with no need to arrange them separately. Both tours are operated by Elding Adventure at Sea, a sustainability-focused operator based at the Old Harbour, so logistics are straightforward and the quality of guidance is consistent across both experiences.

Warm overalls are included, so you stay comfortable on the water regardless of the weather. The two-hour break between tours gives you genuine free time in the city rather than a rushed turnaround. Children are welcome, making this a practical choice for families wanting a full day of Icelandic wildlife.