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

Exploring the untamed beauty of Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay, the two-in-one whale and puffin watching tours from Reykjavik promise an unforgettable adventure. Offering the chance to witness the majestic marine life and the charming seabirds, this half-day excursion combines the best of both worlds. With an expert team of guides, travelers can expect an informative and thrilling experience, whether they’re marveling at the graceful movements of whales or admiring the colorful puffins. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the unexpected encounters that await those willing to embark on this unique journey.

Key Points

• Half-day boat tours from Reykjavik offer both whale watching (3 hours) and puffin watching (1 hour) experiences.
• Tours operate in Faxafloi Bay, known for sightings of minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.
• Heated indoor saloon, WiFi, and optional food and drink purchases provide comfort during the tour.
• While puffins are observed from a distance, guides offer informative commentary and photo opportunities.
• Advance communication is recommended for mobility assistance, and weather conditions may impact the tour schedule.

Tour Overview and Details

The whale and puffin watching tours from Reykjavik offer a two-in-one experience, providing both puffin watching and whale watching in a half-day boat tour from the city’s Old Harbor.

The tour includes 1 hour of puffin watching and 3 hours of whale watching in Faxafloi Bay, where you may spot minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

The heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows and complimentary WiFi ensures your comfort throughout the journey.

The tour also offers a whale guarantee – if no whales are seen, you can return for free.

Plus, you’ll have access to a Wildlife Exhibition and the opportunity to purchase food and drinks onboard.

Meeting and Accessibility

The meeting point for the whale and puffin watching tours is Elding Whale Watching, located at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavik. Travelers should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, foldable chairs are allowed. Children under 13 must wear life-vests for safety.

The tours accommodate a maximum of 30 travelers per outing, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Although the boats aren’t wheelchair-friendly, the tour operator is happy to assist travelers with special needs.

Regardless of mobility, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable journey to witness the magnificent whales and puffins in their natural habitat.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed feedback regarding the tour experience, with positive experiences noted for knowledgeable guides and spacious boats, while some have expressed concerns about the puffin viewing distance and overall comfort on the vessels. The tour guides are praised for their live commentary and photo sharing, and travelers appreciate the respect shown for wildlife and natural behaviors. However, some reviewers feel the puffin viewing was too distant, recommending separate excursions for a better experience. Regardless, the unique perspective of Reykjavik from the water is widely enjoyed.

Feedback	Positive	Negative
Guides	Knowledgeable, informative	–
Boats	Spacious	Comfort issues
Puffin Viewing	–	Too distant
Wildlife Respect	Appreciated	–
Reykjavik Views	Enjoyed	–

Customer Reviews Highlights

Customers have provided a mix of praise and criticism in their reviews of the whale and puffin watching tours. Some hail it as an ‘Amazing experience!!’, while others lament the ‘Puffin tour a waste of time’.

Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the spacious boats. However, some noted that the puffins were viewed from afar, recommending separate excursions for better experiences.

One reviewer, James_H, described it as a ‘Great experience!’, while Rebecca_P found the puffins to be ‘too far away‘.

Recommendations and Tips

To get the best experience, it’s recommended to book the whale and puffin watching tours separately.

Travelers should also be prepared for potential rescheduling and bring seasickness tablets if the conditions are rough. Those requiring wheelchair assistance should inform the tour operator in advance. Ultimately, visitors can enjoy the unique perspective of Reykjavik from the water during these tours.

While the combined whale and puffin watching tour provides a convenient option, some travelers found the puffin viewing distance to be unsatisfactory.

Booking the tours individually may allow for a more tailored and immersive experience. Plus, being proactive about accessibility needs and potential weather challenges can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable outing on the water.

Whale Watching Experience

The whale watching portion of the tour takes up the majority of the experience, spanning approximately 3 hours.

Travelers can expect to spot a variety of marine mammals, including minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins, as the boat explores the waters of Faxafloi Bay.

The heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows provides a comfortable vantage point to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Guides provide live commentary, sharing their expertise and insights to enhance the whale watching experience.

Travelers appreciate the respect shown for the animals, with the tour operator ensuring the boats maintain a safe distance and don’t disturb the natural behaviors of the whales and other marine life.

Puffin Watching Experience

The puffin watching portion of the tour lasts approximately 1 hour, allowing visitors a chance to observe these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat.

While the puffins are seen from a distance, travelers note the views aren’t as intimate as some had expected. Some reviewers recommend booking a separate puffin-focused excursion for a closer encounter.

Nevertheless, the guides provide informative commentary and facilitate photo-sharing opportunities throughout the experience.

Respect for the wildlife and their natural behaviors is emphasized, ensuring a sustainable and responsible wildlife viewing experience.

Onboard Amenities and Services

Onboard, travelers enjoy a heated indoor saloon with large viewing windows, allowing them to observe the surrounding marine life in comfort.

The tour also provides complimentary WiFi, enabling passengers to stay connected and share their experiences in real-time.

While food and drinks are available for purchase, the focus remains on the awe-inspiring whale and puffin sightings.

The spacious boats accommodate a maximum of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Accessibility features, such as foldable chairs, cater to a range of mobility needs, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

With these amenities and services, the whale and puffin watching excursion offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for children or seniors. However, children under 13 must wear life-vests, and the maximum group size is 30 travelers, which may provide a more personalized experience for all participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there are also snacks and beverages available for purchase on board the vessel. Food and drinks outside the boat are permitted as well.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Video Recording?

There are no explicit restrictions on photography or video recording during the tour. Passengers are generally free to take photos and videos, though they’re advised to respect the wildlife and avoid disturbing the animals.

How Reliable Is the Whale Sighting Guarantee?

The whale sighting guarantee is reliable, as the tour operator offers a free return trip if no whales are seen. This shows a commitment to providing a satisfactory experience for customers.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Get Seasick?

Yes, passengers can leave the tour early if they experience seasickness. The tour operator provides complimentary seasickness tablets, but if those don’t help, travelers can disembark at the tour’s halfway point or earlier if needed.

Recap

This two-in-one adventure provides an opportunity to witness the wonders of both whales and puffins in Faxafloi Bay.

Guests can enjoy the comfort of the heated indoor saloon while knowledgeable guides share their expertise.

Though puffins are viewed from a distance, the tour promises unforgettable encounters with marine life and stunning scenery, making it a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts visiting Reykjavik.