Reykjavik’s waters teem with remarkable marine life, making it an alluring destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The Two-In-One Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Elding Whale Watching offer a chance to experience this natural wonder firsthand. Guests can expect sightings of magnificent minke whales, graceful humpbacks, playful porpoises, and the charming puffins – all from the comfort of a well-equipped vessel. But there’s more to this excursion than meets the eye. The real adventure lies in the unexpected encounters and the stories that unfold beneath the surface of these waters.
Key Points
- Offers a combined whale watching and puffin watching tour departing from central Reykjavik, providing opportunities to spot various marine life.
- Whale watching lasts 3 hours, and puffin watching lasts 1 hour, with heated indoor seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and live commentary.
- Tour includes protective clothing, binoculars, and access to a wildlife exhibition, catering to a maximum of 30 travelers.
- Whale watching experience offers a guarantee of seeing whales or a free ride on a future tour.
- Puffin watching complements the whale watching experience, providing insights about puffins’ behaviors and habitat during breeding season.
Tour Details
The tour offers a two-in-one experience, combining whale watching and puffin watching, each lasting 3 hours and 1 hour respectively.
During the whale watching portion, visitors can spot minke whales, humpbacks, porpoises, and dolphins in the Faxafloi Bay.
The puffin watching takes place during breeding season, allowing guests to see these colorful birds up close.
The tour comes with heated indoor seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and live commentary from experienced guides.
Protective clothing, binoculars, and access to a wildlife exhibition are all included.
Plus, there’s a guarantee of seeing whales, or you can ride again for free.
Meeting Point & End Point
Typically, the tour departs from Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgardur 5c in central Reykjavik, where participants follow the red markers leading to the pier.
Travelers should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Upon conclusion, the tour returns to the original meeting point.
The convenience of this centralized location provides:
- Easy access from downtown Reykjavik
- Clear directions with the red color-coded pathway
- Prompt check-in and boarding to maximize time on the water
- A familiar end point for a seamless conclusion to the adventure
Additional Information
Travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking for these whale and puffin watching tours from Reykjavik. The tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed. Children under 13 must wear life vests, and there’s a maximum of 30 travelers per tour.
The tour provides protective clothing and binoculars, along with access to a wildlife exhibition. Guests can enjoy the heated saloon and onboard Wi-Fi during the 3-hour whale watching and 1-hour puffin watching portions of the tour. If no whales are spotted, the company offers a free ride on a future tour.
Whale Watching Experiences
Whale watching tours from Reykjavik offer the opportunity to spot a variety of marine mammals, including minke whales, humpbacks, porpoises, and dolphins, in the scenic Faxafloi Bay. These tours provide visitors with an immersive experience, where knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the wildlife.
Some key highlights of the whale watching experience include:
- Viewing the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to see them breach the water’s surface
- Listening to live commentary from experienced naturalists, who can identify different species and explain their behaviors
- Using provided binoculars to get a closer look at the whales and other other marine life
- Enjoying the comfortable, heated saloon and onboard Wi-Fi while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Puffin Watching Experiences
Along With the whale watching experience, visitors can also enjoy the opportunity to observe the captivating puffins during their breeding season in the area. The puffin watching tour lasts around an hour, providing ample time to spot these charming seabirds up close.
Travelers can admire the puffins’ vibrant beaks and comical movements as they nest on the nearby cliffs. The tour’s experienced guides share insights about the puffins’ behaviors and habitat, enhancing the overall experience.
While some visitors found the puffin portion less satisfying than the whale watching, others thoroughly enjoyed the chance to witness these unique birds in their natural environment. With binoculars and protective gear provided, the puffin watching complements the whale adventure for a truly memorable outing.
Wildlife Sightings
During the tours, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife in the Faxaflói Bay, including minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and dolphins. The tours’ experienced guides provide live commentary, sharing insights about the behavior and habitats of these fascinating creatures.
The highlights of the wildlife sightings include:
- Graceful minke whales, the smallest of the great whales, often seen surface feeding
- Majestic humpback whales, known for their acrobatic breaching and tail slapping displays
- Playful porpoises, the smallest cetaceans in the area, spotted darting through the waves
- Bottlenose and harbor dolphins, sometimes seen leaping alongside the boat
Visitors are sure to be captivated by the diverse marine life found in this vibrant Icelandic ecosystem.
Amenities and Inclusions
The tours provide a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. Travelers can warm up in the heated saloon, stay connected with the onboard Wi-Fi, and benefit from live commentary by knowledgeable guides.
The tour also includes the use of protective clothing, such as life jackets, and binoculars, allowing guests to observe the wildlife up close. Plus, passengers have access to a wildlife exhibition, providing an opportunity to learn more about the marine life in the area.
These inclusions help create a well-rounded tour, catering to the needs and interests of a diverse range of travelers.
Accessibility and Recommendations
The tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are permitted, and service animals are welcome. Travelers should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Children under 13 must wear life jackets, and wheelchair users may bring a foldable chair. The tours accommodate a maximum of 30 guests, so booking early is recommended for the best experience.
Some key recommendations for getting the most out of these tours include:
- Bringing seasickness tablets if you’re prone to motion sickness
- Enjoying the wildlife sightings with the help of knowledgeable guides
- Considering booking the whale watching and puffin tours separately for a more tailored experience
- Following the red markings at the pier to find the meeting point with ease
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement. However, children under 13 must wear life vests for safety. The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchairs, and service animals are allowed.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not appear to offer an option to extend the duration. The 3-hour whale watching and 1-hour puffin watching experience is the standard package available. Extending the tour length is not mentioned in the details provided.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour operator encourages bringing snacks and beverages to enjoy during the excursion, as there are no meal options provided on board.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?
The tour company may offer group discounts for larger parties. It’s best to check their website or contact them directly to inquire about any available group rates or special offers. They’ll be able to provide the most up-to-date information.
Do the Tours Operate in All Weather Conditions?
The tours operate in most weather conditions, though they may be canceled in unsafe weather. Guests should dress warmly and prepare for the possibility of rough seas. The tour company will notify customers of any weather-related cancellations.
Recap
The Two-In-One Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness Iceland’s incredible marine life.
With a guarantee of whale sightings, guests can enjoy the comfort of heated indoor seating, live commentary, and protective clothing while spotting majestic whales and adorable puffins.
It’s an unforgettable adventure not to be missed.
