Whales & Puffins

Who would have thought you could see both whales and puffins so close to Reykjavík? This coastal wildlife experience departs from the city centre and takes you out over Faxaflói bay to visit seabird islands and productive whale habitat. One of the vessels used is the very authentic oak boat Skúlaskeið (known as “Old Skúli”), whose shallow draught allows for especially intimate approaches to puffin colonies, giving excellent photo opportunities and memorable wildlife encounters. Puffins nest in burrows on coastal cliffs and islands, and on a calm day you can observe their fast, purposeful flights and interactions at close range. The bay is also home to a variety of cetaceans: minke whales and humpback whales are among the more commonly seen larger species, while white‑beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises frequent the area as well. There are two boat formats available to suit different preferences: a larger, more educational Classic vessel and a faster Express catamaran for quicker transfers. The narrative of the voyage highlights local natural history and the dynamic coastal scenery around Reykjavík, combining wildlife viewing with sensational views of the coastline and island skylines. Read more