Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Whale Safari and Puffin Island Tour from Reykjavik. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
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It was wonderful, everyone was very friendly and informative, we ended up seeing at least 100 pilot whales and white sided dolphins. The puffins were pretty great too, i just wish they were closer up. (We went August 8-18, 2012)
I would have been happy to see a few puffins and a trip out to the bay but this was a most enjoyable trip. We saw dolphins and minkie whales as a bonus. The guide on the ship kept us informed of the local flora and fauna and his enthusiasm when we saw the dolpins made the day.
Organisation again was excellent.
Wonderful crew, saw a few whales, dolphins, and loved the puffins. Highly recommended.
Maria R
USA
Saw a couple of Minki whales , dolphines, puffins, and harbor Porpoise
Amazing. My wife spotted 5 whales me only 4 but I managed to capture one in a picture. The organization is so good and when on the boat they even give you a pill for seasickness! Well organized and on time.
Although we didn't see any whales, it was a great trip and the staff did their absolute best in the freezing cold!! Will be back again..
Kirsty H
United Kingdom
Has to be done, but be wary if you are prone to seasickness. i'm not but there were a lot of sick people around me on a very sunny clear day. If in doubt take seasick tablets.
Anonymous
A brilliant tour - we got to see Minke whales, puffins and dolphins and the tour guide was very informative. We'd definitely recommend it!
Kelly G
Canada
Unfortunately I spent most of this trip with seasickness, which I have never experienced before. From what I could hear, we did have some sightings of minke whales. The guide was fantastic, and the lady behind the bar was extremely sweet to me as she knew how awful I felt. Even though I was so sick, I'm still giving it 5 stars because of how amazing the crew was.
Kelly G
USA
We had a great time on this cruise! We saw a few whales and quite a few dolphins; the guide was quick to point them out and was very knowledgeable about all the marine life around Reykjavik. The puffins were super cute, that might have been my favorite part of the tour. Bring a jacket - it gets cold out on the boat!
So, you're probably not going to see a whale leaping out of the water making a giant splash, nor a puffin close up like in the photo. You will see some backs with fins and lots of porpoise backs with fins closer up. If you are thinking Sea World in Florida then you have the wrong idea. However, this is a fun trip if you like boats and being at sea.
The tour guide is very enthusiastic "11 O'Clock MINKY WHALE!!!" and tells you a lot about whales and the area so you should be interested in this.
They offer free sea sickness tablets at the bar and unless you 100% know that you won't get sea sick then please take one as soon as you board as it can be very very choppy! Also make sure you have a strap for your camera as you will get thrown about! Saying that unless you have a "proper camera" with multi shot then there's not much point. Just enjoy the trip instead.
They offer you warm snow suits at the beginning so there is no need to be cold. Bring good gloves and proper shoes. There is an indoor lower deck with bar, middle deck with roof and open upper deck. Toilets on board are as to be expected of a boat.
They come around giving our blankets on the way home which is nice.
We saw two Minky backs and a collection of porpoise backs. It is exciting scanning the water looking for them. Like some cold wet version of "Where's Wally".
Didn't see puffins but it isn't the season. Don't expect too much Come back in the summer to go to Puffin Island.
So if you like boats and don't get sea sick then do this. If you want to see and meet animals then try a horse riding trip instead as this was awesome! If you have kids then just visit the zoo!
Great tour. Saw a pod of some 200 Pilot Whales.
Kenneth L
United Kingdom
No Puffins too early in the season.
Weather poor heavy rain, but did see pods of Minke Whales and the cruise staff are excellent, encouraging concervation in a nation that hunts whales for food.
I didn't get to see any puffins but we did get to see dolphins and Minke whales! It was extremely cold with the sea winds so definitely wear warm clothes
Great to see some whales, but sadly, no puffins this time of year. I would still recommend this trip, although be sure to bring warm clothes.
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