Reykjavík: RIB Speed-Boat Puffin Watching Tour

Puffins, speed, and sea air make a fine Reykjavík hour. I like that this trip takes you toward wild puffin colonies on a fast RIB boat, rather than keeping you far offshore on a large sightseeing vessel. I also like the chance to see Reykjavík from the water, including the striking Harpa Concert Hall.

The strongest part is the close approach to the islands, where around 40,000 puffins may gather. The English-language guide adds useful context about Iceland’s large share of the world’s puffins and the damage caused by puffin hunting. The main drawback is comfort: the suspension seats are built for speed, and one report found them hard on the back. The meeting hut can also be confusing to locate.

Key points before you book

• One hour on the water: This is a compact outing that fits neatly into a day of sightseeing in Reykjavík.
• RIB boat access: The smaller, nimble boat can get closer to the puffin islands than larger boats.
• Around 40,000 puffins: The islands visited are home to a sizeable colony during the right season.
• Harpa from the sea: The outward and return ride gives you a fresh view of Reykjavík’s famous concert hall.
• Warm gear supplied: You receive a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, but not waterproof shoes.
• Not for everyone: Pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 140 centimeters cannot join.

Starting at the Reykjavík harbor huts

Your first task is finding the right wooden hut. The meeting point is one of a row marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

That extra time is not wasted. You need to check in, put on the full-body waterproof suit, collect goggles, and get ready for the boat. The meeting point has caused some confusion, so do not wait until the last minute to look for the correct hut. One person arrived to find a nearby building locked and had to ask at the next hut for help.

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Waterproof shoes are not included, so choose footwear that can handle spray and damp conditions. Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the boat. A small amount of personal gear is the sensible approach.

There is no hotel pickup included in the basic price. You make your own way to the harbor unless you purchase pickup as an add-on. That keeps the main fare fairly simple, but it means you need to plan your route to the meeting point yourself.

Suiting up for a fast boat ride

The supplied suit is a practical part of the trip, not just a nice extra. Reykjavík can feel cold on the water, and the boat’s speed creates extra wind even when the air seems mild near the harbor.

You also receive goggles and a life vest. Together, the gear helps with spray and wind as the boat heads across the bay. Still, warm layers underneath matter. The waterproof suit protects you from the elements, but it does not replace proper clothing.

The boat is custom-built with suspension seats. That design is intended to soften the movement of the RIB, but it remains a fast, active ride. You should expect motion rather than a quiet cruise. If you have back problems, this trip is not suitable, and the operator also excludes pregnant women.

The minimum height is 140 centimeters, or 4 feet 6 inches. This is an important rule for families planning a harbor activity. Children or shorter passengers below that height cannot take part.

Leaving Reykjavík with Harpa in view

Once everyone is ready, the RIB heads out from Reykjavík across the bay. One of the pleasant surprises is that the trip is not only about birds. You also get a water-level view of the capital’s coastline.

Harpa Concert Hall is one of the clearest visual markers along the shore. From the water, its glass exterior gives you a different perspective than you get while walking beside it. If you have already visited Harpa on foot, the boat ride helps place the building within the wider shape of the harbor.

The journey out also gives the guide time to explain what you are looking at. The tour is conducted in English, and the commentary has been praised for adding substance to the ride. You are not simply sped toward a colony with no context.

The trip lasts one hour in total, so the harbor section cannot be a long sightseeing cruise. That is part of the appeal for me. You get a quick coastal view without giving up half a day, but you should not book this expecting a full tour of Reykjavík from the water.

Reaching the puffin islands

The main purpose of the trip is the group of islands in the Bay of Reykjavík that attract large numbers of puffins. Iceland is home to about 60 percent of the world’s puffin population, and these islands are among the places where you can see the birds in the wild.

The colony is estimated at roughly 40,000 puffins. Numbers can vary with conditions and season, and no wildlife outing can promise that every bird will sit in the perfect position for your camera. Even so, the chance to approach a busy puffin area by small boat is the feature that gives this tour its value.

The RIB has an advantage over bigger sightseeing boats. Its size and mobility allow it to get closer to the islands, giving you a better angle for watching and photographing the birds. You are not visiting a captive display or a staged feeding site. The puffins remain wild, and the boat travels to them.

That closeness also requires good behavior. Your guide’s job is not only to point out birds but to help you understand the setting and the pressures puffins face. Commentary includes the harm caused by puffin hunting and ways people can help stop it. That conservation message gives the outing more weight than a simple photo stop.

What the puffin watching is really like

Puffins are small birds, and the sea does not make photography easy. The boat moves, the birds move, and the weather may change quickly. You will want to keep your camera ready, but you should also make room for simply watching.

A RIB offers a more active viewpoint than a large boat. You can get nearer to the islands and often feel more connected to the action. That comes with a tradeoff: you have less space, more motion, and a greater need to hold onto your belongings securely.

The goggles are helpful when the boat is moving quickly, though they can make photography a little less convenient if you are constantly switching between looking and shooting. The full-body suit is also bulky, but that is a small price for staying warm and dry.

The best attitude is to treat the puffins as the main event, not as a guaranteed close-up photo session. You might see birds flying, resting, or moving around the colony. The more flexible you are, the more rewarding the hour will feel.

Why the guide matters

The guide provides live commentary in English throughout the trip. That matters because the ride covers more than distance. You learn why Iceland is important to puffins, how large the colonies can be, and why hunting is a concern.

A strong guide also helps turn a short outing into a clear introduction to the local wildlife. The commentary has been described as good and informative, with one particularly useful focus on how visitors can help reduce the impact of puffin hunting.

No individual guide names are provided for this departure, so you should not book expecting a particular person. The important point is that the tour includes a live English-speaking guide rather than relying on a recorded explanation.

The wildlife facts are valuable even if the birds are not perfectly positioned. You leave with a better sense of Iceland’s role in puffin conservation, not just a handful of photographs.

The ride itself: exciting, but not soft

Some people will consider the RIB ride the best part. The boat is quicker and more nimble than a standard sightseeing vessel, and the speed adds a sense of fun to the short crossing. The boat can also approach the islands more closely than larger craft.

Others may find the ride tiring. The seats have suspension, but one report found them hard on the back. If you are sensitive to jolts or have any back condition, take the restriction seriously. This is not the right choice if you want a slow, cushioned cruise.

You should also expect wind and spray even while wearing the supplied suit. Wear warm layers, keep your hands free, and leave large bags behind. The operator specifically does not allow luggage or large bags on board.

For most able-bodied passengers who enjoy a little motion, the speed is part of the fun. For anyone seeking maximum comfort, a slower boat would be a better fit, though it may not approach the islands as closely.

Is $81 a fair price for one hour?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Reykjavík. The price includes the guided boat trip, full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, so you are not paying only for transport.

The value rests on three things: the short duration, the small RIB format, and the close access to the puffin islands. If puffins are high on your Iceland wish list, the ability to approach the colonies more closely than larger boats may justify the fare.

The one-hour format also has practical value. You can fit it around a museum visit, a meal, or other Reykjavík plans. The downside is that the outing cannot provide a long time at the islands. You are paying for a focused wildlife trip, not a full-day nature cruise.

Pickup, food, drinks, and waterproof shoes are not included. Add those costs only if you need them. For independent visitors already in central Reykjavík with suitable footwear and warm layers, the basic package is likely the most sensible option.

Who should book this RIB tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a short wildlife activity with some speed and a clear sense of place. It suits photographers who prefer getting closer to a colony, visitors with limited time, and anyone who likes combining natural scenery with a harbor ride.

It also works well if you care about the conservation side of wildlife watching. The explanation of puffin hunting gives the outing a useful purpose beyond taking pictures.

I would be more cautious if you have back pain, dislike fast boats, or want a gentle cruise. The seat comfort is not guaranteed to suit everyone, and the boat’s movement is part of the design rather than an occasional surprise.

Families should check the height rule carefully. Anyone below 140 centimeters cannot join, and pregnant women are excluded. The tour is also not a good choice if you need to carry luggage or a large camera bag.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility when setting up an Iceland itinerary.

Should you book the Reykjavík puffin speedboat?

Book this tour if you want wild puffins at close range, a lively one-hour boat ride, and a guide who adds conservation context. The RIB format gives it an edge over larger boats, while the Harpa view makes the trip feel tied to Reykjavík rather than isolated from the city.

Skip it if comfort matters more than speed, if you have a back problem, or if you prefer a longer and calmer wildlife outing. Also plan your arrival carefully, since the wooden harbor huts can be confusing.

For the right passenger, $81 buys a compact, memorable look at one of Iceland’s best-known birds, with warm gear and a view of the capital from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík puffin watching tour?

The tour lasts one hour from departure to return.

How much does the puffin speedboat tour cost?

The price is $81 per person.

What kind of boat is used?

The tour uses a custom-built RIB speedboat with suspension seats.

Are waterproof clothes provided?

A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest are provided. Waterproof shoes are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothing. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the little wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT, located in a row of wooden huts. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic price, but pickup can be purchased as an add-on.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

Who cannot join the tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 140 centimeters, or 4 feet 6 inches, tall.