Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Puffins are tiny birds with big travel appeal. I like this tour for its one-hour format, which fits neatly into a busy Reykjavik day, and for the RIB speedboat’s ability to get close to the rocky islands where the birds gather. You also get a full-body waterproof suit, a life vest, and a guide who explains the puffins and other birds as you watch.

The main tradeoff is simple: a fast boat can make the trip exciting, but it may not suit anyone with back problems or anyone who dislikes a brisk ride on open water. Puffins are also small and quick, so good photographs are not guaranteed, even when the birds are nearby.

Key points to know before booking

• The islands are only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, leaving most of the hour for wildlife watching and boat views.
• Lundey and Akurey are the main puffin sites, with rocky shores, low hills, and large colonies during the appropriate season.
• The RIB boat can approach shallow coastal water, allowing a closer look than a larger vessel may provide.
• The tour is limited to 12 people, which gives you a better chance of hearing the guide and finding a clear view.
• Other birds may include northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots, not just puffins.
• Bring waterproof footwear, since shoes are not included even though the full-body suit is.

Leaving Reykjavik from the Old Harbor

The tour begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, in a small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival matters because you need time to check in, put on the protective gear, and get ready for a ride in a small open speedboat.

The harbor location is handy if you are already exploring central Reykjavik. Pickup and drop-off are not included, but you can buy transport as an add-on if you need it. The walk from elsewhere in town may be easy, but the tour information does not give a precise walking time, so plan enough room to find the wooden huts without rushing.

The group is limited to 12 people. I consider that a useful size for wildlife watching. You are not spread across a large deck, and you should have a better chance of hearing the English-speaking guide when the engine is off near the islands.

Before departure, you receive a life vest, goggles, and a full-body waterproof suit. The suit is a big help in Iceland’s cool conditions, especially with wind coming across the bay. It does not replace sensible clothing underneath, and you still need waterproof shoes. Food and drinks are not included.

The RIB ride to Lundey and Akurey

The ride to the puffin islands takes about 15 minutes. That is short enough to keep the boat trip comfortable for many people, but long enough to give you wide views across Reykjavik Bay. You may see the city behind you and mountain views around the water, creating a fine contrast between Iceland’s capital and its open coast.

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The RIB speedboat is chosen for its speed and maneuverability, so part of the appeal is the ride itself. You get the fun of moving quickly across the water, then the calm of stopping near the islands to watch the birds.

That change in pace is important. A large boat may offer a steadier ride, but the smaller RIB can work closer to rocky shores because it has a shallow draft. The boat is designed for this kind of short wildlife outing, not for lounging on a broad sightseeing deck.

I would choose a seat with a clear view if you can, but the tour operator does not provide a seating plan. Keep your hands and camera secure during the fast sections. Goggles are included, which should help with spray and wind, though you should still expect an outdoor ride rather than a dry cabin experience.

Watching puffins at the island shores

Lundey and Akurey are small islands in Reykjavik Bay, covered with low hills and slopes. Their shores are rocky, and they are known for birdlife. When the boat reaches the islands, the engine is turned off so you can watch the birds and take in the surroundings without the sound of the motor dominating the moment.

The stated attraction is the chance to see thousands of puffins close to their island habitat. That sounds impressive, but it is worth setting your expectations correctly. Puffins are not large birds, and they move fast. Even from a close boat, they can be tricky to photograph or record.

A useful tip is to watch first and photograph second. One person who enjoyed the tour pointed out that puffins are small and quick, making them difficult to capture on camera. If you spend the whole stop staring at your phone screen, you may miss the best part. Keep your camera ready, but give yourself time to watch the birds with your own eyes.

Puffins are appealing because they are easy to recognize, with their colorful bills and compact bodies. The islands give you a chance to see them in a natural setting rather than in a captive display. You are watching from the water, close enough for a good look but still respecting the birds’ space.

The exact wildlife experience can vary with conditions. You may see many puffins, but nature does not work on a fixed schedule. The captain decides whether to sail based on weather, passenger safety, and comfort. That flexibility is sensible, especially on a short open-water tour.

More than puffins: birdlife around Reykjavik Bay

The guide does not focus only on puffins. Other birds often seen on these outings include northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. That variety gives the hour more value, especially if the puffins are hard to spot or camera conditions are poor.

The guide’s commentary is an important part of the experience. You learn about puffins and the other birds as you watch them, rather than simply riding out to the islands and returning. A guide on one outing was praised for explaining puffin facts, identifying other birds, and even copying the noises puffins make.

That kind of live explanation can make a short trip feel more complete. You learn what to watch for, and you may notice behavior that would otherwise pass too quickly. The tour is conducted in English, and Special Tours also offers an app with text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

The app is useful if you want extra background during the outing. It does not replace the guide’s presence, but it gives you another way to follow the information. You can download it for Android or Apple devices during the tour.

What the one-hour schedule really means

The full experience lasts one hour, including the trip out and back. Since the islands are about 15 minutes from the harbor, you can expect roughly half an hour of total travel time, with the remaining portion focused on the islands and wildlife. The exact balance depends on the boat’s route and conditions.

I see the short schedule as the tour’s biggest practical advantage. You can fit it between a morning walk around Reykjavik, a museum visit, or another booked activity. It also works well if you have only a brief stay in the city and want to add a taste of Iceland’s coastal wildlife without committing half a day.

The limitation is that the hour leaves little room for delays or a slow wildlife encounter. If the birds are scattered, the boat cannot simply spend all afternoon waiting. You are buying a concentrated outing, not a full wildlife expedition.

That makes this tour best for people who want a quick, lively introduction to puffins. If you prefer a longer boat trip with more time to search for animals, this one-hour format may feel too brief. If you value a compact schedule, it is much easier to fit into your plans.

Is $84 a fair price?

At $84 per person, this is not a bargain activity, but the price includes more than a harbor boat ride. You get a guided excursion, a RIB speedboat, a life vest, goggles, and a full-body waterproof suit. The group is capped at 12 people, which is another point in its favor.

The price also reflects the location. You do not need to spend most of a day traveling to a distant wildlife site. The islands are close to Reykjavik, and the tour gives you a fast route from the city to the birds and back.

I think the value is strongest if you care about both wildlife and the boat ride. If you only want to see puffins and do not enjoy speedboats, the cost may feel high for an hour. If you enjoy a bit of motion, want a guide, and have limited time, the package makes more sense.

Remember to budget for waterproof shoes if you do not already have them. The protective suit is supplied, but shoes are not. Food and drinks are also your responsibility, though the short duration means you may not need refreshments during the activity.

Weather, comfort, and safety limits

The captain makes the final decision about sailing based on weather conditions, safety, and passenger comfort. That is a sensible rule for a small open boat. Icelandic weather can change, and an outing that feels fine in the harbor may be less comfortable once the RIB reaches the bay.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters. These restrictions are especially relevant because the boat ride can be more active than a standard sightseeing cruise.

If you are prone to discomfort on boats, think carefully before booking. The tour lasts only one hour, but a short ride can still feel demanding in rough conditions. The supplied suit protects you from wet weather, not from every effect of wind and motion.

I would wear warm layers under the suit and use footwear that can handle wet conditions. The supplied goggles are practical, but you should still protect any camera or phone from spray. The operator’s weather policy favors safety, so a departure may depend on the captain’s judgment.

Who will enjoy this puffin tour most?

This outing suits you if you want a short activity with a clear focus. Families with children may like the combination of fast boat travel and unusual wildlife, though the minimum height is 140 centimeters and the ride may not suit every child.

It is also a good match for photographers who are comfortable with a challenge. You can get close to the islands, but puffins are quick, small subjects. A fast shutter speed and patience will help, though the tour does not promise perfect photo conditions.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to look for more than puffins. Northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots add variety, and the guide provides context as you go.

I would be more cautious if you have back trouble, are pregnant, are under the height limit, or want a slow, sheltered cruise. The RIB is part of the appeal, but it is also the main reason this trip will not suit everyone.

Should you book the Reykjavik Puffin Express?

Book it if you want a fast, focused puffin outing that takes only an hour and starts right in Reykjavik. The close approach to Lundey and Akurey, the small group, the supplied protective gear, and the guide’s bird information make it a practical choice for a busy Iceland itinerary.

Think twice if you need a gentle boat ride, want guaranteed close-up photographs, or prefer to spend several hours searching for wildlife. Puffins can be difficult to capture on camera, and weather may affect the trip.

For most people who meet the height and health requirements, I see this as a lively introduction to Iceland’s seabirds. The ride gives you energy, the island stop gives you real wildlife, and the short schedule leaves plenty of time for the rest of Reykjavik.

FAQ

Where does the puffin tour depart from?

It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Look for the small wooden hut in a row of huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure. This allows time to prepare for the boat ride.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts one hour.

How far are the puffin islands from Reykjavik?

Lundey and Akurey are about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor by boat.

Which birds might I see?

You may see puffins, northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.

Is protective clothing provided?

Yes. The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. Waterproof shoes are not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard tour, though they are available to purchase as an add-on.

What language is the live tour conducted in?

The live guide speaks English. The Special Tours app also provides text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese.

Who should not take this tour?

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