Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

Puffins are small birds with big personality. This one-hour RIB boat trip from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor takes you to Lundey and Akurey, two nearby islands where large puffin colonies gather. I like the fast, exciting ride and the chance to see the birds from close range without giving up half a day. The main drawback is simple: puffins are quick, small, and not always easy to photograph.

I also like the small group of up to 12 people, which should give you a better view than a crowded sightseeing boat. At $84 per person, the tour is not cheap for one hour, but the short format and central departure make it useful when your Iceland schedule is packed. Good weather matters, and the captain can decide not to sail if conditions are not safe or comfortable.

Key points to know before you book

• Lundey and Akurey are only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, so most of the hour is spent near the islands rather than crossing open water.
• The RIB boat can approach the rocky island shores closely because it has a shallow draft.
• The engine is turned off near the islands, giving you a quieter chance to watch puffins and other seabirds.
• A full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest are included, but waterproof shoes are not.
• The group is limited to 12 participants, making this a more personal outing than a large harbor cruise.
• Puffins are hard to capture on camera, so bring patience more than photographic confidence.

A quick ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

The tour begins at the Old Harbor, in a small wooden hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. You need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival is not wasted time: you must get fitted with the safety gear before walking to the boat.

Special Tours has run puffin trips for more than 20 years, and this particular RIB format is built around speed and access. A RIB, or rigid inflatable boat, is smaller and more agile than a standard sightseeing vessel. It can move quickly across the bay, then approach shallow, rocky shores without needing deep water.

That design matters here. Lundey and Akurey are low, rocky islands rather than polished visitor attractions. You do not get off the boat. Instead, the captain positions the RIB near the shore, and the crew lets you watch the birds from the water.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You will be moving quickly across Reykjavik Bay, with views back toward the city and out toward the surrounding mountains. The trip is short, but it gives you a change of pace from museums, shops, and geothermal pools. You get a little sea air, a bit of speed, and a clear reason for being on the water.

The gear makes Icelandic weather easier

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. These are practical items, not decorative extras. Even on a pleasant day, a fast boat creates wind, and the water around Reykjavik can feel cold.

You need to bring waterproof shoes. That is an easy detail to miss. The suit helps protect your clothing, but your footwear is not supplied, so sturdy waterproof shoes are the sensible choice.

The goggles are useful during the ride, especially if the boat is moving at speed. They also help keep wind and spray out of your eyes while you look toward the islands. You may want to keep your phone or camera protected inside the suit until the boat slows down.

The clothing can feel bulky, and you may not have the freedom of movement you would on a regular harbor cruise. Still, on a one-hour trip, comfort and protection matter more than looking tidy. Iceland is not the place to dress for a fashion photograph when you are heading out on a fast boat.

Lundey and Akurey: two islands built for bird watching

Lundey and Akurey sit in Reykjavik Bay, about 15 minutes from the harbor. Both islands are small, with hills, slopes, and rocky edges. Their importance comes from the birds that use them, not from anything you can visit on land.

Puffins are the main attraction. During the tour season, the islands can hold thousands of them. You may see birds perched on the slopes, gathered near the shore, or moving quickly across the water. The RIB can get close enough for a good look, but close does not mean still. Puffins are active and surprisingly fast.

The captain turns off the engine near the islands. This is one of the best parts of the trip. The sudden quiet gives you time to focus on the birds rather than the boat. It also allows the guide to explain what you are seeing without competing with a running motor.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is wildlife watching, not a controlled animal encounter. The guide and captain can bring you to the islands, but they cannot arrange where each puffin sits or how long it stays in view. Some moments may be excellent, while others may call for patience.

The small group helps here. With no more than 12 people, you have a better chance of seeing past other heads and finding a useful place along the boat’s sides. The boat’s shape and seating position can affect your view, so keep watching rather than assuming the best sight will come from one fixed spot.

More than puffins: fulmars, gulls, and Arctic terns

The islands support more than one species. Keep watch for northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots. Each gives the guide another way to explain the bird life of the bay.

The guide covers puffin behavior and identification, along with facts about the other birds. One especially memorable part of the guiding can be hearing an imitation of puffin calls. Puffins are often photographed, but their sounds are less familiar, so that extra bit of explanation helps you notice the birds as living animals rather than colorful subjects on a postcard.

The tour is conducted in English. Special Tours also offers an app for Android and Apple devices, with text and audio information in English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. The live guide remains in English, but the app can give you additional information in another language.

I would treat the app as a useful supplement rather than the main reason to book. The value of this trip comes from being on the water, hearing the guide at the islands, and watching the birds in real time. Still, the extra audio and text material may help if you want more detail during the journey.

Why the one-hour length works

A one-hour wildlife trip is a good fit for a busy Reykjavik day. The islands are close, so you are not spending most of the tour getting there. After preparation, the boat reaches the bird area quickly, and the return to the harbor is also straightforward.

This timing works well if you have a few open hours between other plans. You can add it to a day that includes central Reykjavik without committing to a long excursion outside the city. It may also suit you if you want to see puffins but do not want a full day on a boat.

The short duration has a tradeoff. You have less time to wait for perfect sightings, adjust your position, or sit quietly if the birds are distant. If wildlife photography is your main goal, a longer outing may offer more opportunities, but this tour is not presented as a dedicated photography trip.

The boat ride also makes the hour feel active. You are not simply sitting in a large cabin while the city passes by. You will deal with wind, motion, safety gear, and the occasional difficulty of holding a camera steady. That is part of the fun, but it may not suit you if you prefer a calm, sheltered cruise.

The $84 price: fair for convenience, less so for length

At $84 per person, this is a fairly substantial price for a one-hour activity. The cost makes more sense when you consider what is included: a guided outing, safety equipment, a small group, and a fast boat that reaches the islands in about 15 minutes.

You are also paying for location and time. The departure point is central, pickup is not required, and the whole activity fits neatly into a Reykjavik itinerary. If you are trying to see several sides of Iceland without sacrificing a full day, that convenience has real value.

The price is harder to justify if you want a long wildlife session or a guaranteed close-up photograph. Puffins are wild birds, and the captain cannot promise a particular number of sightings. The tour is best value for you if you want a lively introduction to Reykjavik’s bird life, not if you expect a long expedition.

Food and drinks are not included, although you do not need them for a one-hour trip. Pickup and drop-off are available at an additional cost, but the central harbor meeting point makes them unnecessary for many people staying in Reykjavik.

Weather, safety, and who should skip it

The captain decides if the boat sails based on weather, safety, and passenger comfort. That is important in Iceland, where conditions can shift and the bay can feel very different from the harbor. A cancellation or change caused by weather is frustrating, but it is preferable to forcing a fast boat onto uncomfortable water.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone under 4 feet 6 inches, or 140 centimeters. The RIB’s speed and movement are central to the experience, so this is not a gentle sightseeing boat.

You should also think about motion and cold. The included suit helps, but the boat ride remains active. If you are comfortable with a brisk trip on open water and can manage the safety equipment, the format is appealing. If you have a sensitive back or want a quiet, stable platform, choose a different way to see the bay.

Getting good views without chasing the perfect photo

Puffins are difficult subjects. They are small, quick, and often far less cooperative than their cartoon-like appearance suggests. A phone can record the experience, but you may end up with tiny birds rather than frame-filling portraits.

I would spend the first minutes watching with your eyes. Once you have seen how the birds move, take a few photographs, then put the camera down again. The engine is off near the islands, so you have a valuable quiet window to listen to the guide and watch the slopes and shore.

Keep your camera protected during the fast part of the ride. The waterproof suit is helpful, but it is not a substitute for protecting delicate equipment. Goggles make it easier to watch during the ride, while the boat’s speed means you should expect wind and possible spray.

Your best memory may not be a sharp photo. It may be the sight of many puffins gathered on a rocky island, with Reykjavik and the mountains behind you. The setting gives the trip more meaning than a simple close-up bird encounter.

Who will enjoy the Puffin Express most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want a clear, focused activity. It suits adults, families with children who meet the height requirement, and anyone who enjoys a little speed with their sightseeing.

The trip also works well for first-time visitors who want a taste of Iceland’s wildlife without arranging transport beyond the city. The guide adds useful context, and the small group keeps the outing from feeling anonymous.

You may want to skip it if your priority is guaranteed photography, a long wildlife watch, or a calm boat ride. You should also avoid booking if you have back problems, are pregnant, or are below the minimum height.

Special Tours has operated puffin trips for many years, and the format is easy to understand: suit up, speed across the bay, watch the birds with the engine off, then return to the harbor. That clear plan is one of its strengths.

Should you book this Reykjavik puffin tour?

Book it if you want a lively one-hour outing that combines a fast RIB ride with close views of puffins and other seabirds. The short route to Lundey and Akurey, the small group, and the included protective gear make it convenient for a busy stay in Reykjavik.

Before you reserve, check the weather forecast and bring waterproof shoes. Go in expecting wild birds rather than perfect photographs. If you can accept that uncertainty, the trip offers a memorable look at Reykjavik Bay and a welcome burst of energy for $84.

FAQ

Where does the puffin watching tour depart?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Find the small wooden hut in the row of huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you have time to prepare for the boat trip.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts one hour. Check availability for the specific starting times.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

Do I need to bring waterproof shoes?

Yes. Waterproof shoes are not included, so you should bring your own.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain decides whether to sail based on weather conditions, safety, and passenger comfort.