Reykjavik puffins, up close and quick. This RIB speedboat trip from Old Harbour takes you to nearby islands where puffins are the star and the whole outing is over in about an hour.

I like that the plan is built for close puffin viewing, not just “passing by from far out.” You’ll also get the cold-weather kit that makes time outside actually comfortable: a waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, in a small group limited to 12. One thing to plan around: the captain can choose not to sail based on weather.

Quick Reasons to Go

• Fast one-hour format that fits Reykjavik timing
• Engine-off viewing once you reach the islands
• Up-close access thanks to the RIB’s shallow draft
• Included waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest
• Guided bird spotting with extra species beyond puffins
• App support in 5 languages for extra facts during the ride

A One-Hour Puffin Sprint From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour

This tour is short on purpose. You start at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, then head out to two small islands in the bay: Lundey and Akurey. The islands are only about 15 minutes from the harbour, so you spend less time in transit and more time looking at birds.

Why that matters: Iceland trips are often a juggle. Weather can change plans fast, daylight is precious, and you may want to save the rest of the day for geothermal pools, a city stroll, or a longer drive. A one-hour wildlife cruise is a smart way to add puffins without eating the whole day.

You also get a fun, energizing boat style. This is a RIB speedboat, built for speed and getting into the right viewing position. If you like active tours with clear goals (in this case: puffins), you’ll probably enjoy the pace.

Included Waterproof Gear That Actually Helps

Cold water and salty spray aren’t theoretical here. The tour includes a full full-body waterproof suit, plus goggles and a life vest. That’s a big value point because it reduces what you need to pack, and it makes a big difference if the wind is up.

You’ll still want to think ahead on footwear. Waterproof shoes are not included, so bring something you’re comfortable wearing for wet, rocky edges around a boat dock area. If you’re traveling light, at least make sure you have warm socks and a grip-friendly pair for getting on and off.

Practical detail: since you arrive at a wooden hut marked for the boat, you’ll likely have a short walk and some waiting before departure. Having the suit and goggles on-hand means you can get ready quickly and not waste your best viewing minutes.

The Ride Out: Why a RIB Makes Puffin Watching Better

The biggest difference between this kind of tour and slower boat options is positioning time. A faster boat helps you get to the islands quickly, and that keeps the outing focused. The route heads to Lundey and Akurey, which are both known for their colorful bird life.

On the ride out, you’ll see Reykjavik’s coast and bay from the water. That’s great even before the birds show up. Expect mountain views around the bay area, plus the city’s feel from a different angle. If you’re coming during lower light, the experience can be extra atmospheric with Reykjavik’s lights reflecting over the water.

One more practical win: the RIB’s shallow draft is designed to handle rocky shores more effectively. The idea is simple. If you can get closer safely, you can watch small birds without treating every moment like a distant binocular workout.

Arriving on the Islands: Engine Off for Real Watching

Once you reach the islands, the crew does something that really improves bird spotting: they turn off the engine so passengers can observe. That matters more than it sounds. Puffins and other seabirds are active in their own rhythms, and turning off the engine helps you focus on what’s happening on the ground and along the rocky edges.

Your licensed guide shares information while you’re there, including details about puffins and other birds you may see. This is where the tour turns from “cool boat ride” into something you can talk about later with actual facts.

Beyond puffins, you might also spot:

• Northern fulmars
• Gulls
• Arctic terns
• Black guillemots

I like having the guide cue your attention. On a rocky shore, it’s easy to miss what matters. A good guide helps you scan efficiently, and you get more from the short time you have on the islands.

Bird Noise, Bird Facts, and the Limits of Cameras

Here’s the honest reality of puffin watching: these birds are small and fast. In a verified booking from June 2023, a guest praised the guide for knowing lots of puffin facts, plus for impersonating the noises puffins make, which you often would not notice otherwise. That kind of guide energy can help you enjoy the experience even if your camera struggles.

For the recording part, manage expectations. A different review note called out that puffins can be hard to photograph or record because they’re small and quick. That’s not a flaw in the tour. It’s just how puffins behave.

So I suggest a simple strategy:

• Treat the first goal as seeing clearly.
• Use your camera as a tool, not a promise.

If you keep your eyes on the action first, you’ll still leave happy even when video footage turns out choppy.

Views Over Reykjavik Bay: More Than Just Birds

Puffins are the main point, but the setting helps. Lundey and Akurey sit in Reykjavik Bay, and the trip gives you a water-level view of mountains and coastline curves. Even if the bird action varies a bit day to day, the scenery from the boat is still part of the fun.

Also, the tour’s timing is short enough that you’re not exhausted by the time you’re done. That’s underrated. A lot of “big day” Reykjavik plans involve mixing time on land and time on the water. Getting back in about an hour makes it easier to keep momentum.

If you’re traveling with someone who can’t commit to a long cruise, this is a strong compromise. You still get the Reykjavik-from-the-water feeling, but without losing half a day.

Special Tours Experience: Why One-Hour Puffin Cruising Works

Special Tours Iceland positions itself as a pioneer in puffin watching, with more than 20 years of experience. They also mention having a great selection of boats, and that matters because puffin seasons depend on conditions.

You’ll also notice the tour format reflects that long-running know-how. The route focuses on the two local islands and keeps the outing tight. The plan includes turning off the engine at the islands. It includes a guide who covers more than puffins, so you’re not standing there with nothing but hope.

There’s even extra support built in. You can download the Special Tours Iceland app during the tour, with text and audio in five languages: English, German, French, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. It’s not the same as a live guide, but it adds context while you’re watching—especially helpful if you want to connect what you’re seeing to basic behavior and bird names.

Price and Value: Is $84 Reasonable for One Hour?

At $84 per person for about one hour, this tour sits in the “pay for convenience and close access” category. It’s not cheap, but it isn’t random pricing either.

Here’s the value math I see:

• You’re paying for a fast boat ride to islands that are close to the city.
• You’re paying for guided interpretation during the time you’re on the islands.
• You’re paying for gear that many visitors would otherwise need to rent or buy: waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest.
• You’re paying for a small group experience capped at 12 participants.

If you were trying to do this alone, you’d still have to solve transportation to the islands, safety gear, and wildlife spotting help. In that light, the price starts to make sense as a short, guided, gear-included wildlife window.

Who This Tour Fits, and Who Should Skip It

This isn’t listed as universally comfortable. It’s a boat tour, and conditions can vary. The tour is also explicitly marked as not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people under 140 cm (4 ft 6 in)

I’d take those limits seriously. A RIB’s ride can be bouncy, and the experience includes getting suited up and being on deck during the ride.

Who it suits best:

• Families who want puffins without a long day
• People staying in Reykjavik who don’t want to rent a car
• Anyone who values a guide to help you spot small, quick birds

Practical Timing: Getting Ready Before Departure

This one is all about quick prep. You should aim to arrive at the wooden hut area marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT at least 30 minutes before departure so the crew can get you prepared for the tour.

Because the tour is weather dependent, you also want your schedule loose enough to handle changes. The captain decides whether to sail based on experience, prioritizing safety and passenger comfort.

If you’re traveling with camera gear, give yourself time to get set up with layers, suit adjustments, and goggles before you leave. Once you’re underway, you’ll want your brain on bird-spotting mode, not troubleshooting.

Should You Book the Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat?

I’d book this if you want puffins fast, you like an active boat outing, and you appreciate included gear. The one-hour timing is a real win, and the engine-off viewing plus the guide’s bird focus makes it more than a quick nature drive.

Skip it (or look for another option) if you fall into the listed limits for comfort and safety, or if you know you’re very sensitive to boat motion. And keep your expectations realistic about photography. Puffins are small and quick, so your best memories will come from watching and listening, not from perfect footage.

If you’re in Reykjavik with limited time, this tour gives you a high-density wildlife moment with minimal hassle. For $84, you’re buying close access, a guided bird lesson, and time well spent.

FAQ

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The duration is about 1 hour.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the wooden hut area marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour.

What’s included in the price?

Included: a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, a life vest, and a guided tour.

What should I bring since waterproof shoes are not included?

You’ll want to bring your own waterproof shoes or waterproof footwear suitable for wet conditions, plus warm layers under the suit.

Is the tour guaranteed to run?

No. It depends on weather conditions, and the captain decides whether to sail based on safety and comfort.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and people under 140 cm (4 ft 6 in).

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