Puffins feel close enough to touch. This 1-hour Reykjavík trip takes you out to puffin-heavy islands from the Bay of Reykjavík, using a fast RIB speed boat so you can view colonies at close range. I like that you get full-body waterproof gear plus goggles, so the cold wind doesn’t run the show.

Two things I really love: the chance to get up close to wild puffins, and the way the boat keeps you mobile enough to reach active areas rather than just waiting far offshore. The viewing angle is simply better when the boat can move.

One drawback to think about: the ride is quick and seats can feel a bit hard on the back. If you have back problems, you’re told this tour isn’t suitable, and you should take that seriously.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Full-body waterproof suit + goggles so you stay warm and dry while you look for birds
• RIB speed boat with suspension seats for closer viewing than bigger vessels
• Sea views of Harpa Concert Hall while you cruise along Reykjavík’s coastline
• Puffin math that makes the trip feel bigger: Iceland holds about 60% of the world’s puffins
• Islands you can reach on this route often total around 40,000 puffins
• Your guide adds conservation context, including how puffin hunting is harmful and needs to stop

A RIB speed-boat is the smart way to see puffins from Reykjavík

If you only see puffins from a distance, you mostly get specks. This tour is built to avoid that. On a RIB, the boat can get nearer to the islands so you’re looking at birds, not dots.

It also changes the mood. Speed boats feel more like “watching in the wild” than “standing on a deck.” Even when the puffins aren’t everywhere at once, you have a better chance of catching them while the boat is moving.

And yes, you get that classic Reykjavík-to-coastline vibe too, not just open water. The Harpa Concert Hall view from sea is one of those small moments that makes the whole trip feel grounded in place.

Getting suited up at the Reykjavík By Boat hut

This one runs on punctual prep. You meet at a row of wooden huts by the harbor area, in a small hut marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure so you can get kitted up without rushing.

You’ll be provided with a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. That setup matters because puffin watching is wind-and-spray weather most of the year. You don’t just dress warmly; you’re protected from getting wet.

Bring comfortable shoes and warm layers. Waterproof shoes are not included, and it’s easy to underestimate how much cold can creep in if your footwear isn’t up to the job. Also note the luggage rule: no luggage or large bags, so travel light.

Two practical constraints: the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and anyone under 140 cm. If you’re near that height limit, check before you book.

Cruising along Reykjavík’s coast before the birds

Once you’re aboard, you follow the shoreline out toward the Bay of Reykjavík. You’ll see Reykjavík’s coastline from the water, and the big “Iceland postcard” moment here is Harpa Concert Hall viewed from sea.

I like this part because it breaks the trip into two phases: first, the city views; then, the jump from urban to wild. In just an hour, that contrast makes the whole excursion feel more like an experience than a checklist.

Because the boat is a custom-built RIB with suspension seats, you’re not just sitting on something flat and unforgiving. Still, it’s a speed boat. It’s normal to feel motion.

Out to the puffin islands: about 40,000 birds in sight-range areas

This is the main event: puffins. The tour heads toward islands in the Reykjavík area that are known for large colonies—around 40,000 puffins on the populated island areas you’re traveling toward.

Then there’s the big global context. Iceland is home to roughly 60% of the world’s puffins, and this tour is one of the ways to understand why that matters. You’re not only getting a fun bird-watching moment; you’re seeing why Iceland has become a key home for these seabirds.

What you should expect in the viewing: close-range puffin watching that’s better than what you’d get on larger boats. A RIB can position closer to the colonies while keeping you moving enough to track where birds are active.

What your guide focuses on besides birds

The puffins are the headline, but the commentary adds substance. Your live English guide doesn’t just point out what you’re seeing. They also talk about puffin hunting and why it’s detrimental, with an emphasis on the need to stop it.

That conservation context is valuable because it connects the birds in front of you with the pressures they face. It turns the trip from a photo stop into a story you can carry home—one that’s specific to Iceland’s wildlife situation.

Some guides also vary where you’re taken within the puffin-populated zones, depending on where birds are most active. The overall aim stays the same: get you into the best viewing chances within the short time window.

The 1-hour format: fast, focused, and not built for slow pacing

The schedule is simple: you suit up, go out on the boat, watch puffins, then head back. A 1-hour duration means you’re not sitting around waiting for ideal conditions for half the day.

In real terms, it feels like an intense burst. You’re bundled up, watching carefully, then you’re back at the harbor. If you like quick, high-impact activities, this is exactly that.

The trade-off is comfort. The ride is quick, and one detail that stands out from recent feedback is that the boat seats can feel hard on the back. If you’re sensitive to rougher seating or motion, consider that seriously before booking.

Price and value: what about $81 is actually paying for?

At around $81 per person for a 1-hour tour, you’re paying for three things that are hard to replicate on your own: guided spotting, close-access boat transport, and the winter-ready gear.

You’re not just buying the boat ride. The tour includes a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest, which can save you from buying (or renting) gear you might not use again. The guided component also helps you spend the limited time where it counts—watching and understanding what you’re seeing.

A few items aren’t included: food and drinks, pickup and drop-off (pickup is available as an add-on), and waterproof shoes. If you plan a day on the harbor, bring your own snacks if you want something after. Otherwise, budget for what you’ll want to grab nearby.

Who this puffin speed-boat tour suits best

This tour fits best if you want close-up puffin viewing without a long outing. If you’re in Reykjavík for a short time and you still want a real wildlife moment, the 1-hour format is a big advantage.

It’s also ideal if you like active travel. You’re on the water moving toward colonies, not watching from one fixed spot. And if you’re the type who likes good photos, the close-range setup gives you a better chance at recognizable puffin shots.

It’s not the best choice if you have mobility or comfort limits tied to motion. The tour specifically says it’s not suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, and anyone under 140 cm.

Should you book this Reykjavík RIB puffin tour?

Book it if you want the close-range puffin experience that bigger boats often can’t deliver, and if you’re comfortable with a fast, chilly water ride. The included waterproof suit and goggles make the experience much easier than trying to self-plan cold-weather bird watching.

Pass or reconsider if you’re worried about seat comfort, motion sensitivity, or you fall into the stated non-suitable categories. Also keep expectations realistic: it’s only one hour, so it’s built for focused viewing, not leisurely cruising.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík puffin RIB tour?

The tour lasts 1 hour.

What is included in the price?

You get a guided tour, a full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest.

Do I need waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes are not included. You should bring comfortable shoes, and dress for warm weather.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at a small wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Aim to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure to prepare.

Is pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is available as an add-on.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The guide provides a live tour in English.

Who shouldn’t take this tour?

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

What are the booking and cancellation rules?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now & pay later option.

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