Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal

Reykjavik’s premium puffin tour is interesting because you’re not stuck watching birds from a distance on land. You’re heading out by RIB (a fast, maneuverable inflatable boat) so you can get as close as safety rules allow, then spend your time watching the birds where they actually work and feed.

I really like two things about this experience: the small group size (so the guide can keep an eye on everyone) and the included warm flotation gear, which matters when the wind is sharp. The one real consideration, though, is that “up close” still means a respectful distance from nesting areas, and the ride can feel bouncy if the water is choppy.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Max 12 people keeps the tour personal and makes it easier for the crew to manage safety and stopping points
• RIB speed and closeness help you see puffins actively swimming, flying, and carrying fish
• Warm flotation suit and protective gear cut down on how cold and uncomfortable wind can feel
• Live guidance on puffins and other seabirds makes the hour more than just a sightseeing boat ride
• Phone-friendly help, plus photos from the guide if you want an easier way to capture the moment

Why a RIB Puffin Tour From Reykjavik Feels Different

If your only plan is to look for puffins from shore, you’ll quickly run into the same problem everywhere: puffins are small, fast, and very skittish. A lot of your viewing time turns into squinting and hoping the birds come closer. This tour is built to fix that by taking you out by RIB, where the crew can position the boat near the puffins while still following wildlife safety distance rules.

What I like about the “close and personal” idea here is that it’s practical, not vague. You’re not paying for a promise that you’ll stand on an island with birds. You’re paying for a boat approach that gives you more time seeing real puffin behavior: groups on the water, birds taking off from the cliffs, and quick moments where you can spot fish being delivered.

Also, this is a great fit for Reykjavik. Most days in the city are packed with museums, harbor walks, and viewpoints. A one-hour wildlife excursion gives you a change of pace without eating your whole schedule.

Price and Value: Getting Big Wildlife Time for About $85

At $85 per person for about an hour on the water, this is not a budget activity. But it is fairly priced for what you get in Iceland terms: a small-group RIB outing, safety gear, and hands-on wildlife spotting. You’re also not adding a lot of travel overhead, since the tour operates from right in Reykjavik.

Two value points stand out for me:

First, the tour is capped around 12 travelers, which you feel immediately. The guide can explain what you should look for, reposition the boat at the right moments, and manage the group when weather and waves shift.

Second, you’re buying time with a guide, not just transport. The best puffin tours teach you what you’re seeing, not just that birds exist. This one includes excellent live guidance, and the crew typically calls out other seabirds too, so your hour feels fuller.

If you’re trying to plan ahead, note that on average this kind of tour is booked about 56 days in advance. If your dates are limited, don’t wait too long.

Where You Meet and What the Gear Setup Changes

You’ll meet at Elding Whale Watching at Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That loop matters because it keeps the day simpler, especially if you’re walking Reykjavik already.

A mobile ticket is included, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which is handy if you’re not renting a car.

Now to the gear, because it’s a big part of the comfort math. This tour includes a warm flotation suit plus the necessary safety equipment. In plain terms, it means you can focus on the birds instead of spending the whole hour battling wind chill.

Based on past experiences shared by riders, you may also be given or encouraged to use extra protective items such as hats, gloves, goggles, and eye protection. The goal is straightforward: keep you warm enough that you can actually watch, not just survive the outing.

Small note that affects your planning: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off and snacks aren’t included. You can still make it work easily. Just eat beforehand, then dress for wind and splash.

Lundey Puffins: What You Can Expect at the Main Stop

The tour’s main on-water wildlife time centers on Lundey, and you’ll have about 40 minutes there. That’s the part that delivers the “close” feeling, because the boat can get you near puffin habitat rather than just passing far offshore.

Here’s the practical reality: you will observe puffins from a respectful distance. Puffins nest on small islands off the coast, and they’re sensitive to disturbance. So even when you’re close, you’re still watching from the water, not stepping onto land.

What you should hope to see during your viewing window:

• Puffins on the water, moving in groups
• Birds taking off from cliffs and landing again nearby
• Moments where fish appear in the beak, followed by a quick repositioning
• Other seabirds sharing the same general area

Also, puffins are only in Iceland during their nesting season. If your trip overlaps the wrong time, you might miss the main show entirely, even with a great boat captain and guide.

How Close Is Close: Photography, Binoculars, and Boat Motion

This is where expectations can clash. The tour is designed for closeness, but puffins are tiny at distance, and they move fast. Even when you feel like you’re near enough, phone cameras can struggle because you’re shooting small birds on a rocking platform.

One useful tip from riders who wanted better detail: bring your own binoculars. Some people report that the binoculars provided weren’t sharp enough to clearly see fine cliff details. With your own pair, you’ll be able to track birds quickly and get more satisfying views when they pop up briefly.

As for photos, plan for tradeoffs. A RIB ride is exciting, and the seating is designed for safety and stability, including cushioned seating that moves with the boat. Still, when the water is choppy, getting clean photos takes timing.

What helps:

• Keep your phone ready, but expect that some moments will be quick
• Use binoculars first, then switch to your camera once you’ve found the action
• Don’t chase every bird. Watch one section of cliff or water for a few minutes

On the plus side, guides often take pictures with a stronger camera setup. Some tours also share those photos at the end, which can be a lifesaver if the birds were too quick for your hands.

Comfort on the Water: Seasickness, Wind, and Realistic Toughness

A RIB tour can sound like a rough, physically intense adventure. In practice, the experience is often described as safe and well managed. But the boat is still a fast inflatable, so water conditions matter.

I’d plan for two comfort realities at the same time:

1. The crew usually knows how to keep things as stable as possible, and many riders say the ride is smoother than expected when seas are calmer.
2. If the wind picks up, you can feel it. Some riders have reported seasickness or a noticeably rougher ride.

So think of the tour as moderate effort, not a fitness challenge. Still, the company notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, and there’s a minimum age of 10 years or 145 cm for safety.

My practical advice:

• Dress extra warm even if you think you won’t need it. The gear helps, but wind still bites
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before the tour
• Bring layers you can move in easily, so you can sit comfortably and stay focused

Guides, Safety, and the Human Touch That Makes the Hour Work

The difference between an average wildlife tour and a great one is the guide. On this tour, the guidance is live and active, not just a checklist of facts. Riders have highlighted guides with names like Adam, Naina, Tarzan, Andy, and captains who run the RIB with confidence. There’s also office support from Sara, including help with special transport requests.

What good live guidance looks like in your hour on the water:

• The guide tells you what behavior to look for, not just that birds are present
• The crew helps you focus on likely spots around the habitat
• You get context on seabirds in the same area, so you’re not staring at one species the whole time

Safety is part of this too. The tour includes necessary safety equipment, and many riders specifically say they felt safe throughout. When you’re in cold wind, safety communication isn’t a small thing. It’s the reason you can enjoy the ride instead of guessing what to do.

Wildlife Extras: More Than Just Puffins

Even though puffins are the headline, the same outing can bring extra wildlife. Some riders have reported seeing a humpback whale in the same general area. You also may spot other seabirds while the guide talks through what’s happening.

This matters because it changes the feel of the hour. If puffins are slow, you still get wildlife interest. And if puffins are active, your guide will usually connect what you’re seeing to how the birds feed and move around nesting areas.

Don’t count on extras. But do appreciate that the outing is run by a company accustomed to marine wildlife, so the crew is likely scanning for more than one thing.

Who Should Book This Puffin Tour, and Who Might Prefer Another Option

This is a strong pick if you want:

• A short, high-impact Reykjavik activity
• Up-close viewing from a RIB while staying on the water
• Warm gear and safety support so you can focus on wildlife
• A small group experience where the guide can keep the tour moving well

It may not be the best match if:

• You expect to be practically at puffin eye level on land. Even with closeness, you’ll view them from the boat at a respectful distance.
• You know you feel sick in a moving boat. The RIB ride is often fine, but conditions can make it rough.
• You’re sensitive to the idea that “close” still has limits due to nesting rules. That distance is there for a reason, and it can disappoint people who pictured something more hands-on.

If you’re traveling with a family, the minimum age and height rule can help you gauge suitability. And if you’re visiting as part of a cruise or have special transport needs, past riders report that the office may help coordinate appropriate transport for certain situations.

Should You Book Reykjavik Premium Puffin Tour: Close Up and Personal?

I’d book it if you want the best shot at seeing puffins during the nesting season without sacrificing your whole day. The combination of a small group, warm flotation gear, and live guidance turns the hour into real wildlife time, not just a quick photo stop.

Skip it or consider another approach if your top priority is maximum closeness with no restrictions on distance. This tour is close, but it is still designed around respectful viewing. Also take motion seriously if you’re seasickness-prone.

Bottom line: for most people who want puffins in Reykjavik, this is a smart use of time. Plan for wind, bring binoculars if you care about detail, and treat the puffins like fast, tiny neighbors you’re lucky to spot, not like animals that will pose on command.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour?

The tour runs for about 1 hour, with roughly 40 minutes at the Lundey puffin stop.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $85.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Elding Whale Watching, Ægisgarður 5c, 101 Reykjavík, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What safety and warm gear are included?

The tour includes a warm flotation suit and necessary safety equipment.

Are snacks provided?

No. Snacks are not included.

What is the minimum age or height?

Minimum age is 10 years, or 145 cm.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English, and you get a confirmation at booking time.

Does this tour require good weather?

Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.