Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour by RIB Speedboat

This tour is interesting because it’s built around one simple goal, get you close to puffins fast, without wasting your whole day. A RIB speedboat zips out from Reykjavik, then the engine is turned off when you reach the islands so you can actually watch the birds in their own rhythm.

I like that you get real wildlife time in a tight schedule, just one hour from start to finish. I also like the practical inclusions like a full-body waterproof suit plus goggles and a life vest, because in Iceland that stuff matters more than fancy plans.

The main drawback to keep in mind is that the trip depends on weather, so the captain may adjust sailing for safety and comfort.

Key Points Before You Go

• RIB speedboat to Lundey and Akurey, islands about 15 minutes from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour
• Engine off on arrival, so you can observe birds without noise or fumes
• Small group of up to 12, which makes the guide’s explanations easier to follow
• Included waterproof suit, goggles, and life vest, so you’re not scrambling for gear
• Puffins are small and quick, so photography is possible but not easy
• You’ll also spot other seabirds, including northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots

Why Lundey and Akurey Make Puffin Watching Work

If you’re short on time in Reykjavik, this is one of the cleanest ways to aim for puffins. The islands used here, Lundey and Akurey, sit right in Reykjavík Bay, close enough that the whole experience can fit into a one-hour window.

That proximity changes the feel of the trip. Instead of losing your day to long transfers, you spend your time on the water and then focused watching once you arrive. You’ll still get those Reykjavik-to-coastline views, including mountains and city light glimpses when conditions line up, but the emphasis stays on the wildlife.

The One-Hour Plan That Respects Your Time

The ride starts at the Old Harbour of Reykjavík, and the tour is designed to stay compact. You’ll depart from there, reach the islands area quickly, and then slow down the experience when it matters most for bird watching.

The key moment is when the captain turns off the engine after arriving at Lundey and Akurey. That’s not just a nice gesture. Puffins are active and easily distracted, and watching them works better when the boat is quiet. With the guide speaking in real time and the engine off, you can actually track behavior, like how puffins move on the water and when they pop up where you can see them clearly.

The one-hour length is a big value point. It’s convenient if you’ve already got dining plans, museum time, or a Northern Lights plan later. You’re not committing to a half-day tour just to see birds for a short stretch.

Meeting at the Wooden Hut and Getting Ready to Ride

You’ll meet at a little wooden hut in a row of wooden huts marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure. That buffer matters because you’ll want time to check in, get suited up, and get oriented before boarding.

Once you’re set, you’re ready for the boat ride. The tour provides the full-body waterproof suit, goggles, and a life vest. That’s a strong practical advantage because you’re not trying to guess what will be warm enough or what footwear will work in Icelandic wind and spray.

A smart tip: if you’ve brought your own layers, keep them simple and functional. The included suit does the heavy lifting, so you can focus on staying comfortable rather than overpacking.

The Speedboat Experience, Fast but Focused

The Puffin Express by RIB speedboat is meant to be exciting and quick. The design goal is getting close to the islands, and the RIBs help because they have a shallow draft. In plain terms, that means the boat can approach in a way that works well for rocky shores and close viewing.

Expect the ride to feel lively, since it’s a speedboat tour. At the same time, the trip isn’t just for thrill seekers. The captain and guide are operating with a safety mindset, and the itinerary is built around turning the experience into real watching time once you arrive.

On the Islands: What You’ll Actually See

Lundey and Akurey are both well known for colorful bird life. When you reach them, you’ll use the quiet window to watch puffins in their natural habitat. This is where the tour earns its reputation.

You’re looking for thousands of puffins up close, not puffins as a distant speck. In addition to puffins, you can also see other seabirds such as northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots. That variety matters because if puffins are busy or move around, you still have plenty of bird action to follow.

The guide adds structure to the time you spend watching. They share information about puffins and other birds often seen on these tours. You’re not just staring at the sea hoping for luck. You’ll be hearing what you’re looking at and how to read their behavior.

The Guide Factor, From Bird Facts to Bird Sounds

One of the strongest reasons people enjoy this tour is the guide style. In a recent puffin trip review, the guide knew lots of puffin facts and also shared details about other birds in the area. What really stood out was that the guide even impersonated puffin noises, which gives you a better mental image of what you’re seeing when the birds call.

That matters because puffin watching is partly about motion and partly about sound. If you can match what you hear to what you’re spotting, you’ll enjoy the whole hour more.

Photography Reality Check (And How to Make It Easier)

Here’s the honest part. Puffins are hard to photograph or record because they’re small and fast. That doesn’t mean you should skip your camera. It means you should adjust your expectations.

Your best approach is to treat it like a wildlife observation trip first, photo second. If you focus on getting a few solid moments rather than trying to film everything, you’ll come away happier. The tour’s one-hour timing helps here too, because you’re not exhausted and freezing for hours while the birds keep moving.

If you want photos, aim for steady framing and be ready for quick bursts. And remember, the goal is watching them in person, not winning a wildlife contest.

Weather, Safety, and Why the Captain Has Final Say

This tour is dependent on weather conditions. The captains make sailing decisions based on many years of experience, keeping passenger safety and comfort in mind.

That’s not a buzzkill. It’s the whole point of booking a boat tour with an operator that makes real-time calls. If weather makes safe approach or close viewing unreliable, the captain can adjust plans accordingly.

So when you book, keep the attitude simple: if conditions are good, you get a close-up bird show. If conditions are rough, you accept that the sea has the last word.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and What You Should Bring

The tour includes:

• Full-body waterproof suit
• Goggles
• Guided tour
• Life vest

Not included:

• Pickup and drop-off (available as an add-on)
• Food and drinks
• Waterproof shoes

That list tells you where to spend your prep energy. Bring waterproof shoes, and consider what you’ll wear under the suit. If you already have warm base layers, you’ll likely be set. If you don’t, Iceland weather can turn quickly from cold to painfully cold, even with a suit.

Also plan for snacks or a warm drink around your schedule, since food and drinks are not part of this one-hour experience.

Small Group Size, Big Difference in Bird Watching

Limited to 12 participants, this tour stays small. That matters more than you might think when you’re watching seabirds.

With fewer people, it’s easier for the guide to keep the group together and for you to maintain sightlines when boats move and passengers reposition. It also makes the explanations feel more personal, since everyone can hear and see what the guide is pointing out.

Price and Value: Why $84 Can Make Sense

The price is $84 per person for a one-hour guided RIB speedboat tour. On its face, it’s not “cheap,” but you’re not just paying for transportation.

You’re paying for:

• A boat built to reach the islands closely
• A guide who talks while you observe
• Included gear that improves comfort and safety (suit, goggles, life vest)
• A timed experience designed to fit into limited vacation hours

If you’re comparing this to longer tours, the value shifts even more in its favor. One hour is often what you can spare in a busy Reykjavik itinerary. And included waterproof gear reduces the cost and hassle of sourcing the right basics.

So for many visitors, this price is the tradeoff for convenience plus close wildlife time.

Who This Puffin Express Tour Fits Best

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want puffins without losing half your day
• Like guided wildlife explanations instead of self-guided guessing
• Appreciate included Iceland-style rain and wind gear
• Prefer small groups

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm)

If any of those apply, you’ll need a different plan.

Also, if you’re the type who hates uncertainty, remember the weather dependence. You might book knowing the captain decides.

Should You Book This Tour?

I think you should book this Puffin Express tour if you want an efficient puffin experience that’s built for close viewing, plus a guide who helps you understand what you’re seeing. The combination of a short schedule, included waterproof gear, and the engine-off observation moment is a strong recipe for a satisfying trip.

I’d skip it if you need a fully guaranteed schedule regardless of weather, or if you fall into the listed non-suitable categories. And if you care most about filming and still shots, set expectations low and focus on watching first, since puffins are small and quick.

If you want one hour in Reykjavík Bay that actually feels like wildlife time, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at a little wooden hut (in a row of wooden huts) marked REYKJAVIK BY BOAT.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Please arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure so you can prepare for the tour.

How long is the puffin watching tour?

The tour duration is 1 hour.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is English.

What birdlife can I expect besides puffins?

You can also see northern fulmars, gulls, arctic terns, and black guillemots, in addition to puffins.

What gear is included in the price?

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

Are pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available for purchase as an add-on.

What should I bring if I want the right footwear?

Waterproof shoes are not included, so you should plan to bring them.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The tour depends on weather conditions, and the captains decide based on many years of experience, keeping safety and passenger comfort in mind.