Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Tour

A RIB puffin cruise out of Reykjavik is interesting because it turns wildlife spotting into something hands-on, not distant, and you get right into the birds’ feeding and nesting zone. I love the RIB speed and close approach, because it helps you see puffins on cliffs and near the water instead of just as specks. I also love the coveralls and binoculars, which make the open-air ride much more comfortable in Iceland’s wind and cold. One possible drawback: the trip can feel bouncy on the water, so if you’re sensitive to choppy conditions, plan carefully.

You’ll start early in the Old Harbour area, get suited up, then whiz across Faxaflói Bay for about an hour of bird time before returning to port. And if conditions line up, you can see hundreds of puffins, plus other seabirds like gannets, auks, and Arctic terns.

Key things that make this puffin RIB cruise special

• A RIB puts you closer to nesting spots than most conventional boats
• Two-way guidance from captain and wildlife guide helps you understand behavior fast
• Coveralls + binoculars make cold wind manageable and spotting easier
• Sea cliffs and small inlets are the main stage, where puffins nest May to August
• You might see more than puffins including gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns
• Photo help is often part of the experience, with images shared after the cruise

Faxaflói Bay by RIB: why this puffin trip feels different

This is not a long outing. It’s short, punchy, and designed around one goal: get you close to Iceland’s seabird life while you still have time to enjoy the rest of your day.

The big differentiator is the boat. A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) rides differently than larger ships. It can move fast, change course quickly, and travel in ways that keep you near the best viewing angles along the rocky coast and island edges. That matters with puffins, because you’re looking for specific things, like adults coming and going, birds perched on cliffs, and activity around nesting areas.

You’ll also feel the value in the small touches. You don’t just show up in your regular layers and hope for the best. You get coveralls for warmth and wind protection, and binoculars so you can track birds when they’re farther out or moving along the shoreline.

Meeting at Reykjavik Old Harbour and getting suited up fast

Check-in is simple and practical. You meet at the Whale Safari office in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. Plan to arrive early enough to get through the pre-departure flow without rushing.

Before you go anywhere, you’ll get a short safety briefing. Then you’ll put on the provided coveralls and get access to the safety gear. This matters more than you might expect. Open boats plus Iceland wind equals fast chills, even in summer. The coveralls help a lot, and people often comment that they stay dry and wind-blocking enough for the ride out and back.

You’ll want to wear warm clothing underneath, and you’ll be happier if your footwear is closed-toe and secure. Bring comfortable layers that you can move in, plus sports shoes. You will not want to wrestle gear or fumble with zippers once you’re on board.

One more detail that helps: avoid bringing luggage or large bags. Keep your carry-on minimal so check-in and boarding stay smooth.

The high-speed run across Faxaflói Bay

Once you launch, you’ll cross Faxaflói Bay at speed. That zoom across the water is part of the fun. It also helps you cover the best viewing stretches in a limited time window.

Because this is an open-air boat, you’ll feel the wind. This is where dressing smart pays off. If you keep your hands and chest warm, the ride becomes more “adventure” than “survival mode.”

You’ll also see wildlife on the way out. Even if puffins are the main mission, the bay is active. You might spot other seabirds offshore, and occasionally you’ll get bonus mammals such as seals or even harbor porpoises if you’re lucky.

A practical tip: if you plan to take photos with your phone, don’t hold it the whole ride. On a bumpy zodiac-style boat, it’s too easy to drop or lose control. The coveralls have storage pockets, and using them keeps your camera stable when the boat hits waves.

Puffins and more: what you look for near cliffs and island edges

The bird viewing happens as you cruise near rocky islands and sea cliffs in Faxaflói Bay. Puffins nest between May and August, so your chances are best in that window. The captain and guide position the boat to give you viewing angles where birds are resting, feeding, and flying.

Here’s what you’re actually trying to notice:

• Puffins on the rocks and cliff edges. These are the easiest sightings. Look for little silhouettes with that classic bright bill, often perched while they watch the water.
• Puffins on the water. You may see them swimming or foraging. This can be great photo time, because you can capture the whole head and bill profile.
• Puffins in flight. When birds lift off, they can fan out around the boat. Flight moments are quick, but they look dramatic against the gray-blue water and cliffs.

Along the way, keep an eye out for other seabirds that share the same waters. You might see gannets, auks, fulmars, and Arctic terns. When those species show up, the guide can help you tell them apart and understand why they’re in the same feeding zone.

Also, puffins can be skittish. If a bird startles, it may fly off and you’ll need a little patience while the captain repositions. A short tour is still plenty of time, but it does mean you should stay alert and ready rather than taking a slow approach.

How the captain and wildlife guide improve your spotting skills

The best part of this cruise is not only that you see puffins. It’s that you learn what you’re seeing in real time.

You’ll get interpretation from the captain and the wildlife guide during the cruise. Expect explanations of puffin behavior, feeding patterns, and the basics of nesting. That turns “cute bird” into “I get what’s happening here.”

One reason this matters is that puffins act like they have a schedule. Adults show up at nesting areas, move between water and cliff ledges, and spend time resting close to burrow sites. When you understand that rhythm, you know where to look and what to wait for.

You might get different guide personalities depending on the day. Names that have come up include Anna and Maria, and you may also see guides like Megan, Miquel, Rob, and Maggie. Whoever’s on board, the common thread is clear, friendly storytelling that keeps you focused and helps you read the scene.

Photo and viewing tips for a bouncing open boat

You’ll want to be realistic about photography on any RIB. The boat moves, the water changes texture, and puffins do not sit still like zoo animals.

A few things that help:

• Use binoculars first to pick out behavior. Then switch to your camera for moments when birds line up.
• Keep your phone or camera secure. Pockets in the coveralls are there for a reason. When the boat hits a wave, hands that are free are safer.
• Plan to shoot bursts. Puffin flight moments are short. A quick burst gives you better odds than one perfect still.

If you’re hoping for “wow” photos, this tour has an advantage: you’re often close enough for clear views, not just distant spotting. Many people also say the guide takes photos during the cruise and shares them afterward by email, sometimes with a zoom-friendly look that you can’t quite match with a phone.

Even if your personal photos are imperfect, you’re likely to come away with strong memories. Puffy flight, bright bills against dark rock, and birds popping up around the waterline do not get old.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip this tour

This is an outdoor, open-boat experience. So weather is a factor you cannot ignore. You will feel wind and spray even on “nice” days, and the ride can be bouncy if waves build.

The tour operator is clear about who it’s not suited for. It’s not recommended for:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm)

It also limits luggage and large bags, so keep your bag simple.

If you’re sensitive to rough water, consider carefully. Some people report the boat ride felt smooth enough that they had no seasickness issues. Others describe the ride as slapping waves on top of the water. Your best strategy is to dress for cold, keep your posture steady, and hold on safely when the boat moves.

The good news is that the coveralls help a lot. With the right layers underneath and closed-toe shoes, you’ll likely stay warmer than you expect.

Price and value: what $101 gets you in Reykjavik

At about $101 per person for a 1-hour outing, it’s not a bargain by Iceland standards. But it can still be a strong value because you’re buying access, not just entertainment.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

• A professional captain and wildlife guide running the experience
• Coveralls and safety equipment included
• Binoculars provided
• A RIB that can reach closer viewing angles around Faxaflói Bay islands and cliffs
• A concentrated burst of wildlife time that saves you from driving across the country

Also, this is one of those experiences where “short and close” beats “long and far.” If you’re staying in Reykjavik, this lets you add puffins without committing a half day to logistics. You meet at Old Harbour, ride out, watch, then return to the same area in about an hour on the water plus turnaround time.

Food and drinks are not included, so bring a plan for hydration and a snack after. Iceland mornings can feel sharp, so you’ll likely want a warm drink once you dock.

What the 1-hour format gets right (and what it leaves out)

The tour focuses on one mission, and it does that well. You get time to cruise around nesting cliffs and inlets and scan the water for activity. For most people, that is enough time to see multiple birds doing multiple things: perched, swimming, and flying.

You should still know the limitation. Puffins are wild. If birds are less active at your exact stop time, your viewing might feel less intense than the maximum-case scenario. And because you are on a RIB and the boat has to maintain safe operating distances and positioning, you won’t always get the kind of “right next to the nest” view some people dream about.

The trade-off is that the cruise is structured, fast, and efficient. If your day is packed, this format is a win. If you want a slow nature walk, look elsewhere. This is about speed, positioning, and close-range sea-bird action.

Should you book the Reykjavik Puffin Watching Tour with Whale Safari?

Book it if you want:

• close puffin viewing from Reykjavik without a long day
• a short outing that fits cleanly into a busy itinerary
• warmth and equipment included, so you don’t need to guess what to wear
• real-time interpretation from the captain and wildlife guide
• the chance to see other seabirds in the same bay at the same time

Skip it or rethink it if:

• you have mobility issues or back problems, since the tour is not suitable for those needs
• you’re traveling with a child under 10, or your group includes anyone under 145 cm
• you know you struggle with bumpy open-boat rides in windy conditions
• you’re expecting a calm, gentle sightseeing cruise. This one is a real boat ride.

If you match the right kind of traveler, you’ll likely feel like you got your puffins fix fast, with enough guidance to make the sightings click, and enough equipment to stay comfortable while you do it.